Incumbent Mayor Dalziel’s new low in political spin – yeah-nah

Incumbent Mayor Lianne Dalziel has plumbed a new low in political spin with her contortions over the sale of city assets.

In the Press debate on Tuesday the Mayor told the voters of Christchurch:
“I can say not a single share from any of these companies needs to be sold to balance the books”

Two days later she told big business interests (via BusinessDesk):
“I have never committed myself to pledge I will never sell assets”

She is misleading Christchurch voters while reassuring big business that she’s open to proposals to sell assets.

Dalziel’s candidacy has been backed by the local Chamber of Commerce, big property developers and the government – all of whom support asset sales.

However voters in Christchurch are deeply opposed to privatising our assets. 83% of submissions to the council’s long term plan were opposed to asset sales and recent phone polling has shown that even 85% of National Party voters in Christchurch are against selling our city assets.

Already there are many comments on social media from voters who believe Dalziel has pledged not to sell assets.

Dalziel wants to leave that impression with voters till after the election when she will restart asset sales and explain them as “strategic partnerships” with big business.

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