Sunday, 22 November 2015

Phil Goff - ‘same old red wine but in a new bottle’

Auckland mayoral candidate Phil Goff’s political philosophy and policies will be no different to Len Brown’s and in fact probably even more expensive,” says Auckland Councillor for Orakei, Cameron Brewer.

“In the past week we’ve learnt the Labour Party is in fact broke and that Phil Goff remains absolutely wedded to Labour’s failed position on any significant asset review. There’s two red lights right there.

“Phil Goff’s spin-doctors are desperate to position him as financially prudent and someone who can work well with the National Government. Both are a big stretch.

“This is very much a case of ‘the same old red wine but in a new bottle’ as the same Len Brown political advisors and funders now work to get Goff elected to keep Auckland Council on the same political track.

“This is all just about replacing one Labour mayor with another Labour mayor and strengthening Labour’s stronghold at Auckland Council.

“If he is committing to all these transport projects and spending huge money to make Auckland better, all while keep rates and debt down, then show us the money?

“Goff’s recent criticism, and in fact complete dismissiveness, of Auckland Council reviewing its assets shows just how red his political blood runs. He hadn’t even read the reports, yet spouted a political view based solely on his entrenched 46-year-long Labour Party association.

“That instant reaction proves his instincts remain true Labour. He is not yet thinking what could be best for Auckland ratepayers, or for the financial future and sustainability of the region. He still only thinks Left and always will. What’s more given all the abuse and hatred he’s hurled at John Key over recent years, it’s hard to think he can convince the National Government of much.”

Mr Brewer says Mr Goff was completely offside with the Mayor and almost every councillor who voted on Thursday for more work to be done to fully assess the recommendations made by EY and Cameron Partner reports on the region’s assets.

“If Goff’s not prepared to take a really serious look at reviewing Auckland’s $40b of assets, with the possibility of selling down, in whole or part, the likes of the Ports of Auckland operating business or council’s 22.4% shareholding in the Auckland International Airport, then ratepayers should be worried.

“Labour will just keep putting its hand out to the poor old ratepayers instead, particularly those ratepayers in higher valued properties where Goff will continue with Brown’s left-wing policy of a low Uniform Annual General Charge which has been hammering areas like the Orakei ward for the past five years.

“Those in business community who were hoping to see a Phil Goff from the 1980s economic reforming Fourth Labour Government can forget that. He will continue putting business rates up as Brown has done, and as a good Labour man will no doubt push for all sorts of new charges and taxes from the commercial and property sectors.

“As number three in Helen Clark’s Labour Government Goff oversaw tax increases for the likes of those earning over $60,000 and a big blow-out of public sector costs and staff numbers, not to mention the introduction of a raft of PC policies and red-tape. What’s more Labour’s 2002 Local Government Act saw a huge increase in councils’ roles, spending and rates demands across the country.

“More envy taxes and a ‘big bureaucracy’ track record is the last thing Auckland ratepayers need.

“This all just highlights that the centre-right does need to get behind and support one centre-right mayoral candidate and soon. It’s very clear Goff will be well and truly be a Labour candidate. One thing’s for sure, Goff’s not going to be a mayor who will shrink the council bureaucracy and offer any relief to Auckland ratepayers,” says Mr Brewer.

Ends

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