It's set to be another intriguing year in local politics.
Last year ended with "the council formerly known as Rotorua District Council" announcing several decisions and proposals that generated a fair bit of feedback from our readers.
The Inner City Green Corridor, the name change to Rotorua Lakes Council and the
Te Arawa Partnership Plan were three of the big talking points that filled our front pages and kept letters to the editor coming.
Some of our readers praised mayor Steve Chadwick and the council for their forward-thinking, vision, and turning talk into action. Others were angry about a perceived lack of consultation around these decisions, as well as concerns about the proposals themselves.
Indeed, as we report today, several residents including current and former Rotorua district councillors feel strongly enough they've set up the Rotorua Pro-Democracy Society and are speaking out about the processes followed by the council in some instances.
It's a somewhat bizarre situation to have three current councillors as members of that society, with Glenys Searancke its chairwoman.
To the outsider that would seem to indicate a possible split or rift among the 12 councillors. Which in turn raises the question of whether that could negatively impact on the running of the council and city.
Last year's controversies definitely caught the public's attention, with standing room only in the council chamber at the last meeting of 2014 when Te Arawa formally announced its proposal.
With meetings starting for the year again this coming week, and the pro-democracy group gathering support and seemingly intent on making its voice heard, there are bound to be plenty more headlines, controversy and intrigue in 2015.
Robust and honest debate is good. So long as Mrs Chadwick can manage the opposing views of her councillors in such a way that debate helps, rather than hinders, the smooth running of the city.
