'Hawke's Bay Today' Public Meeting Article
Bay Voters Grill Tremain
National MP Chris Tremain faced some tough questioning during last night's public forum in Napier.
About 80 people turned up to the question-time session held at Memorial Square Community Lounge in Clive Square, Napier. The evening was a chance for people to question Mr Tremain on current issues and discuss government initiatives.
Topics included the new youth unemployment initiatives, the national cycleway and Napier Hospital site as well as adult and community education (ACE) funding.
Each issue was allocated a 15-minute time slot but the funding issue stretched out to 40 minutes due to intense public interest.
Pottery sculptor Ron Wareham felt the meeting had gone "all right'' but said the Government's position on the funding was quite clear.
"It's pretty obvious the Government has already made up its mind about ACE funding,'' he said. Mr Wareham felt that the meeting was a chance for people to come out and have their say on issues.
Mr Tremain said being in politics meant a lot of decision making - both positive and negative.
While it was easy to talk about positive initiatives he said it was also important to face the music.
"You've got to be there for the tough ones as well,'' he said.
This included discussing the letter from Health Minister Tony Ryall which said he did not support the redevelopment of the old Napier Hospital site and the relocation of the Wellesley Road Health Centre into that site.
The letter followed Mr Ryall's visit to the Bay last month.
Overall, Mr Tremain felt the evening was successful and he said there was a possibility the meetings could be held between two to four times a year depending on relevant issues.
C/-HB Today - published 1.09.09
Bay Voters Grill Tremain
National MP Chris Tremain faced some tough questioning during last night's public forum in Napier.
About 80 people turned up to the question-time session held at Memorial Square Community Lounge in Clive Square, Napier. The evening was a chance for people to question Mr Tremain on current issues and discuss government initiatives.
Topics included the new youth unemployment initiatives, the national cycleway and Napier Hospital site as well as adult and community education (ACE) funding.
Each issue was allocated a 15-minute time slot but the funding issue stretched out to 40 minutes due to intense public interest.
Pottery sculptor Ron Wareham felt the meeting had gone "all right'' but said the Government's position on the funding was quite clear.
"It's pretty obvious the Government has already made up its mind about ACE funding,'' he said. Mr Wareham felt that the meeting was a chance for people to come out and have their say on issues.
Mr Tremain said being in politics meant a lot of decision making - both positive and negative.
While it was easy to talk about positive initiatives he said it was also important to face the music.
"You've got to be there for the tough ones as well,'' he said.
This included discussing the letter from Health Minister Tony Ryall which said he did not support the redevelopment of the old Napier Hospital site and the relocation of the Wellesley Road Health Centre into that site.
The letter followed Mr Ryall's visit to the Bay last month.
Overall, Mr Tremain felt the evening was successful and he said there was a possibility the meetings could be held between two to four times a year depending on relevant issues.
C/-HB Today - published 1.09.09
