Opinion
Super City mayoralty contender Len Brown tells how he would handle the CCOs if elected to the top job.
People fear the council controlled organisation (CCO) structure as a stalking horse for corporatisation and privatisation. Given the scale of assets CCOs will hold and the agenda of some in local government, they have good reason. As mayor, I would not allow these assets to be sold.
The proposed transport
CCO is wrong. Transport is a key issue for my campaign. If I am mayor, I will have a big agenda for public transport - finishing State Highway 20, developing an inner-city rail loop, and establishing another harbour crossing.
Being able to achieve these goals through a transport CCO established and appointed by Rodney Hide will be difficult. Aucklanders want a voice in how the new council will shape solutions. Placing transport in a corporate model effectively removes the community from the equation.
As mayor I would establish clear lines of accountability and control. I would want to be able to hold Auckland Transport's board to account, and see all reports and papers being prepared for the board. The new mayor and council will have a mandate which I would require Auckland Transport to implement. Moral authority stemming from the mayor's direct mandate will be put to use.
Meanwhile, the Government is setting up other CCOs. They can be useful when run well by a council committed to good service provision and equity, as in Manukau, but it is unfortunate the Government is pressing ahead with these. Such decisions should be left to the new mayor and council with council oversight and clear boundaries.
The council will have to exert control and scrutiny and there would be a committee to oversee CCOs. I would have regular meetings with CCO boards and senior management. The council must have the power to appoint directors. As mayor, I will ensure CCOs are not corporate profit gougers, and will not be sold.
