The current Auckland City Council C&R councillors have block-voted to spend $30 million on a 5-year project to move a functioning school (Monte Cecilia School) to an unconfirmed location as part of a unknown total cost for their "pet project" (I quote the NZ Herald) Monte Cecilia Park. All this without a mandate and against the express wishes of the community: thousands signed a petition against this spend-up but were ignored. It is nothing less than a travesty of monumental proportions. To my mind, block-voting is undemocratic and an abuse of political office.
If elected will to the Auckland District Health Board, will you vote according to what you think is best for Aucklanders, or will you vote according to what the leader of your caucus dictates?
And for those of you have served on previous boards, what is your track record of independent voting?
Simon
Candidate Answers
Candidate
Answer
Simon I stand on the City Vision Health Ticket however the people of Auckland are whom I ultimately represent. The ADHB and its Board are for the improvement of Health outcomes for Aucklanders. When I vote that is what I take into consideration. Regards Jo Agnew
Thank you for your question Simon.
I have served on the last ADHB Board. In that time all questions have been addressed on their merits, and there has not been any block voting. The question you asked is to a large degree been determined by the philosophy of the chair. We were lucky to have a chair who was prepared to spend time allowing each to have their say and to reach a concensus. There were very few issues that came to a vote, and none of them were decided by block voting. Some recorded dissent, but that was not on the basis of affiliation.
Each has been prepared to leave political affiliation at the door and respond on the basis of what each perceive as the best outcome for Aucklanders. It is a process I want to continue. I have no time for predetermined outcomes in this arena.
Chris
Hi Simon,
I make no apology for belonging to the left/green-leaning ticket \"City Vision Health\", and I find that it is a help rather than a hindrance to belong to a like-minded group.
We bring a diverse range of experience and knowledge, and are thus able to support, inform, and debate with each other about each issue as it arises.
Rather than having any position dictated from on high, we instead are able to arrive at our own positions, and are individually able to contribute to the policies that we collectively stand for.
I have not served on any previous boards, but I envisage that I will be free to vote as I believe, while at the same time working collaboratively with all other members of the board, including (but not limited to) those who are on the same ticket as myself.
I would expect robust discussion on the board as we all strive to offer our views and then to debate them until we arrive at what we believe is in the best interests of the patients, the staff, and the region as a whole.
All the best.
Thanks & Regards
Jeanette Elley.
Simon,
To answer your questions
- I am an Independent Candidate so I don\'t answer to a caucus. When elected I will definitely be voting for what I think is best for Aucklanders and for the Auckland District Health Board.
- This is the first time I have sought election to the Auckland District Health Board.
Also as a kid I lived near Monte Cecilia School and have fond memories of playing in the grounds after school. It certainly is a shame that the school is going to be moved.
Kind regards
David Fraser
Independance is very important, it is my view that party polictics have the effect of reducing interest in the health board elections. The media dont publish much about the policies of those standing. If you compare the amount of information you get about those standing for local boards its more than those standing for health boards, yet those on health boards will be making decisions that often has more effect on individuals.
In a political environment where central government is increasing run by focus groups the more people express the desire to have a say the more likley health will be prioritised.
I have a long history of independant thinking. I am not a member of any policitical party. I put nothing on my vote form as I like to see myself as part of a broad church where I can work with all to acheive. I have spent years working on health issues, read widely have undertaken post graduate medical ethics and therefore I am in a palce where I have the skill base to make an informed decision.
Please visit my facebook moira macnab for more information.
Simon,
The DHB voting is within the context of the policy set by the Minister of Health of the day. My experience, skill and ability focus on not only what is best for the patient and their communities but also recognises the economic rationality required (by VOTE Health). I will vote for the best health outcome for Aucklanders and use my leadership skills to persuade others along that course.
Although I have 9 years of experience on CHEs and HHS as a clinician director, I have not been a DHB member i.e. subject to any political agenda.
Regards, post your vote today!
Lee
AI have not signed any party pledge or agreement .I am standing with a group of likeminded colleagues [City Vision]but we retain our independent views.I apologise for the delay in responding but the Question went to my Junk Mail !
Awaiting response
If elected I will vote as to what is best for ADHB. I have a track record of voting as to what I believe is the appropriate decision based on the facys presented.
