Power to the people!

In the wash-up following Briggs' resignation as CEO of the Cairns Regional Council, it's worth recording a few observations

Although CairnsBlog has certainly been a player in the issues surrounding the Cash For Comments affair, Mike Moore has just been reflecting the general community outrage at the goings on at the Cairns Regional Council; providing the means and opportunity for ratepayers to make comment.

Not detracting from the efforts here on CairnsBlog, I admit I've not been crusading alone, not by a long shot.

CBD Warrior commented the other day that this blog is "read by a couple hundred malcontents [and] had ZERO to do with Briggs' departure”. However, he/she is missing the point. For every reader of CairnsBlog, there are probably 10 others who felt just as passionately about the issue of openness and accountability. For the record, the number of unique daily hits to this Blog is way over a couple of hundred. Google Analytics shows 4,347 unique regular readers, and such web monitoring programs, rarely capture every reader.

When the Cash for Comments story erupted five weeks ago, quite a few people in the community had had enough. Information started arriving at CairnsBlog by email, by post and by phone, some even my unmarked envelope – mostly anonymously, from ordinary residents and ratepayers. On one occasion, I received a phone call, with the number withheld, advising about Councillor Blake’s car had just been seen. Later another call, from someone else, and then another. Information not sought, but willingly given.

Another commenter on CairnsBlog mentioned Watergate. Well there have been a few 'Deep Throats' out there – long may they continue.

All the supporters who have made comment on my various stories, should also share the credit; even Quickie seemed to shift his ground at the end. That was good.

When the Cairns Post seemed to lose its patience and joined the fray in calling for the release of the Henry report last Thursday, I think that Mr Briggs finally got the message that his actions would not be tolerated by the ratepayers of Cairns and the former Douglas Shire.

There are some people out there who have, and will want to continue, to demonise CairnsBlog. I'm not a lone wolf in the wilderness. Thousands, of residents have had a gutful of the shenanigans of this Council. In these times we need good civic government. If it was there in the first place, none of the last few weeks would ever have happened.

So the challenge is for the Councillors to now take heed of what one wit has termed 'Cairns people’s power' and either fall on their swords, or pick up their game and actually work to represent the interest of the Cairns community and just not their own narrow special interest agenda.

To represent, to govern and to protect ratepayers. Is that too much to ask for?

Disclaimer

In the interest of full disclosure, here's a bit about me.. and who's behind CairnsBlog.net

Political Views
I self-identify with the principals of individual rights, limited government, tolerance, acceptance, diversity, open honest governance and reason.

On the political compass test I score -5.88 (left on economic issues) and -6.67 (libertarian) on authoritarian/libertarian issues.

Political Affiliations
I joined Young Nationals in New Zealand in 1989, and was national information and publicity officer for 3 years. I have been affiliated to NZ Labour, and also assisted in the development of Rainbow Labour. I have worked with Hon Chris Carter in his Te Atatu electorate.

In 1996, I established GAP, a business networking organisation in Wellington. It operated in an environment post Hon Fran Wilde's 1984 HLR Act.

My good mate and political colleague, David Farrar, writes KiwiBlog, the most viisted blog in New Zealand.

I moved to Cairns in 2000 for a sea change and a life change, away from the rat race and too much traveling. I don’t believe in air conditioners as a primary design element for our region’s buildings. I embrace our climate and outdoors with a passion in North Queensland. I occasionally hug trees.

I support holding local government in Cairns, and our greater region, to account. I support amalgamation to provide greater strength and access to services to all residents, with more accountability and openness in decision-making, especially when it comes to the bit of dirt we all share.

I'm not a member of any political party, but advocate and support good open debate, free of party influence.

Professional
I was General Editor and Publications Manager at Scouting New Zealand and worked in the New Zealand Parliament for four years from 1995, initially as a media and publications officer in the National Research Unit when Jim Bolger was Prime Minister.

During my time in NZ Parliament, I had the privilege to work alongside Lange, my name-sake Rt Hon Mike Moore, Jenny Shipley, and former Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Helen Clark.

I also had the misfortune to debate with Piggy, I mean Robert Muldoon.

I've worked in change management teams at NZ Public Trust, and with National Mutual's transformation into AXA.

In the not-for-profit sector, I was the Publications Manager at Scouting New Zealand, and National Public Relations Manager at New Zealand Red Cross, and also the community liaison officer at the Red Cross Blood Service in Cairns.

I have worked in media management, marketing, PR tourism, representing, travelling to Europe and Asia, to sell (not literately) our region.

I manage my Body Corporate at Yorkeys Knob and, with the support of StrataWorks. All owners are actively involved in the day-to-day decisions of their property. This is a refreshing change from many other body corp management companies. I highly recommend them to you.

I now provide marketing, media and communications consulting to a variety of clients.

Community
In New Zealand, I was involved in a number of youth programmes. Scouting, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. I developed Action Youth Leadership programmes. I helped at the old printery at Ferrymead Historic park in East Christchurch, and was the youngest member of an elected Board of Governors at Aranui High School.

I have received Chief Scout's and Queen's Scouts Award, along with the Woodbadge Leadership and Chief Scout's Commendation as a leader and professional officer at National Office.

I received the Rotary Youth Honour Roll and was selected by the Mayor of Christchurch, as the youth Goodwill representative to China in 1988.

In the late 80's I was awarded the Competent Toastmasters Award and also rewarded with the country's best club bulletin trophy, two years in a row.

In Cairns, I'm a mentor with the Cairns Youth Mentoring Scheme. I'm on the Advisory Board of QaHC's Cairns community resource centre. Along with former Pink Guide publisher, I produce the Cairns Rainbow Guide.

Recreation
I swim. I cycle. I kayak. I like to run and enjoy the beach, our diverse courtryside. I'm a 4WD fan, exploring Cape and Queensland's Outback. I love our creepy crawlers, and some of the elected species. I have several thousand books, but everyone has to have a bad habit. I don't smoke, only drink when encouraged.

Enuf said.

PS: I'm a Kiwi. The therapy's going fine thanks. And, I probably know more sheep jokes than you do.

-Mike