John Glover enters mayoral race with "hard reset" of QLDC

Glenorchy hotel owner John Glover has declared his candidacy for the Queenstown Lakes mayoralty and promised to restore trust in the council through a series of robust and fundamental changes.

Calling the changes a "hard reset" Mr Glover has listed what he plans to introduce if elected.

To invite a crown observer to investigate and report on (with recommendations) Councils’ management of risk, provision of governance and financial probity (including under delegated authority), relating to the Shotover Wastewater treatment plant, the Lakeview development, project Manawa (proposed new civic building) and the arterial road construction.
As a Mayor, to develop and lead a team of empowered Councillors and foster an environment that is safe for respectful, thoughtful and informed decision making around the table.
To establish a working group of Upper Clutha community stakeholders to identify changes that should be made to support ‘one district’ Council policies and operations.
A presumption that all council workshops will be public and live-streamed online unless there are exceptional reasons for excluding the public.
To amend standing orders to remove the discretion of the mayor to require in-person attendance to speak at public forums. Additionally, to provide procedural changes around the use of a casting vote, and include Notice of Councillor Motions and “any other business” on Council agendas to encourage Councillors to actively set the direction of QLDC.
To undertake a review of how Council should store and publish information in order to enable speedier and fuller compliance with information requests from Councillors and the public; and to establish a quasi-independent Information Office that assists those requesting information to obtain it, and monitors and reports on the fullness of responses to requests.
To undertake a standalone review of Councils significance and engagement policy so Councillors can readily establish, on the community’s behalf, issues where consultation is expected and how that should be undertaken.
That any new civic building will be located in the Frankton area thus making if far more accessible to residents of the Upper Clutha, Arrowtown, Shotover & Jacks Point/Hanley Farm.

Mr Glover added the following comment to today's announcement:

“Trust is something that is earned, and we don’t need another expensive consultants’ report to place a spin on uncomfortable realities: that’s so symptomatic of the problem.

"We just need to make the necessary changes. Success will be when the community has our back, rather than being on our back.”

"Of course there are many, many other pressing issues that need addressing, but first and foremost Council needs to regain the support and trust of the ratepayers and residents."

Mr Glover has told media that he will start taking part in interviews and providing more information from mid June when he returns from a period of overseas travel, before which he is focussing on his existing work and community commitments.