INDEPENDENT NEWS

Berry Supports 'One Auckland'

Published: Tue 5 Sep 2006 04:49 PM
Press Release Stephen Berry One Auckland
Berry Supports 'One Auckland'
Auckland Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry today gave his qualified support to a proposal creating one council for the Auckland region.
"I give my backing to any proposal which reduced the bloated monster of local government. Less mayors, less councilors and less bureaucracy means a lower burden on the ever-suffering ratepayer. While we're at it, the functions of the Auckland Regional Council should also be absorbed into this new body"
However, Berry cautions ratepayers against any complacent optimism that may emerge as a result of the 'One Auckland' proposal. "A continuation of this socialist council's agenda guarantees that ratepayers will not see any benefit from decreased costs of governance. One socialist Auckland council will find more than one way to waste any savings which eventuate."
The current proposal also includes provision for a second tier of representation in the form of community boards with increased powers. "The last thing that should be given to the bottom feeding leeches of local politics is increased powers. Parliamentary egos with community board abilities cannot spend your money better than you can. Democracy has no place meddling in the day to day lives of individuals and meddling is all community boards do."
"The only way voters can ensure a true benefit from the amalgamation of the Auckland councils is by voting for a candidate who explicitly supports a regime of lower rates and spending. I am that candidate."
ENDS

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