So where does he stand George Wood believes these fall on the ISSUES?

in to four main categories:

FINANCE
An incoming council will be hit by our city's poor financial position. The current annual plan forecasts a debt of $94 million - the reality will show a much higher figure. George recognises that the current debt level could be aggravated by the North Shore Stadium at Albany. "The best case scenario would be a commitment of millions of dollars that the North Shore City Council will have to guarantee." So how should the council handle its finances during the next three years? "Don't sell off the family silver" says George. "When times get tough - get out the microscope and take a good look at council spending and budget restrictions". is an option that will not be ignored Sell ing off assets or relyi ng on ha nd-outs is the easy option; at this time it is more important to ensure that council spending is brought under control and we live within the budget.

SEWERAGE
In George Wood's view, the issue stands out above the rest. The poll ution of North Shore beaches by sewage is a problem besetting the city for far too long. As the elections approach the council has launched the Project Care initiative - a positive move but a belated one since council has been faced with this pollution problem since its inception in 1989. George has studied the issues. He passionately believes that to delay action further, will have serious financial and environmental implications for all residents. But there are no 'quick fix' ways of remedying

t
Wastewater discharging inta Ngataringa Bay,

Bovswoter, after a starm. Water is discharging

through a semi-permanent autflow pipe.

As manager of the North Shore police area since 1995 George is used to tight budgets and has taken his extensive financial, logistical and personnel responsibilities seriously. Prudent fiscal practice in council will ensure costs are reduced markedly. Strict scrutiny of the council's operating budget is essential - if that fails, rates could rise as much as 20% next yea r. Every council activity must come under that proverbial microscope. The North Shore Community quite rightly wants the council to improve delivery of basic services. Assistance from the Infrastuctu re Auckland fund

George examines the Ngataringa Bay semi-permanent outflow systelJ7.

this 'waterfront sore'. Wastewater management difficulties must be attended in an ordered manner. North Shore City needs the best professional advice to formulate an action plan and positive result. The incoming council and ratepayers need to consult over this issue before funds are made available to implement solutions. Some determined, hard - and no doubt costly - decisions must be made to eliminate this problem.