A mayoral suggestion an unelected person supervise the Tauranga City Council's Finance and Risk Committee isn't being welcomed by deputy chair and qualified accountant, councillor Gail McIntosh.
City Mayor Stuart Crosby made the suggestion to ‘raise the game' of the committee by having an independent set of eyes on the committee at Tuesday's meeting.
Councillor Gail McIntosh.
The councillors have their heads down and backsides up and they sometimes might not see things, says Stuart.
And some councils have dropped the ball with regard to some of the systems and processes, says Stuart. He's going to raise the issue again.
Gail McIntosh, who is director of Gail McIntosh Accounting Ltd, is 'deeply of the opinion” the current finance and rick committee members have the requisite skills.
'He's sort of saying to me bugger you; you don't know a thing about accounting. Well sorry Stuart, I do,” says Gail.
'He said we weren't elected on our skills. Well that's all I was elected on. It's not as if anyone knew me or anything.”
Stuart was elected Mayor with 10,590 votes. Gail was elected onto council on a platform of 'strong financial management” with 15,163 votes.
'That's why people elected me. If another accountant stands next time I'm buggered. We'll split the vote. I haven't got a big head about being elected. It was purely my qualifications that I was elected on.
'He wants to get someone from in town, another accountant to sit on there, well why? We haven't run amok.
'We haven't proved that we don't know what we are doing. He can step down form that finance committee anytime he likes.”
Committee chairman, TCC councillor John Robson supports Gail.
'I have some sympathy for her view,” says John. 'The bottom line is on finance and risk we have some talent on board and she's one of them, certainly when it comes to numbers.”
There's a good team there working with the council finance staff, says John, and they are getting clearer on the numbers and addressing the issues they want to see.
'In terms of dropping balls there's no evidence that we have dropped any balls, whereas I think Gail would point out that the reason we are here, our belief [is] we have been brought in because there have been some balls dropped in the past.”
'I think that's why this committee has been created; and that's why Gail and I are sitting there. We are the two chairs because we can do numbers.”
28 comments
Dropped Balls.
Posted on 14-09-2014 07:31 | By Robert
What is Crosbie trying to hide now? Long past time he went and found a job. Sooner he resigns the better. But like all troughers he won't.
Here we go again, Stuart assuming
Posted on 14-09-2014 08:35 | By nerak
Stuart mind reading ratepayers/voters. Who does he think he is, saying councillors weren't elected on their skills? Patronising. Somebody needs to tell him assumption is the mother of all stuff ups. And who is Stuart's likely choice of an unelected person, one of his mates? Maybe the only one with head down backside up and not seeing things is the mayor. Do the city a favour, go into retirement mode now, just smile and nod, grab the photo ops, and say nothing. Better for us that way, because the mayor is fast losing credibility.
Gail
Posted on 14-09-2014 08:43 | By Mary Faith
If you knew anything about accounting you would realise that we can not afford the 'Plastic Waka' that you have your heart set on! That is sure a 'balls up' of an idea!
Wisechief
Posted on 14-09-2014 08:51 | By Wise Chief
As an Engineer-Applied Physicist come Inventor-which are REAL WEALTH come Civilisation builders skills we are today remiss in putting the guidance or policy mandates of councils/business/gov-under the control of accountants who are Risk Averse who will always seek to get any job needing to be done for the lowest cost possible. This has had a terrible impact upon the world as we see it today whereupon the living world all around us and the environmental systems which are provided for their maintenance are discounted via accountants as having Zero/NO intrinsic monetary value which is one of the most EVIL constructs of the modern era and directly responsible for the continued destruction of the planet and society in general. The Mayor is right to insist upon an independent sitting in and making an overall assessment. What has the accounts debt got to hide should be the question here?
A Bit Late
Posted on 14-09-2014 09:00 | By Jitter
After all these years as Mayor Crosby comes up with this crazy idea. Come on, what are your councillors there for. Time to step down as Mayor and let someone with a few clues have a crack. He is obviously losing it.
