Statistics tell us that only about 90% of eligible voters bother to ensure that their names are on the electoral roll and less than half of them will vote at this years local body elections. And that’s a shame.
And it would suggest that they are satisfied with their current representation – that there are no burrs under their saddles. But that’s not what I see as I move about the city on business and socially. Everyone seems to have advice for us councillors on how we could better handle one project or another.
Of course being election year, the village nutters are out in force but very early in my first term I recognised them and blocked their emails so I don’t get their rubbish. Others have rational views we want to hear.
Many have opinions on specific projects. I am constantly given advice on Westshore erosion control, a project which is on temporary hold as we get professional advice on new information that has come to hand.
Naturally a large number of citizens are concerned about what is happening at Marineland and I can tell you we are well down the track in terms of providing a family friendly attraction on the Marineland site.
It is really interesting that everyone has an opinion on what they perceive as problem areas the council is grappling with but no one ever says well done when projects come to fruition.
Of course one of the most successful things the current Napier City Council has done is to keep the rates increase to under 2%. It was tough work to keep the increase so low and this small increase compares favourably with similar areas in the country.
The cross country drain may not be very sexy but it is a real success story. Over the last couple of months we have had some incredibly heavy rain and our drain has proven invaluable.
And we are really chuffed about securing the government funding for the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery Project. I have been on this fundraising committee from its formation and it is gratifying to see it all coming together. Naturally we are still looking for support to ensure the project is one we can be all proud of so if you would like to contribute, give me a call.
One thing you can be assured of – the project will proceed; will be completed on time and within budget.
That is the Napier City Council way.
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