Chamber Responds to Criticisms from Bryan Pepperell on Mayoral Candidate Survey
The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is disappointed with Mayoral candidate Bryan Pepperell’s reaction to media reports on the results of its survey of candidates.
“The Chamber does not intend to endorse a particular candidate or group of candidates. It wants to support a set of sound policies which will enhance the local business environment. This is made clear in our media statement,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.
“The survey was designed to explore candidates’ views on key actions and policies which we believe will enhance Wellington as a good city to do business in.
“Some candidates’ responses are closer to our views as to what these policies and actions are. Respondents were given the Chamber’s policy manifesto as guidance.
“The survey results are on our website for all to see and judge and we look forward to hearing candidates elaborate on their views to a business audience at a Chamber hosted candidates forum on 12 September.
“We don’t accept Mr Pepperell’s view that the tax deductibility of rates and the potential for them to be passed on make higher rates for business acceptable. This argument has also been dismissed by the recent Local Government Rates Inquiry.
“Mr Pepperell also accuses the Chamber of ducking for cover on climate change and peak oil. The Chamber has been active in these areas globally, nationally and regionally and I am happy to debate them with Mr Pepperell any time. We want policies in place that are actually going to make a difference to this global problem as opposed to a response targeted at short term political expediency.
We are pleased that Mr Pepperell is not anti-business as he states in his response. We wish him well in the campaign and encourage him to articulate and expound business friendly policies. A vibrant business community is crucial for a strong and prosperous economy,” Mr Finny concluded.
The candidates’ full responses and the Chamber’s commentary are available on the Chamber website http://www.wellingtonchamber.co.nz/default.asp?sectionID=312
“The Chamber does not intend to endorse a particular candidate or group of candidates. It wants to support a set of sound policies which will enhance the local business environment. This is made clear in our media statement,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.
“The survey was designed to explore candidates’ views on key actions and policies which we believe will enhance Wellington as a good city to do business in.
“Some candidates’ responses are closer to our views as to what these policies and actions are. Respondents were given the Chamber’s policy manifesto as guidance.
“The survey results are on our website for all to see and judge and we look forward to hearing candidates elaborate on their views to a business audience at a Chamber hosted candidates forum on 12 September.
“We don’t accept Mr Pepperell’s view that the tax deductibility of rates and the potential for them to be passed on make higher rates for business acceptable. This argument has also been dismissed by the recent Local Government Rates Inquiry.
“Mr Pepperell also accuses the Chamber of ducking for cover on climate change and peak oil. The Chamber has been active in these areas globally, nationally and regionally and I am happy to debate them with Mr Pepperell any time. We want policies in place that are actually going to make a difference to this global problem as opposed to a response targeted at short term political expediency.
We are pleased that Mr Pepperell is not anti-business as he states in his response. We wish him well in the campaign and encourage him to articulate and expound business friendly policies. A vibrant business community is crucial for a strong and prosperous economy,” Mr Finny concluded.
The candidates’ full responses and the Chamber’s commentary are available on the Chamber website http://www.wellingtonchamber.co.nz/default.asp?sectionID=312
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