I was naturally disappointed when I read the dishonest, and vile personal attack in the Weekend SUN letters page last week.
You'd think Graham Purches, a TrustPower employee who has in the past been forced to admit the claims in his letters are false, would display better judgement this time around.
When I ran for TECT, I made 3 promises:
1. I would give the community a choice on how your money is spent. I did that.
2. I would use my business experience to improve TECT. I have, and continue to, introduce initiatives which increase TECT income, decrease TECT costs, and increase the community benefits TECT delivers.
3. I would increase the size of your TECT cheque – mission accomplished.
I recently formed a group of Tauranga Citizens (TCV) willing to generously give their time and money to make Tauranga a better place to live. We organised and funded a survey to find out what you, the Tauranga community, think of the performance of our current Mayor and Councillors, and the effect their decisions are having on our community. The survey results show the community is very disappointed with Tauranga council's performance!
And rightfully so because Tauranga has some serious issues:
1. our average income is low
2. our houses are the most unaffordable in NZ
3. our public debt and rates are spiralling out of control
4. our growth has stalled
5. our businesses are suffering
6. our creative and cultural amenities are lacking
7. our city centre is about to be invaded by a bus centre
8. our youth leave town in search of education and jobs
9. Council staff costs increased 8% in the middle of a recession
The solutions are simple and have been successfully implemented by other Councils. All we need to do is elect a new Mayor and Councillors who have the ability, integrity, and resolve to implement the solutions.
Tauranga is a fantastic place to live and has great potential. With the right leadership, Tauranga can become the jewel of NZ. (abridged)
Mark Groos, TECT Trustee.