A wish list doing the rounds on the internet containing suggested councillors for the next Tauranga City Council originates from Mayor Stuart Crosby.
He admitted writing it when asked about it, saying he sent the list to three friends.
"And what they do with it, that's their business," he says.
Mayor Stuart Crosby has confirmed he is the author of a list which states who he thinks would make good councillors.
Stuart says he was asked to make a list of people he thought would make good councillors.
"On that list there are more candidates than there are positions available,' says Stuart.
"So that's my official statement."
Absent from Stuart's wish list are any of the pick six councillors, and Vanessa Byrnes who also challenged the council this year, forcing it to back down over library book charges.
The copy SunLive received was under Chamber of Commerce candidate Anne Pankhurst's email header, and distributed to what looks like a Chamber of Commerce contact list. Anne is a former city councillor dumped by voters in 2007 in the backlash to the waterfront museum.
Mayoral candidate Murray Guy says the email was also distributed by other people and recipients include ratepayer funded organisations like Priority One and Tourism Bay of Plenty.
Murray says the mayor has to take some responsibility for the list's distribution, and questions sending the mayor's suggested council being sent to ratepayer-funded organisations.
"He must accept responsibility," says Murray.
"My gut reaction is it belies any moral code."
SunLive understands the letter was in response to a question raised at the Matua candidates meeting about who the 'sensible' candidates are.
The letter is published here:
A Voters Guide to the 2010 Triennial Elections for Tauranga City
Mayor
Stuart Crosby
At Large
David Love
Bill Faulkner
Anne Pankhurst
Terry Wynyard
Jonnie Mead (choose 4)
Papamoa/Mount Mauganui
David Stewart
Wayne Maultrie
Steve Morris (choose 2)
Otumoetai/ Pyes Pa
Mike Baker (choose 2)
Graham Skellern
Richard Kluit
Andrew Cass
Te Papa/Welcome Bay
Rob Davies
Terry Molloy
The above would represent the strongest group from the list.
Read an analysis of the SunLive and 93.4 MoreFM Mayoral Debate here.
33 comments
Be warned
Posted on 23-09-2010 12:36 | By Writerman
Well that is very revealing. Unless my memory completely deserts me, I think Stuart has picked every one of those useless councillors that wanted that ridiculously expensive museum project with the notable exception of Mary Dillon who isn't standing for council this time. However, be further warned, she is standing for the regional council. It would seem that a vote for Stuart Crosby will simply mean more of the same. I doubt there are too many of us who want that.
GREAT HELP for Voters
Posted on 23-09-2010 12:46 | By Suzanne Edmonds
I appreciate the list being published. I will print it off and circulate it. Thanks Sunlive!
Weird interpretation of the Facts!
Posted on 23-09-2010 13:33 | By Democracy
Why would Stuart mention Vanessa? She is not even standing as a candidate for election. As i understand it, and as the Mayor would know, she's now doing her fulltime Doctorate so is not even in the running. Surely Crosby is free to have opinions and voice them just like everybody else.
Wish List
Posted on 23-09-2010 13:43 | By maggiebop
So, anyone not on the current Mayor's list is not sensible? Somehow this man does himself no favours, nor does he do any favours to those on his list. He may have been in the job too long to be objective.
Bad Call Crosby
Posted on 23-09-2010 14:50 | By SueHawkinsNZ
This is what he calls leadership? Good grief. As a candidate I found out about this list last night and was shocked. Unethical and immoral, time to elect candidates who are authentic.
No leak, a distribution request ...
Posted on 23-09-2010 15:01 | By Murray.Guy
There is no leak. Anne Pankhurst was asked by Mayor Crosby to forward his anonymous list of preferred candidates, setting no boundaries as to who should be the recipients Anne Pankhurst was a natural choice … 1. being on his Team Tauranga list 2. her employment at the Chamber of Commerce 3. access to a significant COC client base, including City Partners, Council Controlled and funding dependant organisations. For Mayor Crosby to email these organisations directly would clearly be a breach of the electoral act. I suspect the Auditor General will see through this ‘smoke & mirrors, cloak and dagger' approach, noting Mayor Crosby has directly authorised others to act on his behalf.
