A majority of ratepayers should be aware of the consequences of the Council shambles.

What this is all about is rates.

Mr Powell, in my opinion, came to town at the behest of business interests.

It was their plan to increase rates dramatically to reduce their own costs. Parallel to that was a plan for all manner of new but not essential amenities which they considered to be ratepayer responsibility.

This policy would involve a massive increase of the rates over the three years by some estimates.

This is what is likely with the appointment of a Crown manager/commissioners.

It would be the end of democracy. They are empowered totally.

So we're at the crossroads for a lot of 'asset rich' / cash poor ratepayers.

The $2 billion, so-called black hole, 10-year plan is just that. A plan. Solution is simple.

Either make growth pay for growth or cut – nay, scythe - the 10-year plan dream list and keep rates at acceptable levels for a great majority.

W Faulkner, Otumoetai