Candidates speak out at public meeting

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 18, 4 October 1983, Page 2

Candidates speak out at public meeting

All candidates standing for election to Ohakune Borough Council, Wanganui Hospital Board and Wanganui / Rangitikei Catchment Board spoke to a public meeting in Ohakune last Wednesday evening. Chaired by Ohakune

mayor, Bill Taylor, the meeting was attended by about 25 members of the public. Each of the candidates, in alphabetical order, presented their policies, the basis of which appears onpage eight of last week's issue of the Bulletin. For Ohakune Borough Council candidates, concern centred around three main issues — rating, roading and town planning. Snow Brannigan felt that a differential rating system may be fairer to all ratepayers in the borough. Patricia Burns said that the town must keep progressing. Alan Goddard, a former borough council foreman, felt that he had a lot to offer in the area of roading etc. Much-needed improvements should be tackled as soon as

possible. Ellen Gould a resident for 26 years, said that she had a vital interest in the town's future and was keen to help Ohakune realise it's potential. Peter Hammond could see the town's rapid growth but was concerned about the lack of a positive longtermplan. He felt a "strong" council was essential to keep Ohakune's growth on a level plane. The major concern for Bully Hays was that roads had to be upgraded. He also stated staunch support for ski development. Ian Heappy said that council was being too restrictive in its town plan which inadvertently discouraged tourism. Hefelt council should help develop amenities to keep visitors in the town. He also expressed concern that in the last financial year council had spent 46% of its income on administration but only 16% on roading. Margaret Horne said that her policy statement had appeared in last week's Bulletin and devoted her time to reviewing achievements of council over the past 3 years — achievements in which she was proud to have been able to participate. Gary McKenzie felt that the rating system needed to be reviewed. While he encouraged the development of the borough as a tourist town, he felt that growth should not be allowed to impose unnecessary financial burdens on local residents. Errol Sue had served 8 years on council some years ago and felt his experience especially in town planning would be of benefit. He felt that the problems associated with rapid growth were outweighed by the benefits of that growth. Mike Wiggins was concerned that Ohakune be developed as a 1 2-month-of-the-year town. It was important that businesses in the main commercial area operate

year-round to avoid the image of "ghost-town" in the off-season. He also felt that a fairer rating system needed to be developed and that roading and footpath upgrading was urgently needed. Bill Willis stated that his main concern was to allow the town to develop without destroying the natural environment. Wanganui Hospital Board candidate Godfrey Harvey praised hospital staff for their efforts in cost savings enabling the appointment of four extra specialist staff. He was concerned that the Wanganui Hospital Board may be amalgamated with the Palmerston North Hospital Board. Dorothy Scarrow was standing for election because of her intense concern for the welfare of all people. Finally the two candidates for Wanganui/ Rangitikei Catchment Board spoke. Peter Hammond felt there was a need for more planning by the catchment board and that it wasn't presently doing enougtaja the area for the amoui^p money it collected. Hal Manson felt that he'd done his part in ensuring the catchment board did itsjob well in this area and he was . very conscious of the board's role in the conservation of soil and water. Followingcandidate's presentations, questions were invited from the public. Discussion ranged over such things as rubbish collection, naming of streets and commercial development for Ohakune. Concern was expressed that the allocation of borough funds was imbalanced with disproportionate amounts spent on administration and finance. Concern was^M| expressed about implelwP tation of the town plan and council's seeming discouragement of commercial development in the downtown area. See candidate statements for Nationa! Park Community Council on page 13.