ELocaL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE - Supporting Local Identity in the Supercity

Many people tell me they are worried their local identity will be lost in the supercity and that all the money and focus will shift to the CBD. We cannot let that happen and if I am elected mayor it won’t. I offer strong inclusive leadership to bring our region together, ensure local communities retain their identity, at the same time as tackling the big issues facing Auckland.

My wife and I raised our family in Auckland. I have commercial experience as a partner in a law firm and I am a mayor who has passion for both the job and for the community. Most importantly, I know how to run a fast growing and dynamic city, and how to get things done.

My policy is to give your Local Board the power it needs to deliver for your community and I understand the local issues facing Franklin, Papakura and rural Manukau.

I will deliver a transport transformation. We need efficient, integrated transport links to the southern part of the region, including a rail link to the airport, to help unclog our roads and make it easier to do business and shift product.

The new supercity allows us to focus on powering up Auckland’s economy.

A single Auckland Council will allow us to standardise and simplify regulations to give businesses the certainty they need to invest, create jobs and cut costs.

I will ensure the Economic Development CCO retains a sub-regional focus so that local areas continue to see investment and development.

My current council is business friendly. Businesses that shift to Manukau are struck by the ‘can-do’ approach of the council. This is the attitude you should insist upon from the new organisation.

My background is also in keeping rates low – in and around the rates of inflation. I have also delivered zero percent water rate increases. I will bring the same focus to the whole region.

I am also the mayor who will retain public ownership of public assets – no privatisation of our Water Company, airport shares, housing for the elderly or the Ports of Auckland.

The first Auckland Council will set the values and direction for our region for many years to come. We have to get it right. I will ensure the new Council is based on values of inclusiveness, investing in local communities, protecting local identities and getting things done.

www.lenbrownformayor.co.nz

Supporting Local Identity in the Supercity

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