Re "No Free Lunch on our cities' rates menu" NZ Herald 17 July 2006 A13.

In their self-justifying article on rate rises the cities' three wise mayors blame everyone but themselves. Firstly, the cities' citizens are criticised for desiring high standards of service. Next, the banks take a poke for high interest rates (and this is probably fair enough) and then the government and previous councils are attacked for either imposing or passing on costs. The private sector does not escape a share of blame either. Everyone is to blame except the mayors themselves.

Please explain to all of us the substantial reasons for the rate increases and advise the potential savings in the budget lines. Tell us your vision for the cities instead of criticising elderly and low income residents for their fears. What are the Mayors' plans for dynamic, democratic and healthy communities? Is it more infill housing without the accompanying infrastructure? Is it more urban spread without greenbelts? I cannot speak for Auckland or Waitakere Cities. Recently, North Shore City found that it could not plan satisfactorily for a library let alone a city our size. I am not confident that there is a vision for the future of North Shore City. If there is then please stop criticising the electors from on high and start communicating. I have found that most people are reasonable and understanding once the options have been clearly explained.