Post by Kiwi Frontline on May 20, 2019 4:41:29 GMT 12
Bob Edlin: Michael Laws says he WILL share a council seat with 'elected' Maori representatives
Democrats who bridle against some community groups being granted privileged access to local authority decision-making bodies risk being portrayed for what they oppose rather than for what they uphold.
Waatea News, reporting on bizarre constitutional goings-on in Otago, illustrates the point.
The Otago Regional Council (a strong majority, anyway) has voted in favour of enabling Ngai Tahu to choose two iwi members, representing four Otago rūnanga, to sit on its policy committee.
The appointees will have voting and speaking rights and join 12 elected councillors at the table.
Before the vote, Cr Michael Laws signalled his intention to oppose the proposal.
Laws said this was an “assault upon democracy” and was “so privileged, and so obviously racist, that it calls into question the fundamental principles of democracy in Otago.”
The decision would empower an “unelected minority’‘........
Continue reading Bob’s article here > breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2019/05/bob-edlin-michael-laws-says-he-will.html
Democrats who bridle against some community groups being granted privileged access to local authority decision-making bodies risk being portrayed for what they oppose rather than for what they uphold.
Waatea News, reporting on bizarre constitutional goings-on in Otago, illustrates the point.
The Otago Regional Council (a strong majority, anyway) has voted in favour of enabling Ngai Tahu to choose two iwi members, representing four Otago rūnanga, to sit on its policy committee.
The appointees will have voting and speaking rights and join 12 elected councillors at the table.
Before the vote, Cr Michael Laws signalled his intention to oppose the proposal.
Laws said this was an “assault upon democracy” and was “so privileged, and so obviously racist, that it calls into question the fundamental principles of democracy in Otago.”
The decision would empower an “unelected minority’‘........
Continue reading Bob’s article here > breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2019/05/bob-edlin-michael-laws-says-he-will.html