Brendan Horan

I would like to respond to a recent letter to The Beacon from Becs Mackay (Wednesday, September 24).

First, while I have publicly expressed my support for Mayor Victor Luca, this should not be twisted into claims of blind loyalty. I support him because our visions for Whakatāne align; we both want Whakatāne to be a place where people can grow, work, play, and stay. Where our seniors can comfortably and safely retire, and our young people can be educated and find great employment.

That is a vision shared by many in our community. Supporting a colleague whose values and priorities I respect, does not mean I follow without thought. My interactions with Dr Luca have involved plenty of disagreement, sometimes heated, but always respectful. We’ve known each other since we attended St Joseph’s when we were five years old. He has earned my trust, however, every decision I make is my own, and if I am elected, will always be guided by what best serves the people of Whakatāne.

Secondly, the accusation that Dr Luca or his supporters dismiss science when it is “inconvenient” is misleading in the extreme. Disagreeing over how data is gathered, interpreted and applied is not the same as ignoring it. Strong debate and rigorous questioning are the hallmarks of good governance, not weaknesses. That letter writer presented a false narrative, so let’s consider the facts. Dr Luca is a scientist with a PhD and 30 years of international experience. That expertise gives him real credibility when standing before ministers in Wellington and ensures our district’s case is backed by evidence and academic clout, consequently Dr Luca has successfully brought National Government ministers to recognise Whakatāne's need for an equitable health system, the need for a provincial airline service, Whakaari monitoring and our urgent need for a second bridge.

Dr Luca's credentials and credibility can open doors not just on a national scale but also internationally, because appearances and substance count, especially in Asian countries such as China and Japan where mayors are exalted figures. Having a mayor who is the smartest man in the room matters.

Thirdly, the suggestion that my role is simply to “back Dr Luca rather than represent the community” is absolutely wrong. I offer my skills, competencies, experience and connections to the people of Whakatāne should they chose to vote for me to represent their best interests. To imply otherwise diminishes both my commitment and the trust voters have placed in me.

I love my hometown, and our district faces real challenges: steep rates pressures, infrastructure demands, and the need to plan for sustainable growth. These cannot be solved by grandstanding or by reducing complex issues to soundbites. They require a council that works cohesively, debates openly to dissect the issues and solutions, and acts responsibly on behalf of the whole community. We cannot allow divisive personality politics to continue to take root. We are all in this together.

That is what I stand for: collaboration, fairness, and a strong commitment to the people who call Whakatāne home.