Don't be stupid!

Barry from Papamoa Beach

Albert Einstein is credited with having said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I don't agree with his use of the word insanity, but I do think that stupid would fit the description. And, anyone who thinks that using the same electoral system and the same people for Tauranga's next election will produce different results is displaying that kind of stupidity.
For the last decade or so Tauranga has used a mixed system consisting of 6 ward councillors and 5 at large councillors. In November the widely experienced members of the Government appointed Observer Team expressed the opinion that the mixed system had contributed to some of the problems that were holding the City back.
In a few weeks' time the council will publish its initial proposal for representation and it is likely to include the option of having all councillors elected at large; that is, from across the whole City, and for community boards to be established. Having boards will ensure that locals can have a say about what happens in their community.
If the people of Tauranga want different - and better - results than they have been getting, they should get behind these two proposals.