Submission
Which option do you prefer?
Option Two – The alternative option – Keep Aurora Energy
Further comment
I definitely do NOT support the action of selling Aurora - a decision of this magnitude should not be made without approval of stakeholders. It is not a decision that should be made by elected Councillors and by NON ELECTED representatives at a Council meeting.
The Mayor & Councillors are voted in & elected as guardians of the City assets and resources and they accept the accountability that goes with this.
They are NOT elected to take 'Lazy & Easy' options to sell revenue generating assets so they may look good - in some peoples eyes.
I acknowledge that Aurora has operational issues, brought about by past poor Management and oversight. But, what action plans has the DCC councillors and senior management instigated to address these issues ?
Aurora is a revenue generating asset that will be worth more in 5 years than it is to-day.
What action has been taken to review and sell other non revenue generating assets that were purchased without an Action Plan - Forbury Park, Sammys, Foulden Maar - just to name a few of many.
What action has been taken to review and refocus internal expenditure, staffing numbers, external contractors etc. ?
At present there appears to be a lack of 'Ownership' - 'Accountability - 'Employees making Council decisions' and no Action Plans for a no sale.
If a sale proceeded, the first action to be uindertaken by the purchaser would be to increase their charges to recover cost of purchase. While the DCC will say "It is not them that is increasing the cost to consumers !" - stakeholders will be paying even more.
Finally if Aurora is sold and an amount is invested in a fund, this is an outrageous thought process. Firstly, only the Financial managers make money from this and secondly, future Councillors and staff will see this as a fund they can use to finance a 'vanity project' of the day - asset & funds lost forever....
The DCC has excessive borrowings and the most important action it can take is review and repay debt, without selling revenue generating assets. - Management, Accountabilty, Ownership of issues, and meaningful Action Plans
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1039581
Submitter name:
Evan Robb
Organisation
Rate Payer