As they say 'Ob-la-de,Ob-la-da, life goes on brah”… so councillor Jako Abrie, after months of posturing, has suddenly resigned citing dysfunctional behaviour and in-fighting within Tauranga City Council as his reasons.

Well if he can't hack it then he shouldn't seek public office again although he got one thing right – appoint LGA commissioners - but perhaps first give new power base a chance.

What's wrong with the Tauranga wannabes who seek political office then suddenly resign? It must be something in the drinking water.

If someone doesn't have a clue what the job entails, just don't stand. In Abrie's case, it looks like he contributed to the problems with his ‘follow the leader' obsession, resulting in giving away 11 Mission Street, inane Council compulsory rubbish collection scheme, Maori Ward proposal nonsense (Referendum will cost $220,000), etc. etc.

Now, a By-election, all hugely expensive to TCC ratepayers plus of course the recent appointment of Local Government observers ($400,000) who we sincerely hope have taken on board the implications of Abrie's resignation.

As the by-election itself will cost $120,000, why don't elected members simply resolve to incorporate this with a binding referendum on the Maori Ward, thereby saving ratepayers $100,000.

Tauranga Electoral Officer confirms this can be done.

R Paterson, Ohauiti