Money well spent

In my opinion, an effective mayor chairs meetings like a top rugby referee: they command the respect of the players. In the main they let the game (the debate) flow. ‘‘Red carding’’ players is rare.

This was evident at the last full NPDC council meeting when councillors John McLeod and Harry Duynhoven locked horns over the legitimacy and cost of Stacey Hitchcock’s overseas trip to research hydrogen in Aberdeen. (Taranaki Daily News, November 7, ‘‘Explosive Hydrogen Debate’’).

Feelings were running high. However, a robust debate ensued—even if it got a bit personal. Order was restored, and most importantly, people had their say. Democracy prevailed.

I think previous NPDC mayors have sometimes (defensively) tried to shut down blunt debate, and this may explain why some councillors went rogue and were evicted from meetings (or got so frustrated they walked out).

With respect to Cr Stacey Hitchcock costing the ratepayers $6438 to attend a hydrogen energy conference (as part of her fact-finding assignment), I say it was money well spent.

While Stacey wasn’t my first choice for this trip (I favoured Shaun Biesiek), her TDN column and video reports about hydrogen, and how it could be a game changer for Taranaki, were informative and engaging.

And her enthusiasm has been contagious and priceless.

Bryan Vickery, New Plymouth