Beck aims to rebuild trust in city council
The Christchurch City Council’s newest member has pledged to help ‘‘rebuild trust’’ in the troubled organisation.
Former Christ Church Cathedral dean Peter Beck was officially sworn in as a councillor yesterday, replacing former councillor Chrissie Williams in the Burwood- Pegasus ward. With family and friends watching in the public gallery, Beck swore to ‘‘faithfully and impartially’’ perform in the best interests of the city.
Mayor Bob Parker said it was a ‘‘great pleasure’’ to welcome Beck to his new role.
‘‘Your life will never be the same again,’’ he said.
Glenn Livingstone, Beck’s fellow ward councillor, read a prayer written for his colleague.
Beck told councillors he was ‘‘really looking forward’’ to the work ahead.
‘‘I wouldn’t have taken this step if I wasn’t excited about the very possibility of working with this council.’’
Although he was ‘‘specifically interested’’ in issues facing the city’s eastern suburbs, he would work in the interests of the entire city, he said.
After making a brief speech, Beck started to make his way through his first council agenda.
The meeting was an interesting mix for the former dean, including discussions about a prostitution bill, an alcohol ban in Merivale and Papanui, and the council’s anti-gambling policy.
After the meeting, Beck told The Press he had enjoyed his first day as a councillor.
‘‘I found the meeting really interesting. I thought it ran pretty well, and there was a good debate and some good speeches.’’
Beck intended to spend the next few weeks ‘‘getting a feel for the place’’, and had already met several council staff.