It’s good to see that not everyone is totally blinded by the attractiveness of the message. This article at least is backed by a little bit of investigation and thought. Well done Gordon Campbell. One of his comments:
Crucially, the measure has a ratcheting down effect on community services.
The debate needs balance, just as the decision making needs both sides being argued. Local government shouldn’t go becoming all Keynesian, but nor should it stick to roads and rubbish, as some would have it. Here in Welly we like our Stadium, we like our events, and we love our improved waterfront (apart from a few hardy souls). I like the fact that people have opinions – but I wish they would engage in a decent discussion, rather than sound-bite sized slanging matches.
It’s also a shame that the majority of us are too busy getting on with life to really engage in the discussion.
This amalgamation is going to be very interesting for local government across the country – but I have spoken to quite a few in the industry around the country, who seem blissfully unaware that it could impact on them. I look forward to that changing.
I also look forward to more of us telling our councils what level of services we are happy with. As an example, it probably costs me, on average, about $25 a month for the library services that the city provides. So for the cost of 1 novel a month (or maybe 2 magazines), I get the entire network of libraries and services. Not a bad deal, really. I should use it more, and ensure I am actually winning on the deal – wouldn’t be difficult.
What I don’t want, is some populist messaging central government politician telling me what I can have. But to ensure I don’t get that, I have to make sure I get heard for myself. As do we all.
