It has been my practice to let mis-information re Council matters slide in the letters to the editor and put them down to the freedom of speech of the community at large. Cr Murray Guy's outburst 2 July under the heading of 'Extravagance and Mismanagement” however does need a response otherwise like all good fishing stories the sprat will become a ten kilogram snapper within a week.
Cr. Curach's attempt to change the revenue requirements for the 2010/2011 council financial year supported by Cr Guy, Cr Evans, Cr Catherine Stewart, and Cr Grainger had the potential on the face of it to reduce the proposed rating requirements by 96 cents per week per rateable property. The reason why I and the five other councillors did not support the proposition was that there was no analysis of the real ramifications both financial and legal of Cr Curach's proposal.
In now completing a proper analysis now it is clear that Cr Curach's proposal was never going to achieve anything accept create delays, breach prudent and agreed financial parameters and ultimately cost ratepayers.
By law, as elected members we are to manage the council finances prudently and in a manner that promotes the current and future interests of the community. I accept that there can be a wide range of views on that issue, the various improvements being made in our city and people's ability to pay.
Cr Guy referred to a 'Team Crosby”, there is no such group and this is nothing more than a poor attempt to divert attention away from his own 'Pick Six” 2007 election team including Cr Hayden Evans, Cr Catherine Stewart and Cr Rick Curach.
The tone of Cr Guy's letter is consistent with feedback that I have had about the manner in which he and others will conduct his election campaign via personal attacks and extravagant and at times misleading statements.
The city of Tauranga is going to continue to grow and develop as a world class city with an understanding of the requirements of its people of all ages in. To achieve this, leadership is required at the all levels. I am looking forward to the forthcoming election where I and Cr Guy will, along with others, be made accountable for our actions over the last three plus years. I am confident my actions and comments will stand the scrutiny, history will show that if you want something done ask mayor Stuart Crosby, if you want something said ask Murray Guy.
Mayor Stuart Crosby.