Quax Flip-Flops On Swimming Pool Charges

On 20 February 2007 Dick Quax announced he was standing for Mayor in the forthcoming local government election. His statement is on the Peoples Choice website and it mentions rates, safety, graffiti, traffic congestion, public transport, protection for the environment, affordable housing, think big projects and a need for a Council review.

What this statement didn’t say was that he has changed his mind on some fundamental policy issues and that he now supports the continuation of free swimming pools across Manukau City. Mr Quax verbally announced that critical policy shift at his selection meeting on 20 February 2007 and it was reported in the Manukau Courier on 23 February 2007.

Mr Quax has been a Manukau City Councillor since 2001. During that time he has, with passion and conviction, opposed the city’s policy of free entry to pools, together with libraries and recreation centres. He has championed this position over the time he has been in public office and currently is advocating strong support for user charges for waste water.

“This shift in policy position is a serious flip-flop” said Mayoral candidate Len Brown. “Mr Quax’s current policy mix is now confusing to the point where his supporters might well wonder which other policy positions could change during the campaign. It is a huge concern that there has been no explanation from Mr Quax for this extraordinary policy turnaround – simply a verbal announcement which was reported in last weeks Manukau Courier. Many supporters of Dick Quax who oppose free swimming pools will, no doubt, feel betrayed by this about-turn in his thinking” said Mr Brown.

“The question we are all now left with is whether it is possible to rely with any certainty on the wider policy platform put up by Mr Quax given that he has destabilised his position so seriously at this point.”

Mr Brown concluded, “Just to be clear about the requirements of leadership in public office, I ran a clear and consistent policy position in 2004 and will continue to do so through 2007. Such is my respect for the people of Manukau City.”

Len Brown

Manukau Mayoral Candidate

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