I've just finished reading councillor Tony Christiansen's sorry excuses as to why he didn't bother to attend 34 council meetings during the last three years (SunLive, September 20).
Apparently, he's been learning to bob-sleigh in the USA and swanning off to Jakarta for a motivational session is far more important than earning his ratepayer-funded salary.
Tony says he just hope the ratepayers of Tauranga City accept his truancy ( ie flying around the world to speaking engagements, and generally not being at work).
He also believes what he does gives him a good balance in life.
It's not about a good balance in life Tony. It's about you doing what you are paid to do by the ratepayers - all the time.
Unbelievably and bizarrely I next read Tony's election profile in the same edition of SunLive where he states: 'I am not a politician and I don't want to be”.
Then why on earth are you standing for council again Tony? I suspect it's because you've found you get paid whether or not you are work.
A nice little rip-off of ratepayer's money.
Perry Harlen, Mount Maunganui.
4 comments
Larry tails from LALA land
Posted on 27-09-2013 10:43 | By Crash test dummies
Ok Perry, but dint forget that some Councillors would be better to be absent all the time on the decisions made.
2010 election
Posted on 27-09-2013 14:07 | By The Master
Seem to recall the the lack of meeting attendances was an issue last time around and the end result was some what catestrophic for all involved, will history repeat?
He's not the only one
Posted on 27-09-2013 20:23 | By nerak
Elsewhere on this site someone has raised the issue of Larry Baldock "just watching and that's all he's done for 3 years". Time those wanting to be re elected had to provide a CV to voters of actual achievements during their term/s. Think about how many others this applies to! Of course, Tony would fail miserably.
I agree
Posted on 30-09-2013 12:17 | By The Tomahawk Kid
I never thought I could ever agree with Perry Harlen, but I do on this issue. I suggest councillors wages are held in a bank account till the end of the year whereby they get paid for the meetings they attend, and the RESULTS they achieve. If they make poor decisions that cost the ratepyers they pay for their bad decisions from their salary. If these people REALLY do it for the GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY there should be no problem with this arrangement. It may stop them proceeding irresponsibly and spending ratepayers money unwisely, and will weed out those who are Only in it for the EASY money.
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