Prominent Cantabrians Speak Out Against Asset Sales
Prominent Cantabrians Speak Out Against Asset
Sales
Responses are coming in to KOA (Keep our Assets Canterbury) from prominent Cantabrians opposed to asset sales.
It’s clear to us the majority of Cantabrians are strongly opposed to asset sales
Some of the early responses include the following:
Deputy Chair of the Historic Places Trust Canterbury Ross Gray has made his personal view clear
“It is vital that the Christchurch City Council, in whom city assets are vested, retains these assets for the continuing income generating benefit they offer the city” (see full statement at end of release)
Local writer Fiona Farrell says it’s time for a cup of tea
“This city is being forced by government into selling assets, to fund items it neither needs nor can afford. It is time to ditch the blueprint. Sit down. Have a nice cup of tea, and think again”
The Wizard is typically blunt
"The Anchor projects are sinking the ship of Christchurch. We are selling our birthright for a mess of pottage."
And to those who say young people don’t give a stuff about politics local musicians The Transistors get straight to the point
“We oppose any transfer of public assets into the ownership of a wealthy few”
The KOA campaign is growing with petition forms coming in from across the city opposed to asset sales.
Ross Gray’s full statement
“It is vital that the Christchurch City Council, in whom city assets are vested, retains these assets for the continuing income generating benefit they offer the city. The loss of some $230million income over ten years by the sale of all or part of Christchurch International Airport, Lyttelton Port Company, Red Bus and other important assets makes absolutely no economic sense and represents a very dangerous fiscal shortsightedness which will surely be regretted in the future.
A rational and balanced approach to the current budgetary difficulties must be taken by the city council; this should include a more finely tuned prioritisation than that currently proposed. The People’s Choice Common Sense Plan should be given serious consideration by all councillors and Mayor in the long term best interests of the citizens of Christchurch”
ends