Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

I don't think the Tauranga City Council has got it right so far with the process to date on election signs. I gather the TCC is looking to ban election signs on public property in the ‘official' electioneering time before council elections.
Why? Because the mayor thought they were an eyesore. Well, they probably are for many. But they are also a really important part of the democratic process. Democracy isn't a perfect science, but nevertheless, we should enable as much fairness into the processes that surround it as possible.
If I and others choose to spend money on signs, the time erecting them and then time tending to them on a daily basis because they have been vandalised or blown over or whatever – attracting some 'interesting” comments in the process – then isn't that our choice? Isn't it all part of the colour and tapestry of people publically putting themselves forward for a chance to represent others and our place.
Why on earth can't we lighten up here and see signs as a colourful expression of people's keenness to engage in the democratic process. The facts are that some people who stand are very well known and or have names that are well known or are well connected – and good luck to them. Others are less so, and use signs and a variety of other measures to get their messages across in order that they might have a chance to be considered when voting takes place. Truly – what is the real problem in allowing for a few weeks every three years for people to have a chance to have a go. If the number of signs is a problem or whatever the real problems are, then surely some controls could have been thought of rather than a total ban.
Local government has powers to make laws; however, like any law-making body that has the power to impact people's rights and lives, they must exercise the power to regulate carefully and wisely.
Regulation comes in all shapes and sizes – bylaws, policies, plans, rules etcetera.
A bylaw has to pass tests established by the courts as to their validity and one of those tests is reasonableness. There are others like lawfulness and certainty. I would have expected any discussion on this to demonstrate the principles of effective decision making; starting with a very clear enunciation of the problem or problems sought to be resolved, options put forward for dealing with them, input sought on options and a decision then made that is understandable, reasonable and fair.