'GOVERNMENT USING QUAKE TO KILL LOCAL DEMOCRACY'

In response to some criticism on this blog, Christchurch City councillor Yani Johanson says that he would have responded publicly to the Environment Canterbury (Ecan) issue  but The Press did not approach him for comment. Yani issued a press statement over the weekend and it is published below.

Once again the Government are using the earthquake as an excuse to kill local democracy in our region.

They refused to consult with central city businesses and residents over the Blueprint, they removed a democratically elected board of Trustees at Linwood College, they are trying to force Council to sell off assets for a huge spend up on think big projects, and now they are reneging on their commitment to an elected Environment Canterbury  in 2013 which is totally unacceptable.

After everything our region has been through, taxation without representation is outrageous.  The government should be fixing the issues with EQC not destroying a democratic Ecan.