The JAFA Roll

by frog

This little gem was sent to Russel by Joe Bell of Golden Bay, and is used with his permission. I think the idea has merit and is worthy of some debate here.

The intention of a Presidential-style mayor and elite council for Auckland is scary.

Imagine instead an alternative model of inclusive ‘bottom up’ governance where the Community Councils/Boards became the entry point for Local Government as the only elected representatives:

-         The elected Community members then elect/appoint their Ward Councillors and those collective Councillors then elect/appoint their Chairperson/Mayor and deputy.
-         Day to day decision making is provided by the Community Councils/Boards in their Wards and the Council only meets to discuss District-wide policies and issues.
-         This model would provide the best opportunity for governance to be close to communities.
-         The opportunity to make decisions would attract capable candidates.
-         Communities would determine what remained under local control.

Herewith a poem about the likely end-game of current proposals which may be of interest.

The Jaffa Roll

Local government has assets
that big business want to get
captive customers are so easy
and the safest sort of bet
everyone needs water
airport, port and roads
to privatize these assets
will make them profit loads.

First they must get governance
malleable to their touch
remote from local voters
who won’t get to know too much
forming corporate structures
removed from scrutiny
and selected cronies set-up
to crop their money tree.

A super city provides
a huge amount of scope
‘reduced rates’ are the carrot
but of those there’s not much hope
the transition will cost millions
demanding ‘asset sales’
and private plunder of the profits
will ensure any ‘saving’ fails.

The best sort of governance
is of the ‘local’ kind
where elected members are in touch
with the daily grind
to have a monolith
operated by remote control
strips community of connection
and also of its soul.

In this amalgamation
we must find a better way
where all can feel included
and all can have their say
the only elections needed
are Ward members from their streets
who then appoint their reps
to the City Council seats.

Joe Bell 2009