KEY POINTS:
Rates, crime and transport are emerging as the key issues during this year's Manukau local body elections.
Lawyer and former councillor Len Brown said rates bills, which rose by 5.9 per cent this year, would increase by no more than the rate of inflation if he was elected mayor.
"It's about strong financial control and controlling council expenditure without reducing services," he said.
Mr Brown, who is a former partner at legal firm Wynyard Wood, said the primary focus for police should be to close tinny houses across the city and to work closely with communities for stronger partnerships.
He also advocated Manukau City taking a community-focused approach in conjunction with police and the courts to wipe out graffiti.
"We also have a plan to work towards the reduction of granting new liquor licences across the city and to ensure the community has a say in the application processes."
Mr Brown said he intended to lead the development of a comprehensive city-wide transport plan to future-proof the city's transport needs.
His plan would include improved bus and ferry services and links, a rail link from the airport to the main trunk line, crossing the Manukau Harbour, and a faster completion of the rail electrification project.
His main rival, Dick Quax, also said rates should be capped at the rate of inflation but questioned Mr Brown's stance on the issue, saying he had "applauded the council's rate increases" this year.
Mr Quax was committed to a full review of council expenditure and would ensure any council spending would be fully scrutinised and transparent.
Labelled "Dirty Harry" for his tough-nosed approach on crime, Mr Quax said there was one sworn police officer for every 1500 people in the Eastern District and the attrition rate was high.
The former Olympian said 185 more officers were needed to address criminal activity in Manukau City and he was keen to see police strengthening ties with existing community groups to wipe out graffiti.
"When people have to ask why their calls aren't being answered and why their crime issues aren't being addressed it's simply because there aren't enough police," said Mr Quax.
Broadcaster Willie Jackson said he could not promise rates cuts - "in fact, none of the candidates can," he said.
"One of the first things I will do is to open up the books and look for cost efficiencies and savings for the ratepayers."
Mr Jackson, a former member of Parliament, said there was some scope for debt financing for infrastructure costs and high growth projects where there was greater revenue flow.
He said the council could also advocate to secure a greater share of Government resources, particularly for infrastructural projects.
The Eye to Eye host said a "radically different approach to crime" was needed in Manukau City and while he also endorsed greater police numbers and working with community groups, he said the generational abuse of benefits had to end.
"What the system's been doing isn't working at all so we must stop feeding this dysfunction," said Mr Jackson.
"The reality is that benefit abuse has a huge upshot which is crime. You need look no further than the Kahui family situation."
Mr Jackson also advocated a "world-class public transport system that is safe, cheap and efficient".
He said he would work to have properly maintained arterial routes and roads.
"I also advocate for more public awareness about the use and cost efficiency of public transport."
