MEDIA RELEASE
MONDAY 12 MARCH, 2012

Local Government Minister’s intentions for councils good news for amalgamation: Aldo Miccio

Representative of electors Aldo Miccio says Local Government Minister Nick Smith’s intention to pare back the scope of local government is good news for the potential new council for the region.

“Not only do we get to start again with a combined vision that recognises we are one region of people, we will have the mandate of the government to focus on core activities and infrastructure projects,” Miccio says. “The water cooler talk around the region is still focused on whether or not rates will go up, and whether debt will increase if the Nelson and Tasman councils amalgamate.

“The combination of up to $3.2 million direct cost savings* each year as one council, and the requirement for elected members to be more focused on our core functions, puts paid to the incorrect message out there that rates increases will go up if we amalgamate.

“It is also important to reiterate the fact that the current council debt will be ring-fenced, with each council paying back the debt each has incurred,” he says. “Then, when the right people are elected, then the new council will be able to keep rates increases and debt down.

“Those elected to the new council should understand the concern people have in the region about debt and rates, and should be focused on decreasing the financial burden on the region’s citizens,” he says. “If we have one council, we can focus on what we need, and then with our one voice we can gain central government funding for those nice to haves.”
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