Mayor replies

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 586, 16 May 1995, Page 6

Mayor replies

Ruapehu District mayor Garrick Workman replies to the letter, Page 4, regarding the Mangawhero T errace car park proposal: "There was no 'brain storming' session as such. Certainly I never described our on-site meeting this way, given the concern being expressed publicly and privately within the community about this issue. I asked Cliff Houston and former Ohakune Deputy Mayor Bruce Thompson to check the area out with me, prior to council making any decision on the matter at the meeting the following day. Mr Scarf incidentally was not at the meeting. Golin Webb, the Waimarino Community Board Chairman was invited to attend, but could not be there, given the short notice. Mr Lowe, Council' s property officer, however, was. In discussing the pros and cons of various options we agreed that a long-term solution to the problem needed to be carefully developed. In the short-term though it was fairly obvious that a considerable number of carparks (around 50) could be provided if the carriageway in that area of

Mangawhero Terrace was widened by five metres. The idea is not new. Mrs Evelyn Cooper, who felt concerned enough to write to council and the Bulletin some time ago about the use of the road reserve for car parking purposes, suggested this as a method of partially resolving the parking problem on.the Terrace. (See letters, Ruapehu Bulletin, 20 December 1994) Your correspondent is not correct in assuming that input from the Waimarino Community Board is being ignored. The recommendatipn of the Board will be taken into account as a long term solution for parking and illegal parking in the area is developed. As far as brains are concerned, I would like to think I still have some. I am also a realist and prefer to address issues with common sense and in a practical manner, seeking solutions that are workable and effective. Even if that means compromising to a degree during the decision making process.

Garrick

Workman.

Ruapehu District Mayor.