Think Tank calls on RDC to see challenge as positive

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 679, 25 March 1997, Page 1

Think Tank calls on RDC to see challenge as positive

Negativity in the Ruapehu District Council's response to the 'Think Tank' group's concerns about the council's performance is disappointing,. said group spokesman John McCarthy last week. In reply to deputy mayor Bob Peck, he said the group was disappointed at the negativity and the personalised nature of the response. 'The comments and proposed action originating from the group loosely known as the Think Tank, represented a desire to initiate a positive result for the community," said Mr McCarthy. "One would have thought that the council, especially our local representatives, would have welcomed these initiatives. What a shame that they choose to regard genuine concern from people in the community as a threat." "It poses the question about the tail wagging the dog," he said. "The bottom line is that these people are elected by us. We're supposed to be on the same side." He said the council and councillors should view the criticisms coming from the 'Think Tank' group as constructive. "We should be working together, not squabbling and droning out the tired old platitudes as to why something can't be done." He claims the council should not feel threatened but rather should get beyond their "siege mentality thought process" and admit that they do not have a monopoly on ideas and be prepared to liaise in a positive fashion. "On a final note, whilst I believe that this council has Turn to Page 2

Think Tank challenge 'positive'

been derelict in a multitude of areas of performance in relation to the needs of Ohakune and the wider environs, they haven't done all bad," he said. "The appointment of Bruce Rollinson as the marketing arm of council has the po-

tential to be of enormous benefit to our region. His participation at the occasional meeting of the ' Think Tank' has always been positive and informed. The fact that he lives in our area and is therefore more accessible than a lot of council

employees is a boon to this area." "Corne on you councillors, don't be frightened by some positive aggro from sectors of the community," challenges Mr McCarthy. "Grasp the opportunity that this offers you. Tell us of your achievements for our district, tell us why we're better off because of your representation, tell us how your air-conditioned offices in Taumarunui represent value for money for us in the Waimarino."