Extravagant spending must go; rates must come down

31 August 2007

“The 2021 rates policy to bring rates increases back to inflation by the end of its first term is good news for Riccarton-Wigram residents”, said Tony Milne 2021 Council candidate for Riccarton-Wigram.

“Rates are currently projected to go up by 26% in the next three years, having already gone up 20 % in the last three years! The cumulative rate increase is 54% in 6 years!” said Tony Milne.

“I have been listening to the people of Riccarton-Wigram and their message to the current Council is ‘enough is enough’”, said Tony Milne.

“2021 has a credible track record of modest rate increases and competent management of the city’s finances which is sadly lacking under the current Council. After this election the finances will again return to people who know how to value the rates dollars”, said Tony Milne.

A Christchurch 2021 Council will review all capital expenditure as a matter of urgency in the new term. A practical solution to the current Council building dilemma will be found within a maximum cap of $60 million, rather than the current $100+ million extravagant plan. The City Mall project, meanwhile, has ballooned from $2 million to possibly $16 million. 2021 will develop a much more modest proposal for this important part of the city. Under this Council, “marketing” and public relations costs have soared, with full-page newspaper advertisements used to justify unpopular decisions.

“It is time for belt-tightening”, Tony Milne said.

ENDS

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