Another year looking at the TCC Draft Annual Plan and submissions they certainly have highs and lows, the high being that everyone can have everything they want this year as there was a $3.2m surplus and as all good Pollies do in election year they spend it.
In past years elected councillors had a propensity to be able to place something on the table to divert attention of the voters off the real issues and send them all off sideways somewhere else, In 2007 the 'Museum on the Water” likely to cost $60m was well and truly sunk at the polls that year, some ex Councillors possibly regret the stance and correctly remain in exile, 2010 saw the Libraries hit the front page and created a bit of emotion around the place.
So what will it be in 2013?, looks set to be boring, bland and dull ... but a glow on the horizon appears, a NEW 'five word branding of Tauranga” contest by Brian@the sun. I think the winner was printed last week 'Okay now Hayden has gone” but I prefer 'Tell the Mayor, Hayden's back!” has a lot more interesting connotations to it.
Certainly far more interesting for voters and there will be no salaries to pay.

D Richards, Auckland.