FUDGED JUSTIFICATION
Posted on 24-09-2010 11:45 | By The Master
Wonder what was in the email to the 'three”, we know one was Ann Pantihurst, but the rest ? These are the people who got DUMPED last time and a few spares for good measure, THE Writerman has it sussed !
SMOKE SCREENS
Posted on 24-09-2010 11:47 | By The Master
Don't think Mayor Crosby would have 'been asked” for the lista leader with 'Proven Leadship” would just tell everyone how it is, at least that is what Hitler would do, in fact the really good and reliable minions don't have to be told they just know … Ann Some.
UNDER PRESSURE … UNDER PRESSURE (Queen)
Posted on 24-09-2010 11:49 | By The Master
Lot said here, look between the lines, see the threads, beads and more spinning … threading there way across the page.
THE MAYOR LOST IN SPACE
Posted on 24-09-2010 11:53 | By The Master
CYBER SPACE THAT IS. This is all just a media distraction to avoid the real stuff about HUGE rates bills and MASSIVE debt mounting up all over the place, the vast majority of letters tot eh editor have it clearly already
DEMOCRACY
Posted on 24-09-2010 11:55 | By The Master
He is seeing a step up from Ann P, "DEFINITELY" better
MURRAY HAS CREDITABILITY
Posted on 24-09-2010 12:12 | By The Master
Murray Guy has it well sorted, his comments are true, a credible Mayor would not be doing these things. Especially asking an obvious supporter to send out lists on a Council paid for website, the Chamber of Commerce gets a lot of money from Council so this speaks VOLUMES about who is pulling the strings here and how, guess YET AGAIN that PROVES 'PROVEN LEADERSHIP !
CLARIFICATION FOR ALL
Posted on 24-09-2010 12:15 | By The Master
The 'Speech masks” below indicate the dictionary definitions. TRANSPARENCY 'Able to be seen though, clear, easily understood or recognised” HONESTY 'Quality of being honest” HONEST 'Not cheating lying or stealing, genuine or sincere, just or fair” INTEGRITY 'Honesty: quality of being sound or whole” FAIRNESS 'Unbiased and reasonable, quite good, ACCOUNTABILITY 'Responsible to someone or for something” CONFLICT 'Struggle or fight, disagreement INTEREST 'Desire to know or hear more about something, feeling or involved in or affected by” CONFLICT OF INTEREST Something one is interested or affects one, where one is likely to be affected by the decision of result personally. PECUNIARY: 'Relating to, or consisting of, money” PRIVATE PECUNIARY GAINS Where one personally stands to gain or achieve or take money or money equivalent when there is a 'conflict of interest”
Keep it factual ...
Posted on 24-09-2010 16:00 | By Murray.Guy
Elected members by majority over recent years have successfully denied the Chamber of Commerce direct access to the public purse to any significance. To circumvent the 'political arm' in more recent times Priority One has 'sub-contracted' Council funded service requirements to the Chamber. Payment via the back door. To date, as far as I know, the actual ratepayer contribution to the Chamber (via the back door) is relatively small in comparison to the other service providers such as Priority One, TBOP, Sport BOP, Creative Tga, BOP Surf Livesaving, Art Gallery, etc.
