The financial situation of Tauranga is a lot worse than even the excellent series of ads in your paper since early August (Tauranga finances out of control) could tell us. Tauranga is actually heading for the rocks and it will need a new Skipper, Navigator and Helmsman to ensure that TCC will make a complete U turn.
Candidates aspiring to become Councillors should not be mistaken. The task ahead will be very difficult. If this big spending would continue and Tauranga goes broke, then central government or the receivers will take over. They will raise rates well above the already outrageous rates increases to recover the loans plus interest, which is going to be devastating for those on fixed superannuation and wages.
Mr Skellern, we don't need more borrowing by way of City Bonds, we must bring the debt of Tauranga down, which can only be done by spending a lot less. No more 'white elephant” capital project Tauranga does not absolutely need and drastic reduction of operating costs is needed, like 20% i.e. reduce the bureaucracy.
Companies in the business world can do it; the Council can and must do it as well.
Unfortunately, with the current position we are in, raising revenue, - read: rates – will be unavoidable, but also very difficult for most ratepayers.
The average politician would prefer to spread the 'goodies” around, to help his/her next election, rather than looking for what from a pure business point of view has to be done. But they will have no option.
You are faced with all those smiling faces on the billboard, politicians, who want to be liked. We will actually need some rather hard nosed operators, to bring this out of control situation back in line.
One thing is for sure: we can not give the helm back to the Councillors who are responsible for this mess. Mayor Crosby has been in Council since 1986 and also the likes of David Stewart and Bill Faulkner have been there far too long.
They have nothing new to contribute, but must carry most of the blame for this. We must find some new, good quality representatives of the residents.
Willem Jonkers, Tauranga.