The views of a fifth generation ratepayer.
Ratepayers now realise that local government can have a greater effect on their lives and finances than central government.
Murray Guy in Tauranga recently illustrated this when the city wanted over $70,000 for a ramp that he says should have cost $17,000. The newspaper says the Hapu are angry, well tough! The archaeologist was going to get $6000 for a week. Well tough. Consultants usually want their nose in the trough, tough! C'mon folks, every one of those dollars come from ratepayers pockets, and my pockets are empty enough.
In my opinion there is now a big middle layer of unnecessary regulatory and bureaucratic people in NZ, text books under their arms, big salaries in mind, holding back good Kiwis trying to achieve and be productive. There are lots of examples of these, Kauri Point boat ramp being one. Over $200,000 spent to date.
It is time ratepayers reflected on this basic fact of life. I regard them as parasites who contribute little, hold back productive people and contribute hugely to costs. It is destroying developers and growth.
Western Bay Council is part of this process, in my opinion, and have a lot to answer for. This creeping cancer is wasting money. Democracy is precious, and won't survive if good people do nothing.
In the current world recession, rates should be coming down, not going up beyond inflation. It could happen, October election is your chance, don't waste it! Please.
Norm Mayo, Katikati.