Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin fires a parting volley at his
critics while addressing councillors near the end of the
final Dunedin City Council meeting for the term yesterday.
Photo by Craig Baxter.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin hopes history will be a kinder
judge of the Dunedin City Council's achievements over the past
three years than some of his outspoken critics.
Speaking near the end of yesterday's final Dunedin City
Council meeting for the three-year term, Mr Chin drew a round
of applause after firing a parting volley at those who
criticised the council's performance.
He read a list of 21 projects and other initiatives
undertaken or completed during the past three years, and
praised the achievements of the city's "good, wise and
experienced" councillors.
He said he had enjoyed his own time as mayor, and hoped
history would judge his efforts - and those of his
councillors - favourably.
"I believe we have served the city well with our robust
debate, and I firmly believe that in the years ahead that
maybe the people will look back on our commitment and the
decisions that we have made with perhaps a kinder view than
some do at the present time."
Mr Chin is standing for mayor again, but with just days to go
until results are revealed on October 9 is facing a strong
challenge from Cr Dave Cull, according to an Otago Daily
Times poll of voters who had made their decisions.
The poll, published late last month, showed Cr Cull ahead on
45.9%, Mr Chin second on 37.4%, and Lee Vandervis third on
11%.
Mr Chin said it was an "appropriate time" to reflect on the
council's achievements yesterday, and - while there had been
differences along the way - believed councillors had worked
well together for the benefit of the city.
The list of capital projects and initiatives Mr Chin read out
included the Regent Theatre upgrade, the development of the
Wall Street mall and Tahuna wastewater upgrade, as well as
support for businesses - through the industry project fund -
and investment in free wireless internet in the Octagon.
"And, of course, we have the project that has really taken
and consumed a huge amount of our time - the stadium," he
said.
Mr Chin also singled out the "commitment" of council chief
executive Jim Harland for special praise, as well as the rest
of the council's staff.
"Three hundred and sixty-five days a year the staff are
there, looking after the interests of this city ...
"I think as a council we are very grateful to them," Mayor
Chin said.
He noted all councillors were standing again for election and
wished them well, saying the result was now "in the hands of
the people".
"On the 9th of October, it will all come to pass," he said.
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