National Park Ward

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 606, 3 October 1995, Page 11

National Park Ward

council: Ken Malcolm I have watched what I believe has been a decrease in services over the last three years along with an unsustainable increase in payments. Some of our businesses are sharpening their pencils, but from for the local authority this has not happened, while the standard of our roads has slipped dramatically. It is an indictment on the system when the district manager asks people to refrain from using some of our roads for legitimate purposes. With the statement from the valuation department as to the trend in valuations over the district I believe the council has to set rates to overcome some of the distortions that can occur. With the increase in sale prices in the rural and urban area of the National Park Ward, at the same time as lowering of prices in Taumarunui, I believe that the next three years is a very important time in the future of our district. With the large increase in tourists I believe central government should contribute further to fund services. A fairer sharing of the fuel tax collected in this area should be available for developement. I have been farming on my own account at Kaitieke since 1961 , and have been involved in the local community in all aspects since then. Stephen Leslie Mastrovich No proifle has been recei ved from Mr Mastrovich Larry Rogers Lionel (Larry) Rogers is standing for councillor for the National Park Ward: "I was born in South Otago and educated at the University of Canterbury. Much of my young life was spent working in Australia, England, Germany and France.

"I now work as an electrician and journalist. I am single and a ratepayer. I have lived in the Ruapehu District for the past 12 years and want to go on living here. "I am standing because I want things to be different. I would like to see 'reason' and 'proper planning' prevail. "I am no stranger to local body affairs. As a journalist I have sat on the press bench reporting the proceedings of councils for years. I know the players and how they operate. "I aim to encourage the council to support any economic development in the region, — traditional farming and tourism. "To prosper we must have adequate hospital facilities, healthy educational institutions and employment. "People are a council' s greatest asset. People create wealth from exertion on our natural resources. People pay rates and the more ratepayers, the less rates. I want to fight for a better life in our district and I do not want — not ever again — to hear that common catchcry: "Last one out of Ruapehu, please turn out the lights." Eddie Turley,

I am married to Kathleen and have four adult children. I have lived in the Owhango area for 40 years and have taken an acti ve part in many community activities. My thanks to those who have supported me in the past 20 years by allowing me

to gain useful experience in local government. The first responsibility of a representative is to be available to ratepayers to hear requests and concerns. I have the time and will always be available to do so. If elected I look forward to meeting new people, renewing old acquaintances and continuing to help resolve problems. It is rewarding to know that the concept of the annual plan is slowly but surely being accepted and is providing the avenue whereby results are achieved. Health issues are foremost for many candidates and sometimes there is confusion. I have been a member of "Stakeholders" from the beginning and taken an active part. We have almost completed our assignment and where that facility is to be located is much less important than what it provides. Value for money for rates paid is very important and in our rural area roading is foremost. I' m not at all happy with last year's performance and have already taken steps to encourage improvement. Effects of the Resource Management Act are beginning to surface and will continue to do so. It is important we monitor it closely and ensure the RDC does its best on behalf of ratepayers. I hope you will continue to support me and in return I look forward to representing you in a fair and practical manner.