Letter sent to the Timaru Herald and published today

To The Citizens Of South Canterbury

The Editor, Timaru Herald

Mayor Janie Aneer's concerns regarding ECAN are well founded. Dysfunction is at a governance level rather than at the staff level. We are very disturbed to hear of the friction if not division that Sir Kerry Burke and the Labour 2021 councillors have caused within and outside ECAN. ECAN needs to be free of central political party influence and style. There is no place for this type of governance at Local Government level.  LABOUR 2021 has dominated at the ECAN table for the last three years. The Independent Citizens candidates in Christchurch see all Canterbury as a province to be proud of and want to work with everyone within the province. Alec Neill, an ECAN Independent Citizens Councillor, who spent many years in the south, is determined to heal the rifts which are occurring particularly in the south and it is essential that he become the next Chair of ECAN to achieve this. Michael Campbell has also worked in the Timaru and South Canterbury area. Should Independent candidates be elected in sufficient numbers in Christchurch and in the regions, we will ensure that there is a change in direction that will benefit all Canterbury. Independent Citizens candidates acknowledge the special character of South Canterbury.

Many people in Christchurch originate from other centres mainly from the south. In order that we can move forward it is important that there is no split within ECAN and that ECAN works in partnership with the mayors of the regions. Over the last three years under LABOUR 2021 ECAN has endorsed the unjustified and unaffordable increase in rates of 39% for general rates - This is unsustainable. Of course Sir Kerry Burke knows better how to spend your money than you do!

Therefore if you want to see a united Canterbury it is time for change. South Canterbury is important. The next Chair of ECAN must be able to work closely with your local Regional and District representatives and must be prepared to listen, not dictate. You have been well represented at the ECAN table by your elected representatives, but independent councillors have not had the numbers. We need to address this. My message is tell your friends in Christchurch to vote for the Independent Citizens candidates and to beware of any candidates who may be aligned to Labour 2021 in the rest of the Province.

For the future of Canterbury ensure Alec Neill is the next chair of ECAN

Michael Campbell

Independent Citizens for ECAN (Regional Council)

Christchurch East

ends 

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