CROSBY CRITTERS CREATION
Posted on 24-09-2010 16:35 | By The Master
The creative stuff is right up the alley here of the current lot voting away all the rates dollars to their hearts content, if they don't tell you Murray (our elected representative) then who do they tell ? Who gives approval ? to give away all the rates money then ? THERE MUST BE proof of 'PROVEN LEADERSHIP” in there somewhere ? whatever it is it gotta go
Some people can't figure
Posted on 24-09-2010 17:59 | By purchesg
The result of the last council election clearly showed that some candidates simply don't have what it takes. As a multiple ratepayer I don't want to pay the salaries of people in that camp. Surely it is better to identify candidates that do have the intelligence to run a city like Tauranga, the ability to build and leverage relationships, and the ability to accept the outcome of democratic processes prior to the election, rather than have no-hopers and patently dishonest ego-driven wannabe's elected and find out they aibn't got it the hard way afterwards? Good on you Stuart for being honest enough to tell people what you think. And boo hoo Murray for not being on the list. Frankly, if I could borrow a digger, get some mates to help me, get gifted some materials, not pay for a resource consent and not get paid anything for doing the job I could build some steps for a quarter of the normal commercial price too. Stunts like that have no credibility in my view, so stop being a silly old pot calling the kettle black. As for all the pundits who have to hide behind false names, I wonder who they are? I reckon I can pick a few - like Master, who I reckon just might be the bloke with the ego bigger than Ben Hur. Let's have a competition to match the silly names to the silly twits that hide behind them! Graeme - ratepayer, no more, no less!
We need greater accountability and ...
Posted on 24-09-2010 20:00 | By Murray.Guy
The Master asks "who gives approval?" There is no escaping the fact that elected members, by majority vote, are accountable. If a system / delegation is in place to the CEO, Mayor, a trust, CCO, that allows for $400,000 gifts (which is doesn't but not enough care), TCAL investing in speedway track repairs, wellness centers and gyms, then we witness what we have this past few years. If re-elected, and not in the company of seat warmers and sheep, I'll be advocating for a 'hands on' portfolio structure for all Elected members with a significant tightening and monitoring of delegations, CCO's will have to be compliant with LGA2002 consultation processes rather than have us disenfranchised as at this time, or adopt a variation of the ‘in-house' airport management structure, albeit with greater transparency. There will be strong and somewhat questionable resistance from some quarters ... as we are seeing!
Purches lies again by unsudstanciated inuendo ...
Posted on 25-09-2010 11:21 | By Murray.Guy
Purches lies again by unsubstanciated inuendo ... which is compatable and consistant with his bed mates. He refers to my efforts in regard creating access from Dive Crescent to Marsh Street. Saving no less than $60,000 on the staff's original estimates in excess of $75,000. He asserts, "Frankly, if I could borrow a digger, get some mates to help me, get gifted some materials, not pay for a resource consent and not get paid anything for doing the job I could build some steps for a quarter of the normal commercial price too." I used a small digger to remove the rubbish and excrement. Saving, say $80.00. One 80 year old assisted pick up rubbisd. No materials were gifted. A resource consent was NOT required (it is a path)regardless who initiated it. The concrete access was managed by staff at commercial rates. What motivates you Graeme to be so, to use your words, "patently dishonest ego-driven?"
Devious but Clever
Posted on 25-09-2010 11:55 | By Jitter
I agree with Murray Guy. I believe this leak was intentional. There are so many people out there who do not know who to vote for that now Crosby has issued a list of people he recommends. Murray, yes, take this to the Auditor General asap.
Unsuitable Candidates
Posted on 25-09-2010 12:00 | By Jitter
Graeme Purches is correct. Some people do not have what it takes and he is one of them. His is a prime example of the pot calling the kettle black. Grow up, this is a democracy.
LEAKY HOME LIKE LEAK MY “FANNIE”
Posted on 25-09-2010 14:14 | By The Master
Mr G Purches does not seem to understand what has happened here. There was never a 'LEAK” the list being issued was deliberate and pre conceived in the Councillors lounge over a couple of beers (paid for by the ratepayers) then put into action ASAP! What the Mayor did not count on was that his minions would rat on him. Interesting that as the word on the lips of many around town and in Chambers is 'RAT PACK” wonder why ?
Trim the deadwood
Posted on 25-09-2010 15:01 | By dogsbody
What's the difference between Crosby publicly stating who he'd rather work with, and a bunch like pick six doing the same... Nothing eh. Good on you stuart, we need to know to help elect a strong and cohesive council and be rid of the time wasting incompetent deadwood that Is holding the city back.
