Anger over CE info release
Councillor Bernhard Chrustowski has labelled the revelation of former ceo Rob William’s leaving package a ’’fundamental attack on democracy’’.
Last week The Taupo Times revealed former CE Rob Williams received an exit package after his early exit from the top job. The decision was made to award the package despite being contrary to the legal advice given to councillors making their decision. The vote passed 8-3 with councillors John Boddy, Rosanne Jollands and Zane Cozens voting against the motion.
Chrustowski condemned the release of the information.
‘‘I believe there have been a number of breaches of the code of conduct that elected members, at the beginning, came together to agree on,’’ he said.
‘‘There were no dissent about going in to confidence relating to that decision.
‘‘If councillors had an issue with this they should have spoken up at the time.’’
Chrustowski said he is aware the democratic system is not perfect, but he said to ignore the rules is to incite anarchy.
‘‘I know the democratic process can be frustrating,’’ he said. ‘‘I know it can be excruciatingly long, and at times appears counter-productive. I know it can appear to work against you. I know it can be disillusioning. I know it is not perfect. But for now, it is the best system we have because it gives everyone a voice.’’
‘‘If councillors had an issue with this they should have spoken up at the time.’’ Bernhard Chrustowski