One of the most disappointing things about the campaign for me has been the negativity and defeatism of some incumbents. Current mayor Dave Cull is guilty – in forums he has said that pushing politicians is pointless and has also said there was no point in pursuing business related to oil/gas.
His political reluctance may be due to being overawed by Government ministers or not knowing how to go about it, but on oil/gas he seems conflicted, he opposes drilling so we can’t expect him to be enthusiastic about chasing business related to the industry.
There was more incumbent defeatism at a health forum on Thursday.
Health boards have little influence over the health of the population, and representatives who think they will change things fail to realise the Minister of Health is in charge, Southern District Health Board candidate Richard Thomson told a forum in Dunedin yesterday.
Those thinking that in Don Quixote fashion they would shake up the system soon discover if they do not do as they are told, the minister will simply do it anyway, the veteran health board member and former chairman said.
I commented on this at ODT online:
Bollocks. That is not the attitude that kept Neurology in Dunedin. People stood up and demanded. It worked. It doesn’t always work, but it will never work if you give up without trying.
It’s not easy, but people don’t vote for easy, they vote for people to do the hard stuff.
Council and the DHB need people who are prepared to do the hard work. That’s how you can succeed.
A Southern District Health Board candidate, John Chambers, also commented.
Like Pete George I was somewhat surprised by the cynicism and negativity in the comments made by Richard Thomson, a long standing board member. Around New Zealand and internationally there is ample evidence that the members of health and hospital boards are very influential in steering the direction of health expenditure. That is why I am standing and, if elected, I intend to make a difference.
The DHB and council needs fresh enthusiastic determined people to push out or inspire and push jaded incumbents.
Your NZ 
Quentin Todd
/ 28th September 2013One of the crucial factors in my city’s elections is the need to change the current councilors with a new thinking, new generation. The incumbents have been serving for way too long and many ratepayers are getting sore, very tired of the same crap and overspending.
Pete George
/ 28th September 2013I think that’s common thinking with many councils.
Brown
/ 28th September 2013The sun will rise tomorrow irrespective of any of this so according to you it doesn’t matter about anything as long as the sun rises and sets.
You are looking to join a system that is completely disfunctional and has been for many years. Why you would suddenly expect an ounce of common sense is lost on me, an I suspect those that have succumbed to despair in both central and local govt abilities many many years ago. The first lesson is that it is so broken you cannot fix it. Redbaiter would have an answer to that but I keep hoping there’s another alternative.
Pete George
/ 29th September 2013“The first lesson is that it is so broken you cannot fix it. ”
I don’t buy into this defeatism. I think it is broken, but doing nothing will achieve nothing.
I believe I can do something about it. I believe I can begin the fixing. If enough others also believe it can be fixed then it will be fixed.
And there are others – see the comments of support from other candidates:
http://www.odt.co.nz/elections-2013/dunedin/274824/candidates-address-issue-healthy-housing