Catina Jones

It has come to my attention via Facebook posts that some councillors consider Mayor Victor Luca has broken the unwritten cardinal rule of governance that, when the council comes to a majority ruling, the mayor has to support the majority ruling, regardless of whether it is against the decision. In other words, he has to imply/lie that he thinks the expensive civic centre option was okay, the tidal pool is doing well and cost effective, the boat harbour was a well-planned, safe idea, the Rex Morpeth Hub development is top priority that we really need and the council needs extra staff.

It is ridiculous to uphold this old -school mantra that the Mayor has to back the majority ruling and stifle his own opinion.

The public can view council meetings directly via public gallery, watch on YouTube  or read  the Beacon Local Democracy articles or countless Beacon opinion letters, which are a record of councillor’s decisions.

I respect that once  a decision has been voted on, it has to be implemented, which does happen, however, it is unrealistic to expect to stop the public from responding by thanking, praising, rebuking or discussing with the mayor/councillors, their decisions. It is out in the public arena open for scrutiny.

Councillors and mayors should be free to air their opinion in public but emphasise it is or is not majority vote.

We, as voters, have the opportunity to choose who we would like to see as mayor or councillors and find who aligns mostly with what we consider are important issues.

Some current councillors have supported dubious decisions and consider the council has not been charging enough for rates. They won’t acknowledge the council is overspending and increasing debt and that “wants“ have taken precedence over “needs.”

Every three years, prospective mayoral/ councillor candidates are asked about their stance on certain issues. I expect them to express their own true opinions.

Recent “meet the mayor candidate” public meetings show Nandor Tanczos, Wilson James and Mark Inman support  the Rex Morpeth project Dr Luca, Andrew Iles and Philip Jacobs are against. They have expressed their genuine opinions.
Thankfully and wisely, Dr Luca does not make a decision without researching which has held him in good stead. He may have inadvertently got off-side with his councillors simply by expressing his opinion which is not the majority.

Mayor Luca is about openness, frankness, commonsense, financial prudence and good decision making.