31 August 2004

RatesRebellion team 'cautiously optimistic' over a possible Mayor Dick Hubbard.

Statement from David Thornton on the result of the NZ Herald opinion poll on the Auckland mayoralty.

"The opinion poll putting Dick Hubbard in the lead for the Auckland City Mayoralty gives ground for cautious optimism that the Auckland Region might be moving towards a more co-operative climate within which to achieve regional objectives and benefits.

"Issues such as the V8 road race and the Eastern Motorway have caused huge divisions within the region - largely because Auckland City Council has aggressively promoted these projects without taking adequate account of their impact on the rest of the Auckland Region.

"If the region as a whole is to benefit from big ticket projects - either in the transport field or in major events - it is vital that the impacts on all parts of the region are taken into account.

"From his initial statements it appears that Dick Hubbard at least has the tight attitude towards regional co-operation".

ENDS

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