Well done in your synopsis on the TECT Elections. While I probably wouldn't necessarily endorse your preferred selections, it is true to say we do need business savvy people but that must be coupled with openness, accountability and financial prudence. Incidentally, deserving community groups don't in my book include the ongoing Tauranga City Council wishlists.
It's funny how the thought of spending other people's money on your pet projects draws the punters out of the woodwork at every TECT Trustee Election. People with a list of appointments on various organisations as long as your arm, some with personal aspirations for specific sectors of our society, along with failed past council big spenders and even others with hairy tales.
Self-interest and conflicts of interest are sure to surface and it seems a couple of existing trustees are past the use by date too. Accountabill is not a word that springs to mind but if it gets as bad as some think it might do, then at least one can opt out as a TECT consumer and stop contributing to the slush fund.
The amount of self-promotion in several candidates' letters to the editor is something to behold and quite character-revealing. Rarely, apart from the odd one or two candidates, do you see any evidence of community interest or spirit or calls for prudent spending by TECT. Enjoy the outcome of this bunfight, folks.

S Paterson, Arataki.