Another Reason to Demand ‘Len Brown Stand Down!’
“The next bill will be a shock for ratepayers around Auckland, as 86% get hit with a rates increase, with 12 % facing
increases of 10% yet again. Never mind Len’s sleazy behaviour and corruption, these excessive annual rate rises are
reason enough to call for Len Browns resignation!,” says Affordable Auckland Leader Stephen Berry.
Affordable Auckland is organising the Len Brown Stand Down protest march which will leave QE2 Square in Britomart at
noon on February 22. “As the march gets closer, Len keeps on stoking the outrage of Aucklanders with his inappropriate
behaviour and financial mismanagement.”
“Rates are not the main factor resulting in housing unaffordability in Auckland, however there is no doubt that once a
person manages to climb to the top of the greasy property pole and find themselves a home, high rates make it very
difficult to afford to keep owning that home. For pensioners with high value homes but low fixed incomes, another rates
increase can be a death knell for their independence and property ownership.”
Berry says that while this excessive taxation is reason enough for Aucklanders to demand Brown’s resignation, it is not
the most disturbing part of how the books are managed under his mayoralty. “The amount of income the council receives
through rates each year is virtually matched by the amount of income the Council receives from borrowing. If you think
your rates are an issue now, wait until you see the high taxation of the future you have been sentenced to by the
irresponsible borrowing of today.”
Berry isn’t convinced by Brown’s occasional utterances expressing concern at rates, spending and debt. “The mayor talks
out of both sides of his mouth in his desperation to hold on to his job in the face of overwhelming public opposition.
He has no intention of reining in rates or spending.”
The Len Brown Stand Down – Protest March facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/630259507036725/
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