Sideshow Bob has been quick to tell the good people of Christchurch that, in these tough economic times, we 'all' have to tighten our belts and make economic sacrifices
This is the excuse that Sideshow and his council lackeys employed when they slashed funding to already struggling community groups.
But, despite these 'budgetary constraints', Sideshow Bob has found money to install - wait for it - a huge 58 inch plasma television in the mayoral office.
And another 58 inch plasma television has been installed in the councillors-only playroom/lounge.
The cost to the ratepayer? A 'mere' $8000 per television.
Why does Sideshow Bob and his council flunkeys need these toys? So they can watch the footy on Sky TV of course!
But dismal CEO Tony Marryatt wants us believe that Sideshow Bob and his council groupies need them so they can 'access news information'
Yeah right. This is the same guy who told us that the council was legally entitled to put council rents up by twenty-four percent. The rise was subsequently ruled illegal by the High Court.
But what 'news information' is Marryatt talking about exactly and why is it necessary to watch it on $8000 plasma TV's?
Here's a thought - why not just check out the news on the internet!
But perhaps councillor's need to get the news from Emmerdale. Or perhaps Dr Phil has important relationship advice to share. Maybe a councillor has money on a horse running in the 2.30 at Riccarton.
It's estimated that the Sky service will cost some $5000 a year. But, hey, at least Sideshow Bob and Mrs Sideshow Bob can watch the Rialto Channel in comfort!
On the very day that this latest grotesque expenditure was revealed its been reported in The Press that Christchurch's food banks are trying to cope with an increasing demand for their services.
City Missioner Michael Gorman said he was also 'worried about the impact of the rise in GST."
At least Councillor Yani Johnasson has had the integrity to speak out about this latest insult to the good people of Christchurch.
He has described the spending as 'over the top'.
'There are groups missing out on funding who are struggling and the council's spending money on that (plasma televisions). Their priorities are all wrong.'
Bob and Tony just don't seem to get it do they? I think part of the problem is that Bob and his councillors, on big fat salaries and sitting in plush offices, are insulated from what is going on in the community.
ReplyDeletePlasma TV's? Living it up on council credit cards? Councillors double-dipping and picking up directors fees on top of their council salaries? Where does it end?
At least Jim Anderton looks like he is intent on preventing all these excesses.
And good on Yani for speaking out!
Wonder if this TV was securely fixed to survive both EQ's?
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