He's out of his depth
Posted on 14-09-2014 09:07 | By FunandGames
Crosby needs help keeping up with Gail and John that's all
There's a hidden agenda
Posted on 14-09-2014 09:48 | By Murray.Guy
More often than not there is a 'hidden agenda and some one else pushing Mayor Crosby's buttons'. There is clear evidence that Mayor Crosby, prior to this term but accelerated this term, has an agenda to amalgamate and control Councils and their income streams (Port and TECT shares). To further erode meaningful democracy, disenfranchise Councillors and the community, doubling staff control and delegations and unelected governance members. If Mayor Crosby genuinely felt their exists skill cap he needs to focus on himself, NOT his Councillors. To undermine the Councillors is grossly offensive to them and their 'code of conduct'. It would appear we have an 'awakening to realty' and a willingness to apply integrity to the role of Councillor by Cr. Gail McIntosh. Community / democracy first!
More humour
Posted on 14-09-2014 09:48 | By Sambo Returns
from the "city halls", Gail if it was up to me, I would sack the bloody lot of you, sell the city to the Tauranga Port and let them run the place, at least they know how to turn a profit, then you and your so called experts can go back to running your small businesses,before you were all elected I asked what a pass mark for debt management would be after your 1st term, I thought a 50% debt reduction and some fiscal credibility would get you re elected, so much for all of your "cronies" election promises, Clayton you will do fine in national politics, just more of the same really!!!!, someone needs to control you all, maybe we can just "spray and walk away"
Waka - not my idea
Posted on 14-09-2014 10:10 | By Gail McIntosh
Mary, thanks for your comments but I'm not in favour of the waka, if it has to be in Tga I would not want it to be on The Strand. The group putting the proposal together say they can raise the money and at no cost to council now or in the future. My concern is the removal costs in 2-5 yrs if the group disbands and the visual pollution it would be on The Strand. If it's use is partly for cruise ship passengers then Coronation Park maybe the answer while still leaving space for the markets.
Mr Guy
Posted on 14-09-2014 10:37 | By How about this view!
Maybe hidden agendas is a good place to explore. I would hate to think that any sitting Councillor would have the ability to influence, through participation on this finance committee, any of their own PET PROJECTS. What better way to sneak something through if you can say "Well the money is there, why not?". I have serious misgivings about those that might seek positions in council and the longer they stay the more their agendas need to be scrutinised. I would think that an external moderator, maybe on a reciprocal agreement from another council, MIGHT be a worthy suggestion.
Insulting!
Posted on 14-09-2014 11:14 | By Raewyn
I think Fun and Games has nailed it!
@How about this view
Posted on 14-09-2014 11:15 | By Councillorwatch
You mention councillors and the possibility of PET PROJECTS. I'd like to know from Murray Guy which way he voted on the $5 million cash injection to Baypark when he was a councillor? For or against? I've also asked which way he voted on the purchase of the Speedway and catering businesses at Baypark? I thought it would be easy to give a straight answer. A straight answer might show the integrity I think he usually goes on about? I hope there's no hidden agenda eh?
It's good to see
Posted on 14-09-2014 11:27 | By Mike Lehan
That there are some elected concillors are supportive of ratepayer views, don't let the Waka in, it will be another liability that we will have to pick up. One question, who is funding the "group" that is carrying out the feasability study, and who is fronting the cash if this stupid idea goes ahead, and will it be stationed on council / ratepayer land - if so on who's permission. Have the council thought about putting a bond in place for its ultimate removal, that will put their money where there mouth is. I'm sure everyone would be interested in hearing your comments Gail.
Councillorwatch
Posted on 14-09-2014 12:01 | By Colleen Spiro
Anyone would think you have a crush on Murray....Does not matter what the subject is, you ask the SAME QUESTION...Move along or have a meeting with him and sort it. It's getting to be a bit embarrassing
Gail
Posted on 14-09-2014 12:07 | By Capt_Kaveman
What have you done ??? increase out rates by 6.7% its like going to ya boss and saying i need to fix some mistakes at home and demand a wage increase, What about all the council cars that arrive in Hamilton st every morning why do so many have a free car to use? but what i dont like is only a few councilors getting media space and the rest none + i also dont like people sniffing around the senior population for votes, there is something about Gail and John that somehow we dont need in our chambers
Mike Lehan
Posted on 14-09-2014 14:59 | By YOGI BEAR
A bond is a good idea, they did that with hairy McLeary, but those involved just went ahead and did it anyway. You know that they will do that same thing again right.
