Pass or fail?

With an election approaching, the Manawatu Standard is calling Palmerston North city councillors to account.

We've asked the mayor and councillors to assess their contributions over the past three years, and offered our own analysis of their performance.

Mayor Jono Naylor

His assessment:

I've led the city towards a more vibrant and sustainable future, represented the city positively and strengthened community partnerships; led a diverse council to achieve good outcomes and addressed difficult issues effectively; been approachable, responsive, reliable, and supported community events.

High: Population increasing more than the national average – recognition of a desirable place to live.

Low: The conduct of a few councillors.

Our assessment:

Personable, affable and engaging, Mr Naylor is likeable. He will face stiff competition for the mayoralty, however, and will need to demonstrate drive to be sure of maintaining the people's backing. Usually patient in handling strong personalities, the passive-aggressive "I hope councillors don't drag this meeting on forever" routine doesn't work, so maybe a stronger approach is needed.

If Mr Naylor is re-elected, he needs to set out a bolder agenda for the city and be prepared to be unpopular with some people as he sets about implementing it.

Deputy Mayor John Hornblow (Papaioea)

His assessment:

As deputy, I have enjoyed supporting the mayor, representing the city at events and assisting ratepayers to solve issues.

High: A highlight was leading the team taking this city into the 21st century with waste-management initiatives – wheelie bins and other important strategies for the environment. This has created employment.

Low: Declining funding requests for worthwhile projects.

Our assessment:

Has developed down-to-earthness lately and appears content with his lot. One of the better councillors in articulating a point should he feel the need.

Mr Hornblow gives Pollyanna a run for her money with his consistently positive outlook. Is there still fire in the belly?

Jan Barnett (Papaioea)

Her assessment:

I have always given careful consideration to funding priorities and the impact of expenditure on ratepayers. I have practised positive politics through respectful discussion and behaviour and democratic, non-disruptive meeting procedure. I have promoted a positive image for our city.

High: Yes to kerbside recycling.

Low: The major grants allocation process was flawed. We got it wrong.

Our assessment:

Doesn't talk for the sake of hearing her own voice. On the occasions she asks questions, they are incisive. Generally placid, but continues to develop confidence. Needs to back herself more.

Gordon Cruden (Hokowhitu)

His assessment:

Experience assisted making informed contributions to rating, Resource Management Act land-use planning, hearings, new roading strategies. Other areas influenced by colleagues' strengths.

High: Reducing rates rise to 3.5 per cent. Proposed boundary change opportunities. Growth essential for city and all residents.

Low: Not changing to capital value – would increase fairness to many suffering ratepayers, but all rating systems increasingly failing, need replacing.

Our assessment:

Getting into an argument with Dr Cruden is usually silly, because the chances of winning aren't great. Delights in baiting "negative" councillors and the more naive among them bite, making Dr Cruden look positive in comparison. Opponents sometimes suspect him of game-playing, but he is one of the more clever debaters, with a sharp legal brain.

Vaughan Dennison (Takaro)

His assessment:

Advocated positively with a broad understanding of the issues. I've been committed to clear priorities in decision-making, and effective. I've been mindful of the changed economic environment when advancing the aspirations of the city.

High: Progressing possible boundary adjustments to assist with future growth.

Low: Fascinated how a few councillors dominated meeting time, for so little result.

Our assessment:

Generally unspectacular, but he came to life in the annual plan process. We're not sure what Mr Dennison did to annoy Chris Teo-Sherrell, but conflict there added some spice to the term. Business-like.

David Ireland (Takaro)

His assessment:

I am disappointed I have not been able to educate most councillors and the mayor about the hardship many people have in paying higher council charges and rates.

The city council and Manawatu District Council joint report on boundary options or amalgamation.

Low: Not being able to vote for the 10-year plan because of misleading assumptions such as inflation.

Our assessment: Would dearly love to dump frivolous projects like the mobile bus library eco-fitout. Likes to lecture on the harmfulness of rates rises, but Mr Ireland is a little prone to grandstanding. Has empathy with business people, but is one-dimensional, lacking vision in other areas.

Michael Feyen (Takaro)

His assessment:

I am proud of my efforts. It has been hard yakka. I have asked many questions of management and provided alternative ideas in meetings, speaking engagements and workshops.

High: Working with inspiring councillors, such as Bruce Wilson, Peter Wheeler and Chris Teo-Sherrell.

Low: The chairpersons of the finance and planning and policy committees consistently cutting off discussion and questions by some councillors.

Our assessment:

Passionate, an advocate for a healthy Manawatu River, cycling and the arts. We're not sure poring through council agendas is his calling, but he likes to have a "yak" and be straight up. His support of the gondola proposal revealed how much his heart rules his head. Describes most reports or strategies as uninspiring. Has a worrying urge to mess with fundamentals such as the line between governance and management and he can get petulant. If his local government career is to progress, he needs a better grasp of the rules.

Lew Findlay (Papaioea)

His assessment:

The low point in this council term has been the consistent time-wasting at council meetings by a small minority of councillors. Some high points of this term would be the commencement of debt repayment, completion of the Airport Dr extension to Railway Rd, as well as the commencement of Community House in King St.

