Dave Baldwin is taking on
two long-standing WDC councillors in the Bream Bay ward. We spoke with Dave about his decision to
stand for Council.
Letterbox question (Q): Why
are you standing for council?
Dave Baldwin's answer (A): Excessive rating and the 2025 Annual Plan review debacle brought me to this fight. The proposals this year were so outrageous that they should never have been released.
Q: Are you standing as
an independent, or do you have affiliations to a political party or group?
A: Completely independent. I oppose any political
party influence in local governance. Look at the disastrous mess in the Wellington
Council from party influence.
Q: What do you believe
are the greatest priorities for our district over the next three years?
A: Five things:
1) A line-by-line review of
our council expenditure. Wasteful spending is clearly occurring. Why?
2) Review rating methodology
with an emphasis on a sustainable long-term rating policy. Explore rate
"capping".
3) Divesting from
non-strategic investment assets and refocusing on core infrastructure and
services.
4) Re-engagement of the people
with their local council. The public gallery should be full at every meeting.
5)
Resist central government influence on local democracy. It is an existential
threat.
Q: Do you think the
sitting councillors have done a good or poor job of representing the local
community?
A: In general, poor. Representation must be
greatly improved. Our people have disengaged from the council to an alarming
degree and need to be heard again.
Q: Why should people
vote for you instead of Halse or Couper?
A: I understand figures, finance, fiscal
responsibility and accountability. I have more time to commit. I am not
afraid of standing my ground. I have a voracious appetite for relevant
information when making assessments.
Q: What do you
think needs to change at the WDC?
A: A lot and it
starts at the very top. Councillors must take a stronger governance role. The
CEO, CFO and senior managers serve the councillors, not the other way
around. Councillors need to regain control of the District Plan. Planning
rules are complicated and are stifling growth.
Q: What do you see as
Council's most urgent priority in Bream Bay?
A: The
Ruakaka sewerage project is of massive concern. Bream Bay is a high-growth
area.
Q: Do you think the WDC
should remain a member of Local Government New Zealand?
A: Absolutely no. LGNZ has gone from being a support organisation to a promoter of woke ideology. The +$100k annual membership fee is better used elsewhere or saved.
A: I have my own opinion on this issue, but that
does not matter at all. What matters is that a referendum is now being held.
Whatever the outcome, the Maori Ward is protected at least until 2028. So if I
am elected, I see it as my responsibility to respectfully work with the Maori
Ward councillors.
Q: Did you agree with
the Council changing the voting system from First Past the Post to Single
Transferable Vote?
A: No. Changes to the voting system should not be
made without a binding referenda. It has added confusion and complicated what
was a simple process.
We thank candidate Dave for his answers.
Dave Baldwin for Bream Bay Facebook page HERE >>>