No plans to resign, says Cr Shackel

Press, 29 June 1988, Page 10

No plans to resign, says Cr Shackel

The former deputy chairman of the Waimairi District Council, Cr Brian Shackel, yesterday indicated that he had no plans to resign as a riding member for Fendalton. Fendalton Road Action Group this week circulated pamphlets among ratepayers calling for Cr Shackel’s resignation as one of three riding members, after his recent public support for the one-city proposal for Christchurch. He has already resigned as the council’s deputy chairman. “Now is the time to exercise your democratic right to express your opinion about Cr Shackel’s continuing to represent us. As he was elected on a mandate for anti-amalgamation, he should now resign,” the circular said. group called

ratepayers to express their feelings' to the County Clerk, Mr Peter Chappel, and the two other riding members, Ms Barbara Stewart and Mr David Buist, by 4 p.m. yesterday. By the time the deadline expired, the council offices had received 50 calls. Cr Stewart was in Australia. Cr Buist had received 31 calls. The Fendalton riding contains about 12,000 ratepayers. Cr Buist said yesterday evening that he was aware of the Action Group through its campaign over the widening of the Fendalton Road. The pamphlet and the subsequent public reaction reflected a feeling in the community against Cr Shackel’s action in supporting amalgamation. “Brian Shackel is a riding colleague and a

friend but I believe that

this is an indication of opposition to his comments. While the council elected him as deputy chairman, the people of Fendalton are the only ones who can decide whether they will continue to support him,” he said. Cr Shackel meanwhile criticised the use of an anonymous circular. “I feel that the group should have put names on the pamphlet. Hiding behind a veil of anonymity does not do themselves or the community a service,” he said.

“I have no intention of complying with their suggestion. I have received about the same number of calls urging me to stand firm.” The council will meet this afternoon to decide formally on Cr Shackel’s successor as deputy chairman.