Mayors correct rates record

29 October 2012

In his latest newsletter to constituents, MP Nick Smith has used incorrect rating figures that don’t tell the true story, say Mayors Aldo Miccio and Richard Kempthorne.

Both Nelson City and Tasman District Councils provided the correct rating figures earlier this year when Dr Smith misquoted incorrect rating figures promoting his Local Government legislation.

Nelson City Mayor Aldo Miccio says, “It is unfortunate this mistake has occurred again, especially when the Nelson MP is using them to advance his legislation.

“Both Councils have worked very hard, quite successfully, over the past few years to minimise rates increases while maintaining a focus on core services.”

Mayor Miccio says that Nelson has minimised the rates burden each of the last two years, reducing the average rates rise to 3.5% and 5.6% respectively.

“To repeatedly say increasing costs are entirely due to Council decisions and use incorrect figures of 12% and 13% to support his view is both mystifying and disappointing.”

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne has put it down to a proof reading error in the production of the newsletter. “After a lengthy discussion with Nick regarding the previous use of the figures that’s the only explanation I can think of.

“This survey and newsletter has been delivered at an important time. In his enthusiasm to promote a wide number of issues including gay marriage, euthanasia and local government reform, he has forgotten earlier discussions.

“The Local Government Reforms have wide-reaching ramifications on the ability of local people to contribute to local decision-making and to have the issues clouded this way is very disappointing, especially as the Select Committee is about to report back to the house.”

ENDS

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