Hugh Chapman is standing for Auckland mayor in the 2010 local body elections. He provided this statement:
I'm Hugh Chapman, a registered architect interested in transport for Auckland since Mayor Robbie's days. I'm standing because Auckland needs a Mayor to fix Auckland's problems, and to ensure the Local Boards consult and listen to Auckland's residents.
I propose fixing Auckland's biggest problem, congestion, reducing congestion by a range of measures for the Transport CCO, freeing up access from motorways, co-ordinating traffic lights and other measures, all achievable within three years so Auckland can begin increasing productivity. These measures will save the yearly equivalent of the $2 billion cost of congestion to the community. See details of these measures at www.elections2010.co.nz. This reduction in congestion will more than halve air pollution from traffic.
Then the Transport CCO will be directed to select the best of three affordable new mode, elevated, passenger transport systems and install it from the CBD to the airport. After that build a new integrated network across Auckland within ten years, costing less than one harbour tunnel and containing congestion for 25 years.
This integrated sustainable addition to Auckland's present passenger transport system will triple capacity and provide a significant increase in mobility for all urban Aucklanders while creating a major tourist attraction.
I also propose rejuventating Manukau Harbour. The polluted section of harbour be dredged east of Mangere Bridges to eight metres and solidified to contain the pollutants and make a 1km square island for an Auckland Square, a fabulous site with good rail and road access for a Convention Centre, an international Rowing Course to the North, apartments, shops, hotels, with marinas to the South and a treed wide promenade around the waters edge, revitalising Mangere and Otahuhu and making an asset for Auckland. The existing natural waters edge would be generally retained and enhanced with planting and stone walls.
The CCOs will be given clear Criteria for their CCO's operation and goals to achieve, with detailed Key Performance Indicators. They will be expected to perform for the Local Boards.
I propose that reviews be undertaken of Council consent procedures, Council service levels, developers levies which have been increased substantially, town planning policies across Auckland to enrich Auckland's housing and CBD town planning policies to cater for future growth.
Neglected areas will be rejuvenated via maintenance plans, privet trees removed across Auckland within the three years and Zero Tolerance of road accidents/deaths adopted as a goal.
As your Mayor I can urge the Local Boards to consult their residents, gathering their ideas, suggestions and needs, and to translate them into practical policies and projects. Then all the residents across Auckland, from Pukekohe to Wellsford will get what they need.
The new super City is in your hands. You want the same as before? Elect the same people. Any of the three Mayors will do.
If you want a better future for Auckland, elect me as your Mayor to start an increase in Auckland's productivity. I'd like your vote and support. I know I'll earn the position.
