An example of why local government reform is needed

A reader has pointed out to me this example of why local government needs to be reined in. The Horowhenua District Council said:

The seats are in, wallpaper up, kitchen equipped and Levin’s new Focal Point cinema is on track for the opening on 4 November 2010.

The former Cinema 3 building has been completely refurbished in a joint venture between Horowhenua District Council and Focal Point Cinema of Feilding to bring movies back to Levin. Cinema 3 closed in March 2010.

So the HDC thinks it role is to subsidise a movie theatre. I understand the cost may have been as much as $500,000. Then look at this notice:

The Precautionary Boil Water Notice is still in place for Shannon and Tokomaru.

This means that the Horowhenua District Council advises boiling cooking and drinking water before use.

This is because Shannon has no treatment plant and the source water is contaminated. the HDC should be spending money on making sure its residents have safe drinkable water, rather than investing in movie theatres.

This is why the proposed new focus on infrastructure and public services is needed.