The debates in the past few weeks leading up to the local elections have been deeply superficial. It frustrates me hearing the mayor just going on and on about road humps and cycleways. Sara Templeton has refuted his stupid comments on many topics including this, but he got the headline. As a cyclist I am grateful for the cycle lanes. As a disabled pedestrian I’m pleased the speed bumps slow down the traffic. The mayor’s comments about removing decision making from Community Boards is just plain stupid.
However, these conversations ignore the big issues of infrastructure, parks, libraries, the Red Zone, what form ChristchurchNZ should take after the Section 17A review, engagement with people on local issues and a myriad of other topics.
One topic rarely covered during this campaign has been about reflecting on the spread of our city across the Plains. We pay for the roading, and facilities enjoyed by ratepayers in Selwyn and Waimakariri and they contribute nothing in return. These councils receive the Development Contribution levies and we got naught. Every morning on RNZ the traffic reports tell us about traffic jams from the North and South as people travel from what have become Christchurch’s dormitory suburbs into the city to work and use our facilities.
Why isn’t the mayor talking about the potential of amalgamation of Selwyn, Waimakariri and Ecan with Christchurch to create a metro city?
If we don’t have a local debate then it will be imposed on us by central government, who have shown they aren’t exactly friends with local government, or the South Island for that matter. Read this article if you don’t believe me Amalgamation is coming, whether you like it or not | The Post
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