Purches on the mark
Posted on 25-09-2010 15:24 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
I fully agree with graeme purches. And so wot if mr Crosby was clever enuf to let the list slip. Good on him. As for those tossers making personal attacks while hiding behind anonymity... You are gutless losers. By the way thanks sunlive... This is an awesome forum. Plus yr news is so fast. Have canceled my paper it's all old news.
List well planned
Posted on 25-09-2010 16:14 | By DaKiwiBean
At a breakfast meeting on the 18th August at the Mount, Stuart in response to a question regarding the naming of his preferred candidates, stated to the group that he would be issuing a list of those candidates he saw as those that could better serve the wider city and ensure that a ‘strong and cohesive' council would be elected. The list clearly demonstrates that and clearly states the present mayors' preferences. Interestingly, Mr. Guy failed to attend the meeting last nite at the Tauranga Club (Friday 24th) and obviously is running scared and appears not prepare to face the electors.
This 'GROUP' are TCC dependant $'s and should not attempt to collectively orchestrate. manipulate democtratic outcomes.
Posted on 26-09-2010 10:46 | By Murray.Guy
'The Group' as refered to by 'Mr Bean' is a collective of Council (ratepayer) funded organisations that, for obvious reason, wish to retain the present funding (in excess of a million dollars in benefits), and if possible, increase. They should not be participating in this manipulation of our democratic processes. Their members are well able to research and read, use the internet, attend independant 'meet the candidate opportunities', consider and make up their own minds in regards future governance options that will produce 'best outcomes' for all, not just themselves. To particupate in this attempt to interfere with our communities election outcomes is to validate it - I reject it!
That Guy
Posted on 26-09-2010 13:23 | By purchesg
Gee Murray. Thanks for clarifying that stuff. Pity you hadn't earlier, or as some correspondents have noted, bothered to turn up at meetings where people could aat leasst ask a few questions. A shame you had to attack me though - you are the one stnading for elections not me, and all I was doing was trying to give you some sorely needed assistance in terms of being open and accountable, which is what we want from our elected representatives. From where I site, Crosby has been open and accountable, after telling folk at a public meeting that he would. How about you publishing a list too Murray? As for you mate MASTER - why doesn't he or she come clean and tell us who he or she really is? Maybe that would be just too uncomfortable? Then again, maybe a little discomfort ould be right on the mark? Graeme - multiple ratepayer, no more, no less.
The Murray Guy list ...
Posted on 26-09-2010 14:44 | By Murray.Guy
Graeme, I didn't attack you, I clearly identified where you had chosen to misrepresent the truth (lie) about me, to further you and your bed fellows (Crosby, Baker, Pankhurst and team Tauranga) corrupt political objectives. I reject your style of politicing, just as I do some of the 'Masters', and if I knew him/her, would not hesitate to say so if I considered their actions to be deliberately corrupt in intent. A number of folk have asked that I produce a list, and I copy below my 'exact' (no edit except identity of the unknown to me resident) response to the last email request: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As a mayoral candidate I wouldn't as I consider the role of Mayor to be very much about establishing and maintaining an effective, respectful governance group. To nominate preferences immediately will alienate those successful candidates who Crosby doesn't / hasn't supported. If I was just standing as a councillor, no problem. It is only as a result of watching Crosby stand by, if not encourage, while the present governance collective has disintegrated that I appreciate how critical neutrality is to the integrity of processes. Cheers, MG Murray: [email protected] Marion: [email protected] Twitter: http://twitter.com/home Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000480728232 You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/murrayguy6 From: *********@paradise.net.nz [mailto:**********@paradise.net.nz] Sent: Sunday, 26 September 2010 11:16 a.m. To: Murray Guy Subject: Re: Crosby's list of Prefered Candidates Hi Murray, Why don't you now "leak" a list of preffered candidates of your own to completely confuse the issue ? It would be very interesting to see the response from the pro Crosby crowd on Sunlive. Those clowns obviously want another 3 years of the same extravegant, over the top, unneccessary spending by council as the last three. ***** **********name deleted >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I hope that better clarifies my position for those that are genuinely interested.
