Better public consultation, more informed Councillors

20 August 2010

Jim Anderton announced today that he will re-instate the role of Council Committees so that Councillors have an opportunity to do more in-depth research and public consultation before the Council makes final decisions on where to spend rate-payers money.

“Councillors need the time to delve more deeply into areas like infrastructure investment and managing the city’s business before they make decisions that have long term implications. They need to have a robust process which enables them to consult with local people,” says Mayoral candidate Jim Anderton.

Council Committees were disbanded in 2004 partly because of concerns that Councillors were being paid extra to Chair the Committees and took too much power.

“I don’t see it as necessary to pay the Chairs of these Committees extra money to do something I would expect them to do anyway as part of their job,” says Jim Anderton.

“But I do think it’s necessary to have a process where groups of Councillors can develop special expertise in specific areas of council business, and then have the time to listen to the community, before they make important Council decisions.

“At the moment, Councillors are given piles of papers to read, sometimes just before decisions are made. What opportunity do they have to get up to speed on issues before they’re expected to make a decision?”

Chairs of Committees will also be available as Council spokespeople on the areas that they understand best. The Mayor will not be the only Council spokesperson.

It would also mean that Councillors who represent Council on outside organisations have a mechanism to gauge Council’s views and to report back.

“Since the Committees were disbanded, the number of Councillors has declined from twenty-four to twelve. The Council is being regarded like a company board of directors with most issues going straight to the full Council. This has meant that it has become even harder for Councillors to keep on top of all the issues and be available to listen to community viewpoints. That’s why unelected Council officials have ended up making back room decisions and Councillors have effectively rubberstamped them without being fully informed of the implications of decisions they are making.”

Committees will help Councillors become specialists in certain areas, and give them an opportunity to work closely with Council staff and community representatives.

They will also result in a more informed Council which listens to the People.

If elected Mayor of Christchurch, Jim Anderton will create five Council Committees (final Terms of Reference will be agreed in consultation with elected Councillors after the election):

1. Transport and Infrastructure
This will cover areas like water, waste management, pipe and sewerage systems, roading, cycling and public transport

2. Parks and Reserves
This will cover the management and care of parks and greenspaces, recreational reserves, the city’s garden strategy and its garden city image.

3. Community Services
Including affordable housing, community funding to the voluntary sector and community groups, libraries, pools and sports stadiums, safer city activities, as well as arts, culture and heritage.

4. Finance
Priorities for Council spending will be explored here after public consultation and feedback from the community

5. Planning
This will cover all by-laws and regulatory requirements including the Resource Management Act and the Local Government Act, liquor licensing laws and other regulatory issues.

A special Inner-City Revitalisation Unit will also be created and will be chaired by the Mayor. It will include local architects, urban designers, residents, retailers and others with a commitment to bringing the inner city back to life.

“Christchurch deserves a Council that is fully informed before it makes decisions that affect the lives of local people. It deserves a Council that is prepared to make the time and space for in-depth consultation with the community. The re-introduction of Council Committees will help us better serve the City,” says Jim Anderton.

ENDS

© Scoop Media