Waterfront remains protected from politicians

Dave Burgess in the Dom Post reports:

Celia Wade-Brown has failed the first big political test of her mayoralty.

She has long been a supporter of moves to bring the Wellington Waterfront development company under full council control, and tried to rally support against a proposal yesterday to keep it as a standalone council-controlled organisation.

This is a good thing. Council should sign off on the major decisions, but it should not be directly managing the waterfront. A reversion to direct Council control would just be a nightmare.

But by the time her amendment was introduced, it had been watered down, and she said was not willing to muster councillors’ support on the issue.

“In the end, it is up to each of us in our own responsibilities. I’m not into herding cats or sheep, or whatever particular species you feel you represent.”

Umm Celia – that is in fact the role of the Mayor. If you want something badly, then you fight for it.

Its possible of course that Celia isn’t too upset that she lost. Sometimes you have to promise things to your supporters, but you also know that implementing them would be a big headache.

Councillor Helene Ritchie said there was vast management experience within the council, which should have full control of waterfront developments and should not allow any more bars.

Good God. Why not? This is exactly why politicians should not be in control. It would be bye bye to Dockside, St Johns, Foxglove, Shed 5 etc.