Time for recall option lobby group says as Len Brown's $30K secret rooms revealed

The Taxpayers' Union is calling on the Government to give local communities the ability to petition for recall elections, after Len Brown's latest snub to ratepayers has hit the headlines. The Herald on Sunday is reporting that Len Brown has had a private bathroom and dressing room installed behind a bookshelf in the Mayor's office. The secret rooms have cost ratepayers $30,000.

Today's report used information gathered by Councillor Cameron Brewer through a Local Government Official Information request.

Recall petitions are an option in some US local elections. In one famous instance, in 2003, enough signatures were collected to force a California gubernatorial recall election, which saw scandal-hit Democrat Governor Gray Davis replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. The number of voters' signatures required to trigger a recall various between 5% and 20% between states.

"A secret dressing room, complete with a two seater couch, is a luxury lair, not value for money for ratepayers," the Union's executive director, Jordan Williams says.

"Councillors have already censured Len Brown for misusing funds but clearly the line in the sand is being ignored. Mr Brown's refusal to talk to media says a lot about his respect for ratepayers and his fellow councillors.

"It's time the Government gave ratepayers a voice between elections. A recall option would enable ratepayers to petition for a vote to fire a shameless politician who lacks any respect for those who pay the bills."

Other commentators were at least impressed by the secret rooms' relatively low budget.

"Where can I get a full office fitout, hidden bookcase door, dressing room, ensuite etc. for $30k? That's a great deal," tweeted Ben Gracewood.

A council spokesman told NBR, "The new office including the ensuite replaces similar facilities in the old office at the Town Hall. The move to bring council staff under one roof including the Mayoral Office will save ratepayers $100  million. The ensuite includes basic facilities to assist in the performance of civic and ceremonial duties by this and future mayors. Decisions on the refit were made by the Auckland Council project team overseeing the council move to 135 Albert Street not the Mayoral Office."