Taxpayers’ Union riles candidates

Taxpayers’ Union riles candidates

The Taxpayers’ Union is not gaining many friends in Horowhenua.

The group has been emailing election candidates around the country demanding they sign the TU’s three-part pledge. Local candidates Horowhenua Star spoke to are not happy.

The candidates say they’re accountable to local residents, not the TU. For many, the first part of the so-called Ratepayers Protection Pledge – to keep rates low no matter what – has not gone down well.

Deputy Mayor David Allan says he hasn’t responded to multiple emails from the TU. Former TU board member Peter Williams also emailed,  raising David’s hackles.

The email said: “If you want to say you stand for ratepayers, you need to sign it before midday Monday. Other candidates in your race have signed the pledge, and the Taxpayers’ Union will be making sure your potential voters know it!

“I’ll even chat to the Taxpayers’ Union and ask them to send you some free signage (or run some local adverts) to support your campaign! But you must get off the fence and send me back the signed pledge.”

David’s reply to Williams was simple: “With the greatest respect, Peter, this email combines threats, intimidation and bribery in equal measures. Go away.“

Clint Grimstone says it’s crazy to expect people to sign “to oppose any measures that would see the total burden of rates exceed inflation and population growth. Based on our current long-term plan and financial position, I do not believe it is responsible or realistic to make such a commitment. While I fully acknowledge that rates affordability is a critical issue for our community, I value my word and integrity too highly to make a pledge I know we may not be able to keep.”

He did take the opportunity to encourage TU to advocate to central government for a review of the current funding model and arrangements for local councils.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says not enough is known about the government’s plans to force councils to cap rates.

“It is not appropriate for us to sign something like this right now. We are also not accountable to them.”

Justin Tamihana says he deleted many emails.

“I’d rather represent such matters myself rather than aligning to a group and a specific pledge they want.”

Mike Barker says he considered the pledge, but sees it as a knee-jerk reaction.

“Rates capping is not simple. We know nothing about upcoming legislation on this and the implications of such a pledge are huge.”

Māori Ward councillor Nina Hori Te Pa says she investigated the Taxpayers’ Union and then ignored their emails.

“They are not in favour of my seat to start with.”

Brett Russell says: “What do these people know about Horowhenua? We are not accountable to them, but to the local voters. I felt it unwise to lock myself into such a pledge, the consequences of which we cannot see yet.”

Nola Fox says she has had emails from the Taxpayer’s Union, Democracy Action, and Peter Williams.

“I didn’t like the wording of their emails. When I asked them to elaborate they emailed ridiculous calculations that are not realistic.”

She calls the pledge unrealistic. “No-one can forecast natural disasters, like an earthquake or a tornado that would blow out any budget.”

Susan Conway says she felt there was not enough information to respond. “I’d rather put my energy into talking to the voters.”

Sam Jennings says he feels the pledge would put elected members in a challenging position.

“In principle I agree, but it would be a bad financial decision to tie rates to inflation. This would require a big change to council services, we would have to stop doing a lot of essential things as well as close pools, libraries etc.”

He says the Long-term Plan process is the best place to try and tackle the issue.

Asked for comment, Taxpayers’ Union head of communications Tory Relf told Horowhenua Star the group had no issues with identifying candidates standing for ratepayers and those who just said they did.

“Ratepayers are sick to the teeth of politicians saying one thing only to do another,” Tory said. “The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is a yardstick to measure them on the issues of rates, spending transparency, and democratic accountability. These candidates are looking for any excuse not to front up to ratepayers. They don’t want to engage on the issue, so resort to emotive distractions.”

He questioned whether candidates were indeed complaining.

“If it is true candidates are complaining about a few emails, and the generous offer to provide ‘has signed the pledge’ hoardings, they need to grow up. If a candidate can’t handle a few emails lobbying them on three policies that polling shows the vast majority of voters support, they clearly aren’t cut for office.

“This is how democracy works. Candidates stand for election, and ratepayers ask – and expect – them to commit to policy so that voters know what they are voting for.”