About Michael
Candidate Statement
You're right to be worried. Over $1 Billion in debt and rising is terrifying. Current plans see rates double in five years, with the new water entity adding to that.
I'm offering skills learned from 40yrs of Engineering and Business experience, and 8yrs on WEL Energy Trust, to make a difference.
If you share my concerns, use your vote to make change. Elect a Mayor with like-minded Councillors in support, who care about your wellbeing and understand the hardship that overspending creates.
Enough of overpriced speed bumps and $40M a year on consultants. Choose Councillors who understand finance, will demand efficient and effective spending and get value for your rates dollars. After all, your money deserves respect.
For real change vote Michael West Number 1, and please support other candidates who are also committed to fighting for accountability, transparency and financial restraint. I follow and support the Better Hamilton Campaign.
Candidate Profile Questions
1. What would be your top three priorities for Council the next three years?
The glaringly obvious issues that need to be dealt with urgently are debt, which is now over $1 Billion, rates which are continually increasing at multiple time inflation and forecast to double in the next 5 years, and transparency around council decision making so we can get back to genuine democratic representation. We deserve to know how council has determined the value of its spending because overspending and waste causes real hardship.
2. What is your aspiration for Hamilton Kirikiriroa?
To be the country's leader in efficient and effective planning, delivery, management and maintenance of city infrastructure, that provides a platform for growth, prosperity and success of our citizens.
3. How do you think Council could best use opportunities to meet the key challenges we are facing?
None of the challenges we are facing are insurmountable with the right skills on and in council. If council stays focused on the core services of being an infrastructure provider and has a supporting and enabling mindset towards development of private spaces in the city, Hamilton and its citizens will thrive.
4. If there was one thing you could change about Hamilton Kirikiriroa immediately, what would it be?
The lack of transparency in council. Our residents and ratepayers have the right to know how their money is being spent. Poor financial management hidden behind closed doors has led us down the path to the financial predicament we are now in. We pay too much for our services because they go beyond being fit for purpose and end up being gold-standard facilities that might win awards.
5. What qualities would you bring to Council that will help our city thrive?
I’m offering the skills that I have learned from over 40 years of Engineering and Business experience, as well as 8 years on the Wel Energy Trust. Council is literally an infrastructure engineering business. Everything it does is about planning for, delivering, managing and maintaining our infrastructure. My Engineering and Business experience is extremely relevant. So too is my Wel Energy Trust experience. The similarities between Wel Trust and Council are significant. Both entities are large scale public utilities providers that have a monopoly over you and your money.
6. Where can voters go to learn more about you?
Social Media: www.facebook.com/MikeWestforCouncil