Kate Stewart: Those experts don't always get it right

Kate Stewart

IN MOMENTS of extreme madness - between avoiding celebrity funerals and binge watching - I have considered running for council.

Why? Well, if for no other reason than I couldn't possibly do a worse job and, while I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of local politics, I'd like to think I care enough to make a difference.

I would have to campaign within my budget - which is nil - so no photoshopped billboards for me, just one clear slogan: "Let's cut through the bullsh*t and get on with it."

I'm not sure what issue I'd tackle first - filling the empty shops in the central business district or filling the gaping great holes in our pavements.

No wonder we're seeing so many mobility scooters illegally taking to the road when the footpaths are in such an appalling state of disrepair.

I have watched in horror as the drivers try to negotiate the transition from pavement to road at many crossings. It's as harrowing as any episode of Ice Road Truckers. If council continues to neglect the issue we will soon be needing safety ropes for walkers and riders to attach themselves to before tackling the hairy terrain.

We could turn them into a commercial enterprise and instead of window-washers at every intersection we can have people hiring out grappling hooks, climbing boots and abseiling gear. What adventure-seeking tourist is going to turn down the chance to go hiking ... in the central city. A world first.

Then there's the pensioner flats that many want sold. With a much lower average annual income in Whanganui than other cities, these are the very assets we need to cling on to.

If they can not be filled with pensioners, I am sure there is no shortage of deserving locals who are unable to afford rising market rentals. The flats are empty not because of a lack of demand but rather a too specific criteria.

Next on my agenda would be the employment of consultants, experts and specialists, charging like wounded bulls to come up with reports that anyone with semi-decent research skills and a bit of internet search know-how could produce. Hell, if you looked on YouTube there's probably a DIY video on how to build your own sewage treatment plant.

Admittedly there will be times when such services are necessary but let's be sure we get some bang for our buck. If history has taught us anything it's that the so-called experts don't always get it right and quite frankly should be paid on the accuracy of the information provided as opposed to the content. Maybe then there would be fewer mistakes and variations of the truth and less to sit around and argue about while the ratepayers and voters grow old waiting for decisions to be made.

But what do I know? I'm just a beneficiary with some common sense and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to live on a budget tighter than a duck's bum.

Huge thanks for all your feedback. I was overwhelmed at the response to my piece on celebrity death. Keep it coming - investik8@gmail.com

-Kate Stewart is a staunch advocate of common sense and three-ply toilet tissue ... and she may be looking for your vote.