Cut the councillor numbers says a rate payer

Recommendations for Fit for the Future is that present elected council place the best interest of their community first rather than their own self interest and further they display some empathy, integrity and leadership and affirmative positive action.

This could be achieved by council setting a prime example to their ratepayers by reducing numbers from nine to five immediately by council resolution and a sanction the minister for local government.

2. replace the position of mayor with head councillor and remove mayoral fees and allowances.

3. freeze councillor fees and allowances as per 2013-2014 budget level.The burden of economic austerity must be borne by all sectors of this community, council cannot expect ratepayers to accept reduced services, increased rate fees, charges and loss of income by way of lost employment opportunity whilst council steadfastly maintains status quo.

Now is the moment for council to prove to their ratepayers that they are no hypocrites or parasites but are genuine real people who are prepared to do the right and honourable thing by sharing in the equity of the same economic hardship of this community.

Then and only then we may say we will be Fit for the Future. 

Signed rate payer : name given but withheld.