Hence, we need real public debate, not "consultations" or biased media coverage. We need to question beliefs using evidence, consequences and principles to refine the knowledge base of proposed big answers.
So, potential candidates with alternative big answers, please offer them. Community organisations wanting to improve the quality of local government, please organise events to test big answers and hold incumbents accountable. Citizens, please participate and trust in democracy to make corrections.
Recall, in 2016, all but three incumbents lost 20-30 per cent of their 2013 votes. Was it public pushback against the simple truth? (Abridged)
Reynold Macpherson
Rotorua
Eat Streat, Lakefront not comparable
When I read Merepeka Raukawa Tait's column titled "All cities need big dreamers", I actually thought no. Rather, Rotorua needs visionaries with business acumen, as more often that not, big dreamers become unstuck financially.
The attempt to use the success of Eat Streat as justification to encourage us to support the Rotorua Lakefront rejuvenation, was either naive or manipulative.
Eat Streat only cost $2.7 million and it housed businesses that all made a financial contribution of at least $20,000 each towards the retractable roof over the outdoor eating area in front of their businesses.
It was private enterprise that made the contribution and also had the benefit of the remodelling with increased profits.
If we used that same business model for the Lakefront, then the tourist operators receiving a new building to operate out of, and the spa resort being built by Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, who will gain lake sight lines and privacy with the demolition of the Scout hall, clearance of trees and closure of the road from the Lakefront to the museum, should be contributing the $20 million towards the rejuvenation of the Lakefront, not the ratepayers.
After all, it is these private enterprises that will be receiving the financial benefit, as the Lakefront carparks and public access will be taken away from the community.
While the council pursues its pie-in-the-sky dreams and schemes, with the $40 million Lakefront expenditure, including the $1 million playground, ratepayers will be left wondering if they will ever wake from the nightmare of the mountains of debt and increased interest costs the council is steamrolling them into.
More likely, ratepayers will be left steaming at the council's dreaming.
Tracey McLeod
Lake Tarawera
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