Because letters already printed in our local papers were not providing enough information as to why low and fixed income ratepayers should be concerned about CHBDC's prefered result of a rating review, I sent the editors of both papers a letter expressing that concern which also went to Age Concern and Grey Power CHB as a sample of the many other family support, church and health organisations including the Moari advisory council that say affordable housing (home ownership or rental) has importance in preventing many health, domestic, educational and teenage behavoural problems. Their replies were ;

On behalf of Age Concern, CHB and all older citisens of Central Hawkes Bay, many of whom are ratepayers, who have expressed concern at the manner in which the CHBDC have set a "Rating Panel" and driven through the current rate increases. To say that there is only a 5-6% increase suggests that the council is attempting to pull the wool over our eyes to blind us to the fact that many properties (urban) have a much bigger increase than the figure quoted. We therefore support whole heartedly, the submission to council over this matter drafted by Mr. G Denby.

Signed, Vic Ives, past president Age Concern. CHB

In his reply, Bob Huck, President of Grey Power CHB, says that although he had no time to consult with his executive or members (before I spoke on my submission to council), he wishes me well, saying, You will know I was a member of that review panel and will say here that I was uncomfortable with the outcome of our decisions and made my feelings known to the full council at the last panel meeting. However, at that time, felt we were being encouraged to think or vote other than the wish of the majority.

Signed Bob Huck, President of Grey Power CHB

This, as I have said, was the intention of Councilor Tennent, his selection of councilors on and advising that panel including himself to assure the preferred result previosly mentioned that will benefit the most afluent of our ratepayers including the majority of our councilors but detrimental to those who can least afford rate increases. My opinion is that this is clear evidence that CHBDC, by majority vote has attempted to corrupt the consultation process then protect themselves with a resolution that they believe prevents any conflict of interest occuring, when that prefered result benefits the majority of councilors. The question is, will our news papers, because a majority won't have access to a computer, provide this information through their publications ?