Press Release: Wellington’s Pre-election Report 2013  welcomed by Celia Wade-Brown

Celia Wade-Brown, standing for re-election in October, welcomes the Chief Executive’s report.

Ms Wade-Brown says the succinct Pre-Election Report  report shows Dr Lavery’s rapid grasp of Wellington’s advantages and challenges and endorses his recent appointment. “We need urgent implementation of the direction set by elected members.“

“I led Kevin Lavery’s appointment as Chief Executive and he’s proving his worth. We employed him to implement the Council’s new direction. Effective management combined with compassionate modern leadership will fully realise this city’s potential.”

“Dr Lavery endorses our direction of being a “smart capital” with strong environmental credentials. I also give credit to staff for working hard across the breadth of Council services in tough financial times. I’m proud to have kept the 2013 rates to the most affordable level in ten years.”

Ms Wade-Brown says “The recent earthquake and storms vindicated our investment in physical resilience – strengthening reservoirs, tunnels, seawalls and public buildings. People’s response also showed that Council’s commitment to household advice, community information and neighbourhood  resilience has made a real difference.”

Council finances are well-managed, with the total costs of all Council services running at $5.54 a resident a day and the annual average cost less than people’s power bill. Council provides libraries, reserves, roads, festivals, water and stormwater services, recycling, community centres and amazing events like WOW, the Jazz Festival, Wellington-on-a-plate and many sporting events.

Ms Wade-Brown  says “I welcome the new CEO’s emphasis on the organisation being more rapidly responsive after an election and his encouragement to invest in our city’s economy. He also shows a genuine interest in a range of transport choices not only roading.”

“This term I expect faster progress on long haul flights, appropriate concert venues, and more effective economic development.

“We’ll take a sustainable approach, reducing water leaks, fuel usage and improving harbour and beach cleanliness, building on dramatic increases in re-vegetation groups to plant two million trees by 2020.”

“After the election we’ll continue to get on with affordable warm housing, pools for Johnsonville and Wellington East, inner city parks and lanes, the next town centre improvements and more bus and bike lanes. Funding our arts infrastructure to attract visitors and residents will enable Wellington’s creativity to flourish and the Regional Amenities Fund is important finance to enable us to work together regionally.”

“Improving Wellington’s economy is important and so is social inclusion and sustainability. I will not sacrifice one for the other.” says Celia Wade-Brown, standing for her second term.

Read the Pre-election report at http://wellington.govt.nz/have-your-say/elections/election-2013/pre-election-report

ENDS

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