TUGGING FORELOCKS, GROVELLING & WHINING
Posted on 26-09-2010 18:10 | By ROCKY
Mr Love is just being a pompous ass. Yes, all electioneering street signs should be banned as should all newspaper paid for adverts and then it would be left to the soapbox oratory public meetings, the radio and the internet to get the message across. This should wipe out most of the hoi polloi and leave the big budget spenders like Love, with a clear run and open field to play on. While on the subject if signs, I noticed Love's car parked on the verge used by Tauranga business people on Cameron Road to park their cars near the dangerous Domain corner, adorned with slogans and flying balloons, very distracting and Love should be told to back off and get rid of this too!! In addition, Love parked this car on Maunganui Road in a dangerous place near the Bayfair entry. Also, once again, get rid of it! Towing his trailer with a huge sign on leaving the Airport roadway isn't on the acceptable list either. Does he envisage one set of rules for himself and another set for the hoi polloi candidates? Perhaps with all those official uniforms on hand he could volunteer his services as the signs policeman and enforce compliance by the masses.
Wasn't PickSix a list?
Posted on 26-09-2010 19:08 | By JSmithington
Didn't Murray Guy lead a team called Pick Six into the last election? I guess he would have suggested people vote for Pick Six. Murray or The Mayor or anyone can suggest who I should vote for, but I don't have to do it. What's the problem?
Good question JSmithington ....
Posted on 26-09-2010 23:23 | By Murray.Guy
An excellent question. No I didn't lead Pick 6 For Community First prior to the last election, but I was a one of the nominated candidates. The Pick 6 for Community First went public with our intentions prior to nominating, up front and open. We did not use TCC Council relationships or email infrastructure for electioneering purposes. We did not solicit support from organisations dependant on Council funding (EG: Creative Tga, Priority One, Tourism BOP …), Businesses that provide TCC with services (EG: Lawyers Cooney Lees, Bay of Plenty Times,) individuals employed by TCC (who want to keep their jobs) or entities solely owned by Council (ratepayers) such as Tga City Aquatics, Tauranga Airport. Most importantly, we did not ask others to knowingly carry out inappropriate acts on our behalf, likely illegal. Mayor Crosby is asute enough to know Anne Panjkhurst would take advantage of her Chamber of Commerce acquired data base. By the way, who were the other ‘two friends' chosen by Mayor Crosby to ‘spread the word'? Did they also, conveniently and coincidently, have access to employers data bases? Are they also nominated as preferred Team Crosby candidates? Hopefully J Smithington can see the clear distinction and a few problem areas!
Another noname
Posted on 27-09-2010 07:41 | By purchesg
Who's ROCKY? Obviously a cnadidate, or a clone of one. Come clean ROCKY - use your real name and get some credibility Graeme - multiple ratepayer - no more, no less
Politics of Course
Posted on 27-09-2010 08:45 | By SueHawkinsNZ
Had friends around for dinner on Sat night. Comment from a male friend, "it's not politics Sue, it's war" I suggest people do take into account how much money is being spent by some candidates. The maximum for an at-large Council candidate is $55,000. My budget is $1,000.
What goes around comes around
Posted on 29-09-2010 16:24 | By The Sage
Ms Pankhurst may be regretting sending that email out to everyone in the Chamber's address book. Further emails have been received by me, on the coat tails of her one, reminding everyone of her past shonky business dealings and indiscretions. Priority One will want to be keeping in with the Mayor, because of the Council funding they receive. I am yet to see any tangible results for Priority One. Is anyone aware of any? I am sure, before the elections are over, other candidates past indiscretions may be revealed too.....watch this space.
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