New website to monitor rates increases

Aaron Bhatnagar, organiser in Hobson Ward for the Citizens and Ratepayers Now ticket, this morning announced the launching of a new website to examine the wasteful council spending and massive rates increases at Auckland City.

http://www.rateswatch.org.nz

"I am appalled and shocked at some of the wasteful decisions that the City Vision and Action Hobson council majority have approved", said Mr Bhatnagar. "The massive rates rises are shaping up to be THE issue at the 2007 elections. So many people are angered at what they consider to be unnecessary and unfair hikes in rates. That's why I've decided to do something about it", said Mr Bhatnagar.

"I am absolutely convinced that City Vision and Action Hobson will never moderate their spending demands, or demonstrate careful spending. They'll keep on raising rates by double digits for a decade without thought for the consequences," said Mr Bhatnagar. "That's why C&R Now have approved this website - to communicate to the wider public the need for change at the 2007 elections," said Mr Bhatnagar.

"2007 may well represent the only chance that ratepayers will get to reverse the plans for a decade of massive rates hikes. That's why it's important for C&R Now to explore new communications mediums like this website - so we can reach as many voters as possible about the need for change," said Mr Bhatnagar.

"Following next week, C&R Now in Hobson will also be delivering a letter to 15,000 households over the winter period, focusing on private property rights, rates increases and wasteful spending," said Mr Bhatnagar.

This website announcement also coincides with the Tamaki Community Board by-election, in which C&R Now candidate Julian Austin is running to replace the disgraced Labour candidate, David Maka.

No ratepayer money was used in the RatesWatch website.

http://www.rateswatch.org.nz

ENDS

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