· 87% of submitters opposed the 17.2% rate increase, but the council voted for it anyway! Supporting the increase were: Mayor Cocurullo and Crs Benney, Connop, Couper, Harding, Holmes, McKenzie, and Peters. Those against were: Crs Halse, Olsen, Reid, Ruka, and Yovich. Think about that when voting in next year’s local body elections!
·
About the
Hundertwasser, the report says: “A
significant number of submissions were received. Most were against supporting
the Hundertwasser financially.” Despite
this, the WDC voted to give an additional $960,000 in funding!
·
There was one
submission on Māori engagement. On the strength of that one submission, the
Council granted an additional $1.15m over 10 years to pay Māori to consult with
the council!
We say, if councillors fail to represent
public opinion, then it’s time to change the councillors.