Here’s an insight into those people who were trying to take over the Hutt and our rates, to use for their think big schemes.
After Fran Wilde’s resignation, or ousting, from Chair of the GWRC, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce issued a press release celebrating her contribution to the region.
The sycophantic love note from Chief Executive John Milford said Fran was great because “She was also a great supporter of changing the governance of the region, something the vast majority of businesses in the region are calling for.”
He is of course not referring to actual businesses of the region, but only to Chambers of Commerce, who were all whipped into line on the subject. Actual businesses – the people who actually make and sell stuff – were ambivalent. A survey of them by the Hutt Chamber found that the majority did NOT want amalgamation.
Remember, these Chamber leaders love the idea of regional amalgamation so much that they have refused to amalgamate themselves.
Milfy doesn’t much care for evidence. For example, he repeats that “Our economy and regional development continues to lag behind others” and again choose not to cites any evidence.
Here’s another great quote though from ol’ Milfy:
“We just hope that politicking doesn’t continue to get in the way of achieving the right outcomes for the region.”
Yes, that’s right. Milfy hopes none of that democratic voting stuff gets in the way of doing what Fran wants. You know, what he’s talking about – the ugly system where people and their representatives get to argue stuff out. All that is a pesky nuisance to visionaries like Fran and Milfy. Only, when you look at what they say, they’re not visionary at all – they’re pedestrian.
With an empty page in front of him, Milfy could have sketched out this vision. Instead he advised; “councillors need to keep their eye on issues that will help move us forward.” And there you have it – no issues specifically mentioned, and no vision described, just some BS about going forward somewhere. It’s a wonder he manages to walk forward at all.
