Don’t Forget To Vote in Local Govt Elections

PLEASE PHONE 09-379 2023 URGENTLY TO ARRANGE A NEW VOTING PAPER 

Dig out those voting packsAucklanders are reminded they have a week left to return their votes in this year’s local body elections. Voter turnout is well down on the last elections three years ago. Many of the councils in the Auckland region have so far received 25 per cent fewer votes when compared with the same period in 2004.

Dale Ofsoske, electoral officer for four of the Auckland region’s eight councils, says it is important electors take the opportunity to express their views.

“This is the one opportunity people have to select the people they want to represent them. If they don’t vote then they’re not really in a position to comment on the decisions politicians make.”

Mr Ofsoske says voters need to make their choices and get their votes in the post by Thursday 11 October.

“A lot of people will have put their voting packs in the ‘must get round to’ pile. Please make it a priority this week to dig them out and return them.”

Elections are being held for: mayor, councillors and community board members in your territorial authority (city or district council) Auckland Regional Council members District Health Board

members and licensing trust members in some areas.

Voting closes at midday on Saturday, 13 October and some councils will have drop-off points on election day for those who have missed the postal deadline.

Your vote can make a difference!

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO HELP

Every Vote Counts

REMEMBER TO POST YOUR PAPERS BACK BY FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER

If you have not received a voting document, it is not too late to place a special vote. Were not enrolled as a resident or ratepayer in Auckland city but qualify as electors? Did not receive a voting document in the post? Accidentally LOST or DAMAGED it?

PLEASE PHONE 09-379 2023 URGENTLY TO ARRANGE A NEW VOTING PAPER

The post box is your ballot box

I post here an article from the Herald. Now that you have your voting papers, use your right and vote!

19 September 2007If the future of your city, district or region is important then make sure you vote in this year’s local body elections. From Friday, all enrolled electors will receive their voting documents in the post. Voters have three weeks to choose the elected representatives they want and post back their voting documents.

Dale Ofsoske, electoral officer for four of the Auckland region’s eight councils, says elected representatives make choices that affect everything from the maintenance of parks to regional growth and planning. “Voters should think carefully about the best people to represent them. Voting is important and easy to do.” Mr Ofsoske says voters need to make their choices and get their votes in the post by Thursday 11 October.   “Remember this election the post box is your ballot box.” Elections are being held for:

o       mayor

o       councillors

o       community board membersin your territorial authority (city or district)

o       Auckland Regional Council members

o       District Health Board members (Vote for Me!)

o       and licensing trust members in some areas. 

Voting closes at midday on Saturday 13 October, and some councils will have drop-off points on election day for those who have missed the postal deadline. To contact your local electoral officer visit your council’s website.

So send those voting papers back in before October 11th!!

RAM is short for RAMAKRISHNA, Our ADHB candidate!!

Read Aaron Bhatnagers blog about how the RAM party is advertising for one of our DHB candidates!

Home spun at a government department near you

Should we stick to our knitting?

The ADHB is already facing massive increases in their water bill and under new proposals released by the Independent Inquiry into Local Government Rates, may now face a rates bill as well. Crown land is exempt rates but it is proposed to scrap this, filling council coffers by a further estimated $100M.

The newly released report of the inquiry into rates says that councils are taking more in rates than is necessary. It also says that rates have risen by 38% in 12 years. How can this be? This is another example of government creative use of statistics and the unquestioning main stream medium. Well what they are talking about is the average rate struck across the country has gone up by 38% So if you were paying 1% of your house value in rates 12 years ago you are now paying 1.38% That’s a massive increase! But the reality of the situation is far worse depending on the city you live in.

Fifteen years ago we paid $1000 for RATES + WATER + ARC. Now we pay $4000. A 400% rise in 15 years. Our rates went up 40% last year alone, due to yet another “one off rates rise for “infrastructure”" and house re-valuation. Successive governments have been very tricky by keeping the cost of housing out of the CPI. If housing costs were factored in fairly it is very unlikely that inflation would have been in the 1-3 % range anytime in the last 15 years. And, of course the rates inquiry conveniently excluded ARC and water rates!!

As I said, figures home spun at a government department near you! Enough is enough! The increases are simply not sustainable for most working people on fixed incomes and older people. More cost effectiveness is needed, along with creative ways to solve problems of large cities.

Should we as ADHB candidates ignore the fact that there could be massive rises in costs due to rates rises and the fact that many of the people the DHB serves are struggling to afford these rates, which may contribute to poor health caused by stress and less disposable income?

Which was the only party to vote against the massive rates rises last year? – Citizens and Ratepayers!

Become part of the C&R Team

If you want to become part of the team helping to campaign please email me at k.o.hicks@xtra.co.nz. If you want to join C&R please go to their website.