Desire for Better Governance Drives Decision to Stand

Former city councillor Denis O’Rourke, businessman / former army officer Richard Lloyd, and award winning composer Dr Philip Norman are all standing for council in the upcoming local government elections in Christchurch.

The group is standing under the Better Governance banner, Mr Lloyd and Dr Norman in Fendalton/Waimairi and Mr O’Rourke in Banks Peninsula.

Denis O’Rourke says the group, which has no political alignment, is concerned at what many see as a “poor standard of decision making” and “a lack of adequate good governance procedures and structures within the City Council”.

“There is growing disquiet not only at some of the decisions which have been made in recent times, but also at the way in which decisions are being made,” former city councillor O’Rourke says.

Richard Lloyd adds that “rushed decisions often made with inadequate management advice, a lack of scrutiny by standing committees, too many discussions and decisions being made behind closed doors, have severely compromised the democratic process and trust ratepayers have in the city council”.

“Council has been weak,” says Mr Lloyd, “which has perpetuated the perception that our elected representatives are merely rubber stamping decisions which have actually been made already by staff and others.”

The group says a number of councillors openly admit their frustration at the ‘rubber stamp syndrome’ prevalent at the council table and ratepayers deserve better than this.

Composer and arts administrator, Dr Philip Norman says if elected to council, he would provide a much needed “experienced and knowledgeable” voice on performance, arts and entertainment. He says some recent decisions show such a voice is badly needed.

“Look at the furore over the Ellerslie Flower Show purchase, the wild goose chase related to the ill-conceived music conservatorium proposal and of course the sandcastle research, to name only three examples”, he says.

Richard Lloyd has a great deal of experience in managing sustainable resources and whereas he applauds the three bin recycling / rubbish service, he believes so much more can and should be done.

“For example, reducing what we are sending to landfill while at the same time providing an income; it can be done and it needs to be done,” he says.

The group as a whole believes the Henderson properties bail-out, the recycling company bail-out and poor management and decision making over issues such as the Edgeware pool destruction demand fresh blood and a relook at council governance and management structures and processes.

“Cost over-runs, un-necessary spending and the bailouts have added to the ratepayer burden,” says Mr O’Rourke, “and not just for rate payers today, but ratepayers for decades to come.”

The groups says “Better Governance” will change this with a return to democratic processes, openness, transparency, and democratic accountability. They will also re-introduce of a small number of essential committees.

“We believe Christchurch is one of the best cities in the world in which to live and work, and we are dedicated to long-term, strategic, sustainable and transparent city planning and administration, combined with common sense and financial accountability,” says Dr Norman.
ENDS www.bettergovernance.co.nz