Central Otago candidate public forums needed

THE Otago Daily Times is to be congratulated for the coverage of the upcoming local body elections, particularly the analyses of some local councils’ elected members’ performances.

The reporting of voters’ key concerns at public meetings held across many districts is informative. These councils are taking their responsibilities seriously to ensure democracy is at work in their districts.

It’s curious why there have been no similar public meetings convened independently to date across Central Otago. Will Central Otago District Council voters have access to local democracy reporter analysis, such as has happened in other Otago and Southland local councils?

Also, CODC voters need to hear from those candidates returning unopposed so that there are transparent approaches to democratic processes and a preparedness to be accountable to current positions on key issues.

CODC voters’ key issues include: What needs to be reprioritised so that all residents across the district enjoy basic human rights around clean drinking water, and effective wastewater and sewerage systems which don't pollute our waterways?

Where candidates stand on ensuring all citizens across the region have equitable access to adequate roading and bridges?

How candidates prioritise affordable housing districtwide?

What would candidates review and reprioritise in planned spending (e.g. as per the latest LTP) so that income from rates and council surpluses focus on the above being prioritised?

We urge CODC candidates to address issues such as these in public forums like others have across OtagoSouthland district councils, so that Central Otago voters too can make informed decisions.

Rod and Mary Ann Baxter

Alexandra

WE have two broad choices at the upcoming council elections.

The first is for candidates aligned to business interests. Their programmes address the shortterm selfinterest of George St traders and motorists, harking back to a time when Dunedin was like a country town and you could park your car outside your favourite shop whenever you liked.

The problem with this choice is a climate catastrophe is under way in New Zealand and business interests are largely responsible for creating it.

The second, and the only sane choice, is to vote for candidates who will look for ways of mitigating and adapting to climate change.

In the interests of our children and grandchildren, we must return our very competent Green mayor and candidates who share his vision of a peoplefriendly city where alternatives to the dominance of the car are encouraged.

Jean Cockram Roslyn

Stop Dunedin slipping

I PREDICTED that Dunedin would lose its comparative advantage over other New Zealand centres. This has now come true.

The cost of living or studying down south is now more than that of Christchurch and regional cities. Once, having a startup tech business in Dunedin made sense with the university, and low costs. No longer.

More choice may force business north; Christchurch is the key competition, its roading works, nearnew or new housing is higher quality and cheaper (see Trade Me sub$650,000), and the engineering school and computer department at the University of Canterbury pumps out graduates.

Soon that city will have a new stadium, and they have Kmart!

Time for the council to step up and make Dunedin the city of our future, in partnership with business and the University of Otago.

Brett Smith Waikouaiti