Ruapehu Choice, '92.

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 455, 29 September 1992, Page 6

Ruapehu Choice, '92.

.xkxkxxxxxxxj Alfred Alabaster, 30, Raetihi farmer, is a candidate for election to the Waimarino Community Board. "These past few years I have seen our three local authorities merge to one district-wide organisation. Then more recently to a larger authority that has its administration offices well outside our district and community of interest. "This I believe has led to a slow but steady decline in the standard of

iiiixxaixaxaax services we receive in our district. Couple this with the fact that the council did (and possibly still are) considering replacing community boards 1 with less politically ef- ' fective groups. I think it is essential that our community board is well informed and supported by Waimarino residents so that council is made well aware of our concerns and points of issue. "The issues that concern me and that I think

■XXXXXXXXXXXX need addressing are: • "I do not believe the council should be operating businesses eg the road construction company that was formed and undertakes state highway work. This must reduce the administrative and material resources the council has, its ability to service its ratepayers and residents needs. As a consequence administrative costs have probably increased. • "Rates from this district have increased with a deterioration in servicing. Why? (for one probably cause see above). • "More accountability from the council administration. "Through my involvement with export markets I see many commercial opportunities for the Waimarino district in agricultural and horticultural production as well as tourism, geared for off-

* * xx XX xxxxxxxa shore markets. I would be keen to see these resources actively promoted at either council or community board level. "On a personal note I have experience working in group and committee structures. Serving on sports club and church committees, past chairman of Waimarino Federated Farmers, secretary of the Waimarino District Ratepayers Association and I am presently serving on the Wanganui region LandBased Resource Board. "If elected to the Waimarino Community Board I would see my obligations as being to the residents of the Waimarino first." Ben Goddard, Ohakune Automotive engineer, is standing for the Waimarino Community Board. "The Waimarino Community Board, since its inception three years ago, has continued to es-

IIIIKIIII1III tablish itself as an extremely essential, important and influential component of local Government, within the Ruapehu District, despite early uncertainty as to the Board's real role or responsibility. "The Waimarino area represents a substantial part of the Ruapehu District and it is vitally important that Ruapehu District Council management and council continue to acknowledge that fact. We are not just 'somewhere', south of National Park! "The Board has endeavoured to represent ratepayers and residents of the Waimarino in the best possible way and a strong and dedicated board has proven successful, although at times the system has caused frustration. "I have enjoyed working along-side our Board Members and seeing the

lllflflllllll results of our efforts on behalf of ratepayers and residents of the Waimarino. I would also at this time like to express thanks to Don Satler for his individual efforts within the Waimarino Area. "I have again decided to make myself available for the Waimarino Community Board. I make no promises, apart from, as in the past, accepting the challenges put before us as a Board and seeing them through, and with your support the Waimarino Community can enjoy its substantial share, in all areas, within the greater Ruapehu District through our representation. "I look forward to your support, thankyou." Sue Rodger Sue Rodger, 37, New Zealand Post manager of Waiouru is standing for a place on the Ruapehu District Council, representing Waiouru. She has served on council for the the past three years - the first term of the new council. "I feel this experience has given me valuable insight into the role of councillors both on the council and at community

111111111111! board level," she said. Rates is the issue that most people are concerned about, says Mrs Rodger. "For what we're getting the rates are more than reasonable and I would endeavour to see that they stay that way." She says she wants to see the idea of 'one district' promoted more, and that Waiouru has a major part to play in this. "I feel the district as a whole hasn't tapped into its full potential, especially in the tourism area. There is a lot of potential for economic growth in the district including Waiouru." Mrs Rodger, one of just two female candidates in the whole district, said she was disappointed there were not more women standing for council. Mrs Rodger has lived in Waiouru for 15 years - a long time in terms of most people in the town who tend to be transient due to the nature of their work. She said she finds the town clean and safe, if "sometimes freezing". She said she and her family intend staying in Waiouru for at least 10 more years.