Rates have skyrocketed in the middle of a cost of living crisis. David Porter voted against the SRV and against the rate rises, instead David tabled a plan to pursue savings. The outgoing Mayor has stated that under his leadership there will be more special rate rises and that savings can only be achieved by closing pools and libraries, however at the same time as hiking rates council paid for over budget costs on three projects that amounted to more than the rate rise and paid for it from fat in the budget. We need to achieve savings through accountability in project management, commercial acumen, effective budgeting and operational efficiencies. Only David Porter has international experience in all of these areas, making David Porter the ideal choice for the Mayor who can effect change in council.