Capt_Kaveman
Posted on 14-09-2014 15:04 | By FunandGames
You must be joking or totally out to lunch. There is something about Gail and John we so need in council. There is no quick fix to the issues they are addressing. Based on the Mayors need for outside help he is of little use.
By Councillorwatch
Posted on 14-09-2014 19:21 | By FunandGames
Murray has answered this same repeated question in the most clear way many times before. It's time you moved on or purchased a dictionary or something to help you understand the answers.
FunandGames
Posted on 14-09-2014 19:32 | By Capt_Kaveman
might be out to lunch but im not blind
Gail
Posted on 15-09-2014 08:57 | By Mary Faith
Thank you for your reply to my comment You say you do not want the Waka here - when I suggested otherwise. I would refer you to the Sunlive article where you ask "Where should the waka go"? In that article you stated - quote "'And I want to know where people want it placed, because I don't want it on The Strand. I THINK GREAT IDEA, but somewhere else.” Can you explain please? Have you perhaps done an 'about turn' in the face of such opposition?
Hi Mary
Posted on 15-09-2014 19:35 | By Gail McIntosh
The photo's of it on The Strand show it would be an eyesore. I thought Coronation Park next to the cruise ship port would be ok but unless the group can put up a bond then I'm very cautious about it being on any TCC land. The group are planning to bring a business case to TCC in November and I have suggested to them they include more than one option because as yet they don't believe that The Strand is not acceptable to the public. They think once the public see all the facts that it will change public opinion. I doubt it but have an open mind.
Gail
Posted on 16-09-2014 01:04 | By YOGI BEAR
I think fair to say that on the Strand is a dead duck, no planning or thinking required to get that right. A bond or not I would not permit it on public land. If some deal does not stack up on private land then "Walk-away".
No brainer
Posted on 16-09-2014 09:20 | By YOGI BEAR
Under the Mayors 'watchful' eye would seem to mean that the activities of the Committee are a bit beyond his comprehension. I would suggest that he just not bothered to attend.
I wonder
Posted on 22-09-2014 09:21 | By Baystyle
Who will pay for another accountant on the committee? Me thinks our money is burning a hole in the good mayor's pocket again and he needs to spent it. Keep up the hard work Gail and John!
Burning a hole?
Posted on 23-09-2014 11:12 | By YOGI BEAR
Agree on that, this is just a relabel of the April fiasco where the Mayor announced yet another official on huge overpaid rates money for his office to do his bidding. Cant see this as being any different.
McIntosh is Extremely Competent
Posted on 24-09-2014 15:14 | By carpedeum
For goodness sake Mayor Crosby- Gail McIntosh is a most competent and "with it" Accountant with real experience. She has also shown further ability by creating and growing an Accountancy Practice of high quality too-what more do you want ??? We are really lucky to have her and her experience and talents on our City Council
Carpedeum
Posted on 01-10-2014 11:25 | By YOGI BEAR
"Extreme"? That sounds like a lot of "extreme-ness" there. So does that mean we are going to see Extremist decisions and results, we certainly need it and have not seen any sign of it either.
Empire building?
Posted on 12-10-2014 11:02 | By morepork
As a professional myself, I have often had independent people review my work. I've never taken it personally and I understand the reassurance it gives to the client. There is a real danger that WITHOUT any independent review, a little financial management empire gets built and is not subject to question. I'm sure Gail is highly qualified and very competent but justice has to be SEEN to be done and that is why the Mayor's reasonable suggestion is a good one. It isn't about an affront or insult, it is just keeping things honest. In public office that has to be a good thing.
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