I'm voting for Mike Lee to replace Pippa Coom in the local body elections. It's that simple.
Even though I've voted Labour/Green all my life, I can no longer stand by and watch my town torn apart by Coom and City Vision's misguided urbanism. Together they have systematically brought our city to a standstill, cut down our local forest, attacked our street trees, ruined Queen Street and forced small businesses to the brink.
The current local board and council have both wilfully ignored the community over relocating the Erebus memorial, protecting trees on Owairaka and ending chemical street spraying - all the while raw sewage still flows into the Waitematā Harbour every time it rains! We need a change and a fresh perspective on all the issues.
Mike Lee was the chairman of the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) before the the Super City was created. A recognised environmentalist and a champion of local democracy he helped add 1776 hectares of regional parkland across the isthmus. His track record of fairness, kindness and consensus is legendary. Honest and reliable, Mike Lee’s common sense is a breath of fresh air. Tick.
For the Local Waitematā Board I'm voting for Sarah Trotman, Alan Matson, Greg Moyle, Genevieve Sage, Chris Severne, Len Ward of Communities and Residents (C&R) and independent Gael Baldock.
Sarah Trotman is a bright spark. The only local board member that bothered to really listen to the public, investigated the issues, heard both sides and then made her own decision.
Trotman stood with the community to save the Western Springs Forest. She supported Parnell people to relocate the Erebus memorial and helped to protect Owairaka. A lone voice, she called out the injustice of block voting by City Vision and resigned, rather than stay in that toxic environment. Tick.Alan Matson is the long time champion of Auckland's built heritage. For over 20 years he has fought to protect significant buildings that quivered beneath the wrecking ball. Like me, he is a lefty and has joined forces with Communities and Residents because only a coalition of common sense will save us now. Tick.
Greg Moyle has been a long time advocate for the Western Bay/Waitematā ward supporting local businesses and encouraging sensible improvements that enhance our local shopping villages rather than destroy them. Open minded and compassionate his community service has won him many friends across a broad political spectrum. Tick.
Genevieve Sage, Len Ward and Chris Severne are all newbies, but I am optimistic under Mike Lee's captaincy this new crew can turn the boat around and navigate the perils that divide us to find a way through to calmer waters.
Common sense is the missing element in our political system. Global ideology swamps clear thinking and greenwashing goes unopposed. If we are to curb Auckland Council's insane policy of 'creating congestion' with humps, bumps, hit sticks, and raised tables we must vote for people who are not brainwashed by the bureaucracy; people strong enough to challenge fake and flawed consultation by the CCOs (Council Controlled Organisations); people who will not be driven by predetermined edicts from central government; people who will listen and represent the voice of the public.
Vote for a change, because it matters. Vote for a coalition of common sense. (Lisa Prager)
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