John Mackintosh

As a generalisation, spending other people’s money, or being prepared to have it spent for you for something you would like, is easier than spending your own.

Could this factor have influenced the voting that has replaced Victor Luca by Nandor Tanczos for the position of mayor?

From my observation of Mr Tanczos, he supports what is currently referred to as “the nice to haves”.

Mr Luca was more concerned with keeping a lid on rates; unfortunately, he was not supported by sufficient councillors on this to get what he wanted.

Nandor’s strategy would win favour with voters who want to have the nice-to-haves without having to directly fund them; probably enough voters to swing the votes in his favour.

Victor’s integrity would not have allowed him to seek such votes.

This unfortunate situation for ratepayers is compounded by the fact that they are virtually compelled to fund an organisation that has been more motivated by growing in status than obtaining maximum efficiency of its rates income and providing the “nice to haves’ supports this preference.

In consideration of the points made in this letter, I am disappointed that Victor is not serving another term as the mayor.

I believe he has the required qualities to be a good mayor, and I hope that he finds a way to continue to benefit Whakatāne.

Actually, it could be “that way” might not have been possible had he been mayor.