In the recent local body elections, Tauranga was offered two Bay of Plenty Regional Council candidates with science and environmental skills, but elected neither. Although I wonder why Tauranga wants our environment to be cared for by accountants and business managers, that is democracy in action.
Regional council may carry no financial debt, but it is faced with an enormous ecological debt from decades of environmental mismanagement delivered by the mantra of economic growth at all costs.
Reducing that debt will take a massive and long-term effort, supported and informed by councillors dedicated to putting the environment first.
I would have been such a councillor. I will continue to promote good environmental management in our community, and offer a heartfelt thank you to the 6030 voters, who felt that a ‘green voice' on council was needed. I look forward to evidence that the new council has heard their message.
Dr Ian G. McLean, Avenues.