Local body elections are about Hope. The hope that if we place our trust and faith in someone for the next three years, will a difference will be made?
So now, that soon we will be voting, how do we evaluate? A barometer for me is: Are the basic things being done? Because, if they are not, how can we place our trust in the hope that the big issues that need to be dealt with, will get done.
This barometer makes me look at my road, Ohauiti Rd. It is the Westerm Bay of Plenty District Council's responsibility, through statute, to control the noxious pest woolly nightshade on roading reserve. For this they get a big fail.
Even though this issue was brought to their attention in March, nothing has been done, even though it is election year. Woolly nightshade is a curse of a weed, where from roadsides it invades productive pasture and ecological areas.
Horticulturists and farmers have a hard enough time as it is, without poor council weed management adding to their woes.
In situations where mature seed producing pest trees have been happening for several years, the council is potentially exposing ratepayers to a legal claim for damages brought by landowners - who would be within their rights. I am advised funding for woolly nightshade control is now based on a policy of 'reactive” instead of the previous 'proactive” - from my observations it is 'No Active”.
So where to place your trust? Are the basic things being done? The power is with all of us, but only if we vote.

Tim Short, Ohauiti Hills.