Keith Chapple, mayoral candidate:

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 603, 12 September 1995, Page 10

Keith Chapple, mayoral candidate:

The health reforms have had a dramatic effect on health services in the Ruapehu District. The Wanganui CHE wants to reduce services in Raetihi; the Waikato CHE wants to replace Taumarunui Hospital with a clinic. Health has lately become the main issue in the local body elec-

"Health services are the main issue", said Mayoral Candidate, Keith Chapple. "For three years I've been at the forefront of the fight tokeep Taumarunui Hospital where it is. My view has been consistent. Ruapehu District needs a regional hospital with surgical accident & emergency facilities". "I was a founding mem-

Health Committee in 1992 and wrote all its submissions and press releases. Since then, though I've not been invited to join any of the six health committees set up by the mayor or the Ruapehu District Council, I've remained at the forefront of public debate repeating the same thing. "However, nothing has been resolved. Health services are as uncertain today as they were three years ago. "I've stayed outside Council affairs previously because I've always felt more effecti ve and successful outside local politics. "But the health issue is so important to the future well-being of the District that I realise now it needs the prestige and full backing of the mayor' s office to make progress." Mr Chapple is the present National Deputy President of the Royal Forest and Bird

Society and said he has successfully fought major battles with Electricorp to put more water in the Whanganui River and the Forest Service to create the Tongariro Forest Park. "I know how to fight for the best interest of the District and I have the experience to deal with health bureaucrats," said Mr Chapple. "What I seek in this election is the united support of the whole District."