Since I stepped into public life in Tauranga, I have been appalled at the low level of petty personal politics practiced by our political leaders. Whilst attending the various debates I witnessed the example our elected members are setting, and began to understand why the electoral officer suggests Tauranga has the dirtiest politics of all the towns and cities he runs elections for. I arrived in Tauranga in 2004 and started a business consulting company. I renamed my successful business consultancy company and changed focus to sports coaching and childcare (nothing gives me more enjoyment than watching children grow and achieve). My company is growing rapidly (growth has slowed this term because of the time I've committed to the Tauranga City Council elections) and is financially successful.
I also own a promotional company which I started in 2005 and is achieving all its financial targets. I am incredibly proud that my many initiatives at TECT have resulted in a substantial increase in the benefit TECT provides to the community!
Whilst attending various TCC candidate debates I witnessed the behaviour of our current civic leaders and their supporters, and began to understand why the electoral officer suggests Tauranga has the dirtiest politics of all the towns and cities he runs elections for.
I'd like to correct a few of the mistruths I read:
Mark Groos is an ACT member/supporter/friend – FALSE!
Mark Groos' business has failed – FALSE!
Mark Groos ran for TECT with a policy of 100% TECT cheque refund – FALSE!
Mark Groos is exaggerating his achievements at TECT (but when asked exactly what Mark Groos has exaggerated no-one can say; and nothing has been produced to back up this personal attack) – FALSE!
Mark Groos' honours degree has expired – FALSE!
The dirty politics peddled by our current leaders gives the Tauranga community another clue as to why our City is in a financial mess; it is time the Tauranga public heard the truth. It is Time 4 Change.
Mark Groos, Tauranga.