Press Release from Peoples Choice
2 July 2007

Peoples Choice Finance Delegation to meet with Council

A delegation of senior Peoples Choice Board members has been invited to meet with Manukau City Director of Finance David Foster and Rick Walden Economic Director on Thursday 19 July to discuss a range of financial matters including the level of on going rate increases.

Peoples Choice’s submission to the annual plan called for rate increases no more than the rate of inflation and a reduction in overall Council expenditure.

Peoples Choice Chairman Hamish Stevens said that many residents are appalled that Council last month voted to increase rates by twice the rate of inflation. “It shows the council is incapable of living within its means and is shying away from making the hard calls that private businesses have to make each day”

“Council Officers need to put a greater range of options to Councillors”

The Peoples Choice delegation includes Councillor and Mayoral Candidate Dick Quax, Peoples Choice Chairman Hamish Stevens, Papatoetoe Community Board member and Council candidate Toa Greening, Botany Community Board Chair and Council candidate Michael Williams, Peoples Choice Secretary and Botany Clevedon Council Candidate Bryan Mockridge.

Mr Stevens said all are either owners of businesses or involved in senior private sector financial roles. “We will be able to have a frank discussion on the financial management of the council and be able to put forward some constructive proposals to cut unnecessary council expenditure”

Additionally Mr Mockridge has had extensive public sector financial governance experience.

Peoples Choice aims to win a majority on the Manukau City Council this year, and plans to undertake a full review of Council activities when elected. “We are pleased that Mr Foster and Mr Walden are making the time to discuss the financial affairs of the Council with us at this stage”.

Ends

© Scoop Media