nzherald.co.nz offered both the declared candidates for the mayoralty of the new Super City the opportunity to explain to ratepayers why each deserves to be elected. Here is John Banks' message:
On October 11 2010, the new Auckland Mayor and Council will report to work to set about the building of a new city, with a fresh start and an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference for you.
If I am elected, then affordable rates, infrastructure and security will be my priorities. I make these commitments because every citizen deserves a city in which it is affordable to live, easy to move around, and safe to raise a family.
Keeping rates affordable is the most important issue in this time of massive change. Financial discipline towards council borrowing, careful examination of council's operational spending and holding the new bureaucracy accountable will be key to ensure you get better value for your rates.
We also have an opportunity to make Auckland work with better decision-making and regional thinking. But there is a huge risk the new council might continue to fight the old battles of government elections and local factionalism. We've already seen a lot of focus on patch-protection and divisive representational issues.
Instead, I propose to focus on enhancing Auckland's assets and its liveability; that we invest in assets like our coasts, volcanoes and heritage. All of Auckland's urban beaches, creeks and harbours deserve environmental investment. Upgraded sewage and stormwater systems dealing with urban development pressures will ensure future generations inherit a beautiful city and region.
The new council provides an unprecedented opportunity to make progress on a transport system that meets the need of commuters and businesses across the region. Further progress on public transport, including trains, buses, park and ride and ferries is needed, as well as reducing congestion through roading improvements. The new council will be empowered to deliver on this.
So that citizens feel safe in their homes and on the streets, we must show zero tolerance to those who prey on the weak and vulnerable, like the criminal gangs who terrorise communities and peddle drugs.
A John Banks led council will provide a powerful voice that insists that central Government gets tough on gangs and criminal predators. The council will support the police with effective new by-laws, planning rules, and technology like wireless CCTV where appropriate. Already in Auckland City we are make big differences with CCTV for mainstreets and making liquor licensing changes to reduce risks for crime and violence.
This is why I am committed to providing consistent and decisive leadership needed to deliver the safe, prosperous and world class city you deserve.
