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Newly elected Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey is promising to “vigorously” support Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers, despite being highly critical of him in the past.
Bailey says the fact that Sayers seems better aligned with the new Mayor creates an opportunity for him to be a better advocate for Rodney.
He admitted that he and Sayers had had a “testing” relationship in the past.
“I believe he has failed to build relationships with fellow Councillors or align the interests of Rodney with the wider council,” Bailey says.
“He has also never voted for the Mayor’s budget, ever. I personally urged him to reconsider this decision on many occasions, but he did not see fit to change.”
Bailey says the political differences between Sayers and the previous Mayor came at a cost to Rodney.
“The things we were advocating for never got any closer to delivery. If Sayers has a more influential role to play in the new Council, then I celebrate and welcome it, and will fully support him.”
Cr Sayers says he welcomes this expression of goodwill from Bailey to work together constructively because, at the end of the day, ratepayers will benefit.
But he says this token will be tested when it comes time to vote on issues, particularly where public feedback is involved.
“I’ve always supported the public’s point-of-view, where as he hasn’t,” Sayers says.
“If we are able to find consensus or agree to disagree and not take exception, then that will be a positive step.”
Sayers feels that while he had had a positive relationship with a number of Local Board members last term, including some Rodney First members, he struggled to have a constructive relationship with previous chair Phelan Pirrie.
“At the start of last term, I suggested to Phelan that we meet weekly. His response was to say that he would ring me when he needed to.
“Brent has already agreed to meet regularly, which is a very good sign.”
Meanwhile, Bailey has rejected a suggestion that the Board should hold a mid-term vote on the chair and deputy chair roles.
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to chair the Board and I’m going to give it my best shot.
“Board members build relationships with the Governing Body and it is an asset to have some continuity in that regard. I also believe the Board needs to be led by experienced members. I am not a fan of an interrupted term.”
