Murray McCully
Opposition Local Government Spokesperson

24 March 2000

McCully cautions against soft options for Rodney District Council

The Opposition Spokesperson for Local Government, Murray McCully, today warned against “soft options” in resolving the problems at Rodney District Council.

He was responding to comments by the Minister of Local Government Hon Sandra Lee this morning.

“I appreciate the fact that the Minister has advice that she cannot act until 5 April, and that she wishes to be seen to be acting fairly. The people of Rodney want solutions that they can have confidence in.

“The Review Team appears to have done a thorough job, and have come to the conclusion that only the appointment of a Commissioner can restore confidence”, said Mr McCully.

“I interpret the resignation of the Mayor and five councilors as a clearing of the way for that to happen.

“The Minister needs to ask whether the situation is past the point of no return, and whether the appointment of a commissioner may be the only course to stability and public confidence,” Mr McCully said.

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