Catrina Jones

Thank you, Councillors Gavin Dennis and Andrew Iles, for once again being diligent and vocal regarding reducing our rates percentage strike.  

At the June 26 council meeting, they wanted it noted they voted against the adoption of an 11.7 percent rates increase, down from the forecast 12.7 percent.

Mr Dennis felt the council could have had more meetings to pick away at expenses to reduce the percentage even further. He had done his research and named many councils that had recently successfully strategically reduced their expenditure significantly to drop their rates.

Mr Dennis felt Whakatāne District Council had not trimmed expenditure enough and quoted areas where council could reduce expenses further.

Mr Iles said we must pay attention to the impact of hard times and keep rates down. It is great these two councillors spoke out.

Unfortunately, there is a core group of councillors who think the council has not charged enough rates. This core group needs to review its stance.

Mr Dennis said more attention must be paid to the state of the nation and recession.

I will be voting for councillors who are empathetic and prepared to speak out and seek ways to act accordingly in our tough economic times.