‘Dog fee boost makes rebel ratepayer seek breakaway
A district council could lose almost a third of its population in a breakaway attempt, as a ratepayer’s fight for democracy sparks an official proceeding.
At the same time, its newly elected mayor has become the target of a police investigation over his campaign spending.
The Whakatane District Council faces turmoil with the possibility of 10,000 residents defecting to neighbouring Kawerau following a petition against alleged mismanagement and exorbitant dog registration fees.
Matata resident Bill Hutchinson, who took to rural roads on his diesel truck to gather signatures, said ratepayers were taking back control – and their action should be a warning to councils across the country.
“Councils are there to serve the ratepayer, not the other way round,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“This will bring home to them that in a democracy, it’s government for the people and by the people: We govern the council.” source
This is the level at which any fight back must start–petty bureaucrats, drunk on power and ratepayer’s money too often behave like little dictators. Start with these bastards then move further up the chain……
