Comments for Bill Dalton

Comment on The Blogger by Maxine Boag

Maxine Boag — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:58:23 +0000

Good one, Bill. The blogger concerned HAS run twice in the Regional council elections, unsuccessfully. It would have been interesting, if he had been elected, to see if his sarcasm and scorn for elected representatives would have continued once he was on the inside. Things look different when you know ALL the facts and you are working with a team rather than sitting outside taking potshots.

Comment on Dysfunction and Mayhem by fred

fred — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:30:14 +0000

Kirton is no good with figures and most likely dreamt up the $10m.
Amalgamation would most likely cost ratepayers another $10m
He would like to get his snout in the trough of a big council and feed off the ratepayer for another 15 years

Comment on Dysfunction and Mayhem by Wayne Bradshaw

Wayne Bradshaw — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:22:35 +0000

Hi Bill,

I recall that last year you challenged Cr Kirton to detail to you the annual savings of $ 10 Million that he claimed would be achieved by amalgamation.

Did Cr Kirton, who was the Chair of Venture HB at the time, ever get back to you ?

Comment on Making Your Own Rules by Ian McIntosh

Ian McIntosh — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:13:55 +0000

Good stuff, Bill. As your last post pointed out, there are plenty of examples of successful groups promoting Hawkes Bay in a regional context. It seems to me that too many of the ideas of the amalgamation group involve transferring the costs of business promotion to the ratepayers. As for “growing” Hawkes Bay, why is it necessary to import seasonal labour when the province has a high level of unemployment? The answer is that it is cheaper for the businesses involved, it is not the fault of the councils and amalgamation will do nothing to change the situation.
Ian McIntosh

Comment on Making Your Own Rules by Joe

Joe — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:38:04 +0000

So, Lawrence doesn’t get his way with the study (which is just a sham to force the amalgamation issue), and now he’s willing to ‘bend’ proper democratic process in his incessant bid to amalgamate come hell or high water.

I suppose next to bending democratic process, a conflict of interest is just small potatoes?

Comment on 2012 by jackp

jackp — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:01:33 +0000

I am concerned with Yule’s persistent with another “study” to support amalgamation. Hastings is riddled with debt, I live in Taradale and do not want to see Amalgamation. Also to see a “Maori Advisory Board” as an unelected body added to the price tag. I am also disappointed with the Napier City Council voting to have that “study” while complaining about it. I feel betrayed by that unanimous vote. Who cares what the other cities think of us!!

Comment on Another Insult to Our Intelligence by Wayne Bradshaw

Wayne Bradshaw — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:45:56 +0000

Bill, Given the historical strong support by Napier for the Park Island Regional Hockey Centre, HB Hockey and their $ 500K commitment for a third turf at Park Island, it is very surprising that Lawrence, the Regional Sports Park Trust and HB Hockey haven’t even included Napier in the planning and discussion for the proposed International Turf at the Regional Sports Park. If we really are serious about being a forward thinking region that works together , then we have to start talking to each other in the Planning Process rather than letting our regional colleagues hear about the individual plans in the press.
As with all relationships, trust , openness and honesty are key parts that need to be earnt and not taken for granted.

Comment on Another Insult to Our Intelligence by Bill Dalton

Bill Dalton — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:36:25 +0000

Rachael
Normally I would not reply to such a poorly constructed response to my posting but as you accuse me of ranting, I feel a reply is warranted.
You have overlooked (perhaps conveniently) that I stated ” If the board of Hockey Hawkes Bay believes this is the best way forward for the sport in the Bay, then I will accept the proposition. How you could then question my support for a tier 1 turf I don’t know.
You will be pleased to know I am fully aware that Hawkes Bay businesses are the principal sponsors of both the mens and women’s NZ Black Sticks sides. I applaud those businesses that have supported this initiative.
Your assertion that I will only give credit to the opinions of Hockey HB if they are the same as mine does suggest you simply do not understand what was written.
For what it is worth Rachael, I am a long term supporter and sponsor of hockey and I only want what is best for the sport. What I detest is the subversive way in which this proposed deal is being stitched together and the absolute rubbish we are being fed in an attempt to garner support.
The problem is that hockey has become a pawn in a political game and unfortunately hockey will be the loser.

Comment on Another Insult to Our Intelligence by Rachael

Rachael — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:10:02 +0000

I find it interesting how you title this ‘Another Insult to our Intelligence’ when you yourself are not getting all the facts or information correct. Yet you are quick to say the public will look like fools.
How hard is it to support the construction of a top international facility in the Hawkes Bay and being a councillor encourage the growth of the region?
A lot of money (rate payers money, if specific facts is what you like), was used in upgrading McLean Park to bring it up to standard for rugby and cricket. That is yet to see a rugby game with our international team, the All Blacks. There will be 3 Black Caps cricket games there this season. Has those amount of games justified the amount of money spent on these facilities?
Your comment about having international games until someone builds a better facility is almost stunting the growth of Hawkes Bay sports. With this attitude, why should anything be built, upgraded or refurbished. We might as well just twiddle our thumbs, watch it on tv, wait for someone else to do something better then travel hours to see a sports game. That’s not the attitude I would expect from someone in our council.

Are you even aware that Hawkes Bay businesses are the principal sponsors of the NZ Black Sticks, men and women sides? This is a major coup for our area and something that should be celebrated. If this means that NZ Hockey is wanting a tier 1 facility in Hastings, Napier, Clive, Haumoana or anywhere in this region, it should be celebrated.

In speaking of the opinions of Hawkes Bay Hockey Association (that’s the correct name by the way, again your facts are incorrect), you will only give them credit if their opinion is the same as yours? Interesting.

The sport will not be fragmented, in fact it is providing a wider range of facilities, more opportunity for events to be held and it will be a step in the right direction.
All netball, rugby, cricket clubs have their own clubrooms and nothing detracts from the socializing. I suggest you speak to some sports people before you make assumptions about that.

As always, everyone is entitled to their own opinion which you have done publicly. However, in the position that you hold, importance on facts, information and it being correct should be held in a high regard.
It was disappointing to read these rantings from a councillor and know that my rate paying money is in your decision making hands.

Comment on Rates and Debt by Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:41:23 +0000

Sure is good to see your provocative comments back on your blog Bill. And yes, the level, of local body rate raises is troubling and we councillors need to address it. This is certainly an area for the press to investigate, including an analysis of the extra resposibilities that have been off-loaded onto councils.

One way in Hawkes Bay though, that offers potential for real savings is…well…um, let’s make 2012, or at least the first half of it, an amalgamation free zone.
Cheers
Ewan Mac