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Existential press - what does this mean??  

MAJOR DECISION FACING VOTERS Editorial Sept 2007

Kia Ora,

Nzers face a most important decision. It will affect their lives substantially over the next three years (at least) and I wonder how many are actively aware of it. Many will make some instant decision when the mail arrives and many will simply dump, ignore or forget to return their voting papers. The Local Body elections will determine how much our Rates (or rent ) will be, what benefits will be gained or lost by the decisions incorporated and how much will be squandered..

The process by which we vote is called “Democracy” though many see it as “voted dictatorship”.

Who will do what they promise and what promises do they avoid making? How would they achieve these promises and at what cost? How many ‘new hands’ are aware that councillors must move a mass of employees. No elected member can direct any staff member first hand, it must go through the CEO. And if the elected members do not behave as a team there is little that can be done at all.

The RODNEY DISTRICT COUNCIL, also about to be replaced, has seen major progress in many areas Retiring Mayor John Law in his seven years, has achieved much of what he set out to do, but so much more could have been achieved but for constant attacks by aspirants to his position. So much more would be achieved if the Mayor was not also chairman of the full meetings. Cr John Ross, retiring this time, made much progress in the selected areas he led, as did other specific action sub groups.

    Misquoting Shakespeare,

The quality of promises
droppeth like the pouring rain making all mud beneath,

Tis twice cursed,

First when the fact it cant be done

or the cost is higher than expectations, and

Second when they all believe you were lying when you said it.

Elected, the successful candidate then decides what suits him/her on matters not even considered by the voter at the time of the elections.

We are now faced with electing a new body on the basis of what they say they will do.

This election VillagePRESS has only addressed it’s questions to the candidates for Mayor. The future of Rodney will hinge on that choice. That person will [or won’t] hold the others together. We Ratepayers will enjoy [or suffer] the consequences -- and consequences there will be.

First the new Mayor will be elected by the ’largest minority’ as votes are spread over nine registered candidates, even though two cannot be contacted and don’t live in Rodney. Anyone voting ‘blind’ may throw their votes away for these two women planned by one candidate specifically against the only real woman candidate.

    In 1932 the Nazi Party gained control of Germany but were voted for by less than 15% of those who were elegible to vote… a “first past the post” election fiasco.

So it appears that only seven candidates are for real.

And what do they offer in written promises? Well, six have answered our questions (see link below) as at mid September; from three, we’re still waiting.

[All seven 'real' candidates since publishing this editorial.]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the new council all pulled together? Read what Mayoral candidates say and decide who you think actually does have the skills in fact to handle a divisive council if councillors oppose each other.  

When Central Govt dismissed the Rodney Council in 2000 and allowed new elections, local Green Party joined with Labour to create questions for all candidates. VillagePRESS grew out of the internet publishing of questions and answers.

For us at VillagePRESS it is important that our future council
  • promotes the “clean green image” that is for real,
  • cares for the health of hundreds of Residents,
  • improves our environment for now and our mokopuna fror generations to come
  • while spending wisely;
  • that it looks carefully to see that money is going where it is allocated and that ’back-handers’ are not giving some people/firms advantages over others.

We will choose a candidate we believe is effectively “Green” and “Socially Conscious”, not seeking power and self-importance, and who actually has the ability to lead for the benefit of Ratepayers and residents.  We fear the potential for an absolute shambles.

For whom will you vote?

-- PER, Managing Editor.

WHO will you vote for MAYOR

Brian Neeson

Chris
Laird

Larry Mitchell

Alan
Curtis

Penny Webster

Wayne Walker Hans Grueber  

As candidates answer, we will run their reply in total, click above to read.  Return to Mayoralty list              MAIN MENU

 NB:  These matter appears to be on the thoughts of many NZers .  Do share yours with us – without your name having to be published (but your identity known to Editor).

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