Our assessment: He may never lose the tag of Mr Community on council and probably doesn't want to. Moralises a bit about booze, but Mr Findlay's community street cred speaks for itself. Against growth in debt, has strong networks and the common touch.

Jim Jefferies (Hokowhitu)His assessment: A good chairman who brings common sense to the table. Supported the new bridge, recycling wheelie bins and initiated a referendum on citywide voting. Wants the council to get the basics right – water, waste and roads. Pleased with the much-reduced rate rise this year.

High: Success in controlling council spending.

Low: Long, sometimes pointless meetings.

Our assessment: An accountant, Mr Jefferies actually understands the council's finances. A veteran, moderate councillor, he is respected. Pleasant, reasonable, a tad boring, he has a stabilising influence.

Pat Kelly (Awapuni)His assessment: I have done my best to stand up for what I believe to be right when listening to community concerns, dealing promptly with problems, and providing advocacy in representing views of constituents at the council table. Keeping rates to a minimum has been a high priority of mine, whereas my influence in trying to reduce council debt has been low.

Our assessment: A floater, Mr Kelly is hard to typecast. A natural performer who needs no microphone, he delivers passionate speeches, although we're uncertain he always knows precisely what his point will be when he starts talking.

Has a knack for wondering aloud what others may be quietly pondering.

Prepared to give credit where it's due.

Ross Linklater (Papaioea)

His assessment:

Being self-employed most of my working life, I may have a balancing effect on some council decisions.

Highs: Getting improved recycling underway and meeting interesting people.

Lows: Some areas of council expenditure and the hours spent in meetings and reading, relative to achieved outcomes.

Our assessment:

Eminently sensible and a quiet achiever. Doesn't get involved when the chamber starts to look like a circus.

He could benefit from being more theatrical. Mr Linklater speaks when he needs to, but there is room for him to make a greater impact.

Annette Nixon (Awapuni)

Her assessment:

Gave serious consideration and time to the ideas, issues and decision-making required of an active ward and city councillor.

Highs: Linking vision with outcomes – creating the sustainable city strategy for long-term cost savings and self-reliance. Working towards a sun-safe policy.

Lows: Too few women councillors.

Placement of council tables – eight councillors cannot see each other when speaking.

Our assessment:

Thoughtful, asks good questions and has a solid grasp of detail. Can afford to show more conviction.

If her assessment is that the council's low point over three years was how the tables are arranged in the meeting chamber, questions must be asked about her vision for the city.

Anne Podd (Ashhurst-Fitzherbert)

Her assessment:

I have battled to keep things moving. Some new councillors seem hell-bent on making Palmerston North a quiet, green, backwater.

I feel privileged to be part of the district plan review.

The new bridge at Staces Rd has been confirmed as a "goer" and we need to support this. It's been mainly lows this term – nothing of significance has been achieved.

Our assessment: Speaks plainly. Frustrated by the "continual struggle to keep things moving" and lack of respect by some new councillors. Has developed poise and is normally self-assured. We quite like her when she's blunt.

Chris Teo-Sherrell (Hokowhitu)

His assessment:

I've asked questions that needed asking and researched issues to be well informed of facts and options for action, but have yet to convince enough colleagues about several issues critical to the city's future wellbeing.

High: Adoption of the sustainable city strategy – has potential to make Palmerston North an environmental, social and economic leader.

Low: Several lazy, poorly informed and closed-minded, multi-term councillors.

Our assessment:

A hard-working, well-read and thorough councillor who tries to persuade his peers through the power of argument. Occasionally gets a touch personal. Principled and green, but Dr Teo-Sherrell adds to the city council's carbon footprint by dragging on meetings, wasting electricity by keeping the lights on. He often gets bogged down by process and minute detail when decisions need to be made with the information that is available – that's leadership.

Peter Wheeler (Awapuni)

His assessment:

I leave that to the citizens of Awapuni, but I have tried my best. I have introduced common sense and have, with the help and advice of others, set a realistic future plan.

High: Helping save the Esplanade, introducing recycling wheelie bin service while keeping rates down and increasing community profile.

Low: Being unavoidably away for the vote on Creative Sounds funding.

Our assessment:

Thrives in a scrap, a bit like an old-style trade unionist. He has an outstanding gift for advocacy, but a poor head for politics. He represents his constituency well, but his forceful style often strays into personal attacks, alienating the vast majority around the council table. He fails to understand that to achieve things in politics you need to build constructive relationships with colleagues, even if you don't like them.

Bruce Wilson (Ashhurst-Fitzherbert)

His assessment:

Attention to detail, perceptive questions, independent thought. High community engagement in ward meetings. Have achieved positive actions for ward residents, for example Ashhurst pool funding assistance, Tiritea School carparking, Hendersons Line safety.

High: Leading significant progress towards a new bus terminal, getting $10 million into budget for it.

Low: Continuing to find an "old guard" reluctant to think deeply about many issues.

Our assessment:

Others may claim otherwise, but Mr Wilson is Palmerston North's wittiest councillor. So careful is his choice of words, however, that it is not always crystal clear what his meaning is. He is one of the councillors more likely to broker a compromise on wording, but Mr Wilson might be wise to put more distance between himself and other councillors regarded as negative or disruptive.

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