Fran back in charge
It will be a good thing for Wellington to have Fran Wilde in charge, with her election as Chair of the Wellington Regional Council.
One has to feel a bit sorry for Ian Buchanan who lost the job to Fran. he had been from all accounts a decent enough Chair, but the reality is that Fran is a big hitter who can achieve more due to her experience and networks.
Fran is committed to making Transmission Gully happen on timetable, not that it has been agreed to by the major parties. This is vitally important as any delays increase costs massively which then cause the viability of the decision to proceed to be questioned.
Also good to see Ian McKinnon elected Deputy Mayor of Wellington last night. Ian is a very decent and dedicated Councillor, who will perform the role well. He is also a potential replacement for Kerry when she retires at the end of this term.
If anyone has details of what the vote for Deputy Mayor was, I’d be interested to know that. I understand it was fairly close.
October 31st, 2007 at 8:15 am
I understand the actual vote for deputy mayor was unanimous…
October 31st, 2007 at 8:28 am
The viability is shot to shit anyway. The benefit:cost ratio is appalling.
Back on topic: it can only be a good thing when you are both forlorn about the departure of the current chair and excited about the incoming one. =)
October 31st, 2007 at 8:40 am
Graeme – in that case, what was the result of the straw poll before the formal vote?
October 31st, 2007 at 9:08 am
If I knew that DPF, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been so evasive.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:28 am
While your comment regarding the cost of delays to Transmission Gully is spot on, it would be an even better thing if we gave up on it now, instead of wasting more money on this white elephant…
I’d feel quite comfortable if it were given over to private interests to purse (knowing full well that it would never go ahead on anysort of reasonable cost/benefit analysis)…
October 31st, 2007 at 9:29 am
…to pursue… (and to ‘purse’ as well I guess)…
October 31st, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Even though it was supposed to be unanimous Steph Cook (who for once turned up to a Council meeting) and Iona the Green Dragon voted against McKinnon. Sign of thing to come I fear.
Don’t feel any sorrow for Buchanan – he knifed Margaret Shields in the back three years ago. He was also two faced and a liability – lots of sneaky behind the scenes deals with Michael Cullen etc who found Buchanan putty in their hands. We are well rid of him as a Chair.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I just wish you would not talk up Labour Party figures. The difference between you and me I could never support a Labour Party person no matter how good they were.