If you wonder why rates are high you should start looking at waste and inefficiency. I have previously mentioned that there are 89 active credit cards amongst council employees and the average monthly bill is aobut $56,000.
But what about inefficient work practices at all levels in council? While campaigning I heard so many stories of poor work practices and expensive equipment being grossly under-utilised. Just as an example consider this. A piece of footpath about 4 metres long has to be replaced. First we have a front end loader and a laarge truck to remove the damaged concrete. Next day we have 3 council vehicles and 5 employees to box up the section, place the reinforcing and then float off the concrete. Does that seem a bit excessive to you?
Monday, 10 September 2012
Saturday, 1 September 2012
A gang of 4 on Council?
Last Friday Cr Sawyer and three new candidates, Ross Jackson leading the ACRM ticket, Darren Cameron leading Country Labor and Breck Scott-Young made a public show of signing an agreement containing a numbr of commitments they would make if elected. These included limiting rate rises to CPI and examining all spending. I certainly agree with the latter and, if elected I will be a very strong questioner of council policies and spending. I invite you all to alert me to things that you are aware of that cause inefficiency and increased costs.
There is at least one inconsistency in this issue. As far as I am aware Cr Sawyer did not vote against the budget which included the rate rise that all ratepayers have experienced this year, so why the change of heart now and a commitment to limit rate rises.
I was asked to be involved but declined as I wish to be a true independent. I will look at each issue on its merits if elected and will vote the way I see it not as part of a group or to get a favour in return later.
That seems to be one of the issues with at least one sitting Councillor who has a problem with the perceived gang of five. The answer is not to set up a gang of four.
There will be nine Councillors and to get a measure up you have to convince at least 4 other Councillors. Blocs and cliques will only lead to more disunity and disharmony and I am convinced (I hear it as I walk the streets) that people are fed up with this behaviour.
There is at least one inconsistency in this issue. As far as I am aware Cr Sawyer did not vote against the budget which included the rate rise that all ratepayers have experienced this year, so why the change of heart now and a commitment to limit rate rises.
I was asked to be involved but declined as I wish to be a true independent. I will look at each issue on its merits if elected and will vote the way I see it not as part of a group or to get a favour in return later.
That seems to be one of the issues with at least one sitting Councillor who has a problem with the perceived gang of five. The answer is not to set up a gang of four.
There will be nine Councillors and to get a measure up you have to convince at least 4 other Councillors. Blocs and cliques will only lead to more disunity and disharmony and I am convinced (I hear it as I walk the streets) that people are fed up with this behaviour.
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