During my door-to-door campaign across Hastings, numerous council insiders and residents have raised serious concerns about how our council spends ratepayer money. These aren’t just idle complaints—they’re specific allegations that demand answers.
When I formally requested information under LGOIMA about an alleged $400,000 bailout of a non-council entity for unpaid rent, the council denied it outright. I’ve also inquired about claims that the CEO welcomed a new business to town with $500 in cash from ratepayers’ pockets—money allegedly used to buy staff morning tea.
As economist Milton Friedman wisely observed, “I can spend somebody else’s money on somebody else. And if I spend somebody else’s money on somebody else, I’m not concerned about how much it costs, and I’m not concerned about what I get. And that’s government.” This perfectly captures the problem—when council spends ratepayer money, there’s often little accountability for either cost or outcomes.
The real problem isn’t just whether these specific allegations are true. It’s that council staff feel they can’t trust the system to address concerns properly, and our community has lost faith in how their hard-earned rates are being managed.
As your Mayor, I will immediately order a comprehensive forensic audit covering:
- All petty cash expenditure
- Tenancy deals and arrangements
- Any bailouts or financial assistance
- Consultant contracts and expenditure
No more secrets. No more whispered concerns. Just the truth, delivered transparently to the people who deserve it.
If dishonesty is uncovered, those responsible will be held fully accountable. I give you my word that decisive action will be taken.
In my 24 years of policing experience, I learned that where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. It’s time to clear the air in Hastings.
With ratepayers doing it tough in these challenging times, we must be meticulous stewards of every dollar we spend. You deserve nothing less than complete transparency and accountability from your council.
Steve Gibson
Mayoral Candidate
