28 June 2013

Nelson Mayoral Candidate’s response to OAG report into Nelson Mayor’s conduct

In response to the release of the Office of the Auditor General’s report into the Nelson Mayor’s conduct, Mayoral candidate Rachel Reese has expressed disappointment and sorrow that the Office of Mayor may have been tarnished by suggestions of inappropriate behaviour and poor judgement.

Ms Reese says the people of Nelson deserve nothing less than openness, transparency and respect from those whom they vote into public office.

“After all, it is the people who pay the salaries of elected members of council. Therefore they deserve nothing less than to see those same elected members run the city in a manner that serves the best interests of those ratepayers, and them only."

Ms Reese says any suggestions that those in public office may be misusing their position for personal gain is hugely damaging. It only serves to undermine public confidence in those vital principles upon which local government is founded.

“Being seen to do the right thing by the people of Nelson is as important as actually doing it."

You can read the OAG report here.

You can read the follow up story from the Nelson Mail here.

ENDS