The revived Ratepayers Association has made it clear it will be keeping a close eye on the performance of the Whanganui District Council.
In his report to the association's annual meeting last week, re-elected chairman Graham Adams conceded the organisation's profile had not been particularly strong since it was resurrected in May last year but he said "a marked change is imminent".
Mr Adams said since its revival the association had functioned with a few supporters but the annual meeting showed a growth of interest with an 11-strong committee being voted in.
He said there was no intention by the Ratepayers Association to field a ticket of candi-dates in the October local body elections.
"We will, however, carefully assess the claimed capabilities and experience of candidates and comment accordingly. Our main role is to monitor council's activities and comment on them as necessary."
And the association has issued its first challenge to council, lodging an Official Information Act request for information on council's settlement with MWH over the disputed wastewater treatment plant.
Mr Adams said they had a new website - wanganuiratepayersassn.org.nz - made possible through sponsorship of Webquest, St John's Club, Wanganui East Club and Grey Power Wanganui.