Ivory Tower Advisors Block Access to Elected Officials

27 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is astonished by the directive issued by Auckland Council staffers to Councillors not to attend public meetings, and not seek or respond to the views of constituents as the process around Auckland’s Unitary Plan nears completion.

Auckland Ratepayers Alliance Spokeswoman Carmel Claridge says:

"This is a new low even for Auckland Council. While the public is crying out for greater transparency around process, and making it very clear that it is an important issue leading up to this years’ Local Body elections, these ‘we know best’ staffers issue what is effectively a gagging order on our elected representatives.”

"This should be sending shivers down the spine of anyone who believes in basic democratic principles. Clearly the Council bureaucracy is not the slightest bit concerned with the growing disconnect between ratepayers and residents and the very organisation that is supposed to be there to serve their needs. The casual and dangerous arrogance of suggesting Councillors should distance themselves from the very people who elect them, is indicative of a ‘them and us’ culture at Council which needs to end.”

“Even if the advice is legally justified, it is completely inconsistent with the most basic principals of democracy and Councillors should ignore it.”

ENDS

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