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Having right CEO critical for council
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Re: Better ways for council to operate, August 10 letter.

I join Alan Brown in welcoming new Gisborne District Council chief executive Judy Campbell’s comments in relation to a new direction with working efficiently and increasing income.

Councillors have recognised that their most important job is to fill the position of CEO of council with the best person available.

In her position interview, Judy showed an understanding of the challenges facing the district — with low incomes and rising costs — and had a willingness to look at all ways to mitigate this.

Having worked with Judy on the former Tairawhiti Polytechnic Council, I was able to observe the energy and intelligence she can bring to a job. The fact that she has not worked in local government I have seen as an advantage, as she has not been moulded into local government processes and thinking.

Maybe it is hard for Alan to give credit to councillors for their selection of CEO. But it should also be said that many of the positive comments stated by Judy, that Alan has praised, are based on a performance agreement being negotiated between Judy and the council.

It may be worth noting that the library expansion is taking place because virtually all of the cost is borne by outside grant funds earmarked for the library only, and that the issue of books is increasing despite competition from technology.

BRIAN WILSON Chairman, GDC Finance and Monitoring committee
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