Petition To Reinstate Cr Glenys Searancke

Press Release 23 June 2016, Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers

Cr Peter Bentley tabled a petition at the Council meeting today calling for the reinstatement of Cr Glenys Searancke. Glenys was stripped of her Council responsibilities by Mayor Chadwick in December 2015 after refusing to resign as Chair of the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers.

‘The Mayor initially claimed that Cr Searancke had a conflict of interest but then changed it to a loss of confidence in her,’ he said. ‘This was after over 30 years of unblemished service to the community and hard work on Council with her integrity never questioned.’

Petition organisers Jim Adams and Maggie Bentley rejected the dismissal as failed political blackmail intended to undermine opposition during this year’s local elections. ‘It also highlighted the toxic culture of Council and the norm of bullying typical of the Mayor’s power bloc,’ said Mr Adams. Mrs Bentley added that ‘The Mayor’s bullying cannot continue. She curries the favour of certain councillors to get them to support her – just enough to pass her agendas.’

Dr Reynold Macpherson, RDRR’s endorsed mayoral candidate, explained that ‘the 760 signatures are from our members, their networks and those who have been attending our community consultations between March and June.

“Those who signed said they were appalled at the divisive and scripted attacks on councillors who dare to question the current power bloc. They want far greater respect for our democratic traditions and level-headed decency in local government.’

The RDRR has held two rounds of community consultations since May about its long term vision for the Rotorua District, preliminary solutions to current issues, and local development priorities.

ENDS

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