For immediate release

Banks announces Mayoral bid for "affordable progress in Auckland"

John Banks has officially announced his entry into the 2007 Mayoral elections.

"Auckland and its residents have been suffering over the last three years. Massive rates hikes, wasteful spending, and poor civic leadership has seen the city council fail its citizens. Arguably, the current administration is one of the worst in living memory," said Mr Banks.

"Council spending is out of control and debt is projected to blow out. Even worse, the bickering, infighting, and secret meetings has seen a collapse of confidence in Auckland City’s leadership.”

“We need to restore openness and accountability, leadership, and affordable progress for local residents.”

"I acknowledge the need to listen more along with decisive leadership. That's why goodwill is a focus of my campaign. In particular, I want to end the appalling practice of hiding controversial items in secret meetings to cover up skyrocketing rates.”

"Auckland has many challenges in the leadup to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. However, residents expect value for money. That's why I offer affordable progress to ratepayers. We cannot rate people out of their homes to pay for profligate council spending. This means first and foremost focusing on core council responsibilities and ending the culture of extravagance and waste.”

"Auckland is a good place to live, but it can be a great place to live. With your support on October the 13th, we can make this happen,” concluded Mr Banks.

ENDS

The attached letter will be distributed to over 40,000 households over the next two days.

See...
"A Message from John Banks" (PDF)

© Scoop Media