Waikato Regional Council
Ben Dunbar-Smith
Councillor
Ben Dunbar-Smith
Councillor
Why I'm standing
Times are tough for people – so rates need to come down. I believe the regional council is wrong to collect surpluses of ratepayer money and then refuse to return it to them. That's why I support returning $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers if elected. It's time to run a strict value-for-money review over council expenditure. The average person, especially pensioners or low-income families, cannot afford rates to keep going up!
About me
Raised and educated in Hamilton, I've got strong ties to the city. My father, Campbell Smith, was a well-known director of the Waikato Art Museum. After attending Waikato University I trained as a journalist. Subsequently I've spent many years working in management roles for central or local government, including serving as a Waikato regional councillor. So I understand the system. As part of the Rates Control Team, I'm keen to serve the people of Hamilton.
My priorities
- Control rates. In the current cost of living crisis, council rates need to come down.
- Return $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers. This money belongs to ratepayers.
- Cut the $16.9 million spent on consultancy services by regional council. It's time for belt-tightening.
Current role
Councillor
Residence
Claudelands, Hamilton
Connect via
Why I'm standing
Times are tough for people – so rates need to come down. I believe the regional council is wrong to collect surpluses of ratepayer money and then refuse to return it to them. That's why I support returning $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers if elected. It's time to run a strict value-for-money review over council expenditure. The average person, especially pensioners or low-income families, cannot afford rates to keep going up!
About me
Raised and educated in Hamilton, I've got strong ties to the city. My father, Campbell Smith, was a well-known director of the Waikato Art Museum. After attending Waikato University I trained as a journalist. Subsequently I've spent many years working in management roles for central or local government, including serving as a Waikato regional councillor. So I understand the system. As part of the Rates Control Team, I'm keen to serve the people of Hamilton.
My priorities
- Control rates. In the current cost of living crisis, council rates need to come down.
- Return $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers. This money belongs to ratepayers.
- Cut the $16.9 million spent on consultancy services by regional council. It's time for belt-tightening.
Current role
Councillor
Residence
Claudelands, Hamilton
Connect via
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