Actions louder

It is time, again, for local council elections and our candidates make promises to make the councils perform effectively and, more importantly to reflect the will of their electorate. I ama firm believer that actions speak louder than words.

Not so long ago Tasman District Council went through a consultation process for the Lee Valley Dam and received one of the largest number of submissions ever on a specific issue. A huge majority were opposed to the dam project as it stood and many identified alternatives containing solid financial and technical analyses which showed that the project being promoted was seriously flawed.

Despite this the councillors voted to pass this into the Long Term Plan. Only councillors Mark Greening and Martine Bouillir had the courage to vocally oppose this in open forum while the rest played follow my leader (s).

My letter is not about whether the dam is justifiable or not. It is about democracy and the integrity of those people standing for council. Before voting I would urge voters to consider whether they want a councillor or mayor who truly represents their views and to judge them on their past actions as opposed to fine words. old mentality of building more roads and trying instead other means of transport that are easier on the planet and better for our health. Let’s build a Nelson for people, not cars. who(m) to avoid.’’ Well, despite the galloping absurdity of the proposition, as one who’s observed the present council up close, many times, I would delightedly comply.

Sadly for Mr Morice, however, neither of the aforementioned names would feature remotely near such a list.