Deputy Mayor Criticises Horizons - 30/06/2008Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon criticises Horizons Regional Council and Cr Annette Main for the unacceptable 21% plus rate increases for Wanganui ratepayers. For Cr Main to say (Wanganui Chronicle 26 June) that the Wanganui District Council had sent mixed messages over the proposed rate levy as outlined in the draft Annual Plan, is absurd.
“Wanganui District Council made it very clear in their submission to Horizons that it opposed this level of rate increase. For Cr Main not to have supported and voted with Cr Walker to limit the increase to the rate of inflation is therefore astonishing. This year and in previous years, we have tried to convince Horizons to minimise their rates take from our citizens”, Cr McKinnon stated.
I doubt that Cr Main spoke to Mayor Laws about the issue and made no attempt to discuss it with me. Cr Walker did take the time and effort to talk with us. He worked very hard for Wanganui ratepayers, diligently endeavouring to achieve the best for our district. As usual, with Horizons numbers stacked against Wanganui by the Manawatu/Palmerston North dominance, Cr Walker’s efforts were in vain.
As far as the flood protection scheme is concerned, Wanganui District Council made it quite clear that it opposed many aspects of the scheme and wished to have more dialogue with Horizons before any rates were levied. How mixed is that message? Horizons has blithely gone ahead, ignoring our submission.
Recently the concept of a unitary authority has re-arisen. Several Wanganui ratepayers, concerned at the burgeoning Horizons rates, have visited me to discuss this issue. On our own we may find this concept difficult, but with the combined strength of neighbouring (smaller) councils, we could make it work. To secede from Horizons or not? The process must be considered. | 
