During the last election all five candidates for the position of Mayor were asked the same set of questions by Grey Power and published in its magazine Super People.
Question 3 was: “Will you recommend an independent review of KCDC salaries (currently 1 in 10 over $100,000) and the number of staff positions?”
Gavin Welsh (who sought the mayoralty, but did not seek re-election as a councilor) replied as below:
Angela Buswell (who was elected as a councilor) also answered in the affirmative; she said: “I would also recommend an independent review of KCDC salaries. Expenditure on staff in the last triennium has risen to a concerning level and this should be looked at as soon as possible.”
A very timely opening of this conversation Mr Editor, I noted at the time that former Cr Welsh had ample opportunity during his three year tenure to instigate a review. Not only did he fail to do so, but he also chose not to support other councillors when this was proposed and he had the opportunity.