puff 634 Wheeler's Corner

Wheeler’s CornerÓ

Connecting Citizens Who Care

"Broadcast every Thursday at 11.45am on Access 999AM" Contact Peter at wheeler@inspire.net.nz

26 28th June 2007

This Week: 1. Funding for election: 2: Spreading the word: 3. Volunteer’s Thanked: 4. John’s magical citizen: 5. Open churches: 6. Gordon’s history lesson: 7. My God.

1. Where does money come from for campaigning? A mayoral campaign costs big biscuits, candidates can spend up to $40.000 on their campaign during the official campaign period but they can spend heaps before that period. The last known candidate who spent close to the maximum during the official campaign period was Mark Bell-Booth. It is known that he spent plenty in the period before the campaign. Six years ago when Mark Bell-Booth won the mayoralty race against Jill White it was also strongly rumoured that Bell-Booth contributed to some councillor campaigns, this was never proven.

One of those who may have received assistance is a current candidate for the mayoral slot. This candidate started campaigning in early May 2007 seven months before the actual election is due to take place. That Councillor is of course Cr. Jono Naylor. So it is fair to ask the question "Is he or any other candidate being funded and if so by whom? Where does an ex social worker, part time preacher or city councillor, compile the funds to contest the mayoralty? There are some that say this is unimportant while others would suggest it is very important. Jono Naylor, or the present Mayor in particular may well have simply saved their salary paid by the council.

Michael Feyen’s major concern is more about receiving funding from "known' sources rather than unknown sources. To quote him, "If you genuinely do not know who has donated or supplied monies you are not beholding to them. I have received no such anonymous funding thus far". He went on to say, "If a candidate knows his/hers sources he or she will not be in a position to have an open mind to everyone". Michael Feyen has already publicly stated clearly in the local media that he has no desire to be funded by specific sources because in his view this could commit him to policy directions that could and would compromise his position as mayor, should he be elected. Especially, if that election funding came from people or groups who would stand to gain from possible future council activities". The fact that he and the present Mayor limit there paid advertising means the need for a large cash injection from unknown sources is unnecessary. This is a positive indicator that their spending will be well within the rules and the limitations imposed. I think that the present mayor Heather Tanguay spent around seven thousand dollars during the last election, and while she openly requested donations it would be safe to say that community time and individual effort funded her campaign in real terms.

What is at stake? Over three years a mayor would be paid around three hundred thousand dollars plus the use of a car. So to spend forty thousand dollars to receive three hundred thousand is not a bad investment if looked at from that angle.

The information about where a candidate gets his or her funding can be found out, but only after the event and only for the official period. The act controlling elections was drawn up to ensure integrity and transparency and while there are loopholes, the act, it in the main depends on the honesty and integrity of those standing for election. The old days of business tycoon’s controlling councils have long gone? I hope!

While many people had great concerns over the funding of political parties from groups like the Exclusive Brethren or religious/Trade union groupings. This worthy concern seems to diminish where local elections are concerned. This lack of local concern opens the path to possible unethical and unwanted antidemocratic behaviour. If we knew where a candidates funding was derived before the actual election we could use that knowledge to help us decide who we might vote for. If candidates over-spend there can be consequences and penalties. But I have yet to find any information indicating that overspending has led to removal.

Various pressure groups exist who may well desire to influence council policy or direction for their own gain. Property developers & speculators are the most obvious and Palmerston North has a plentiful supply of those, but energy companies, contractors, religious groupings could all benefit if specific and directional policies were advanced following the election. While not necessarily suggesting this is happening now, the future is anything but certain because of the covert nature of some funding, for example, funding could be fed in via a trust. This way those donating can be kept secret and free from public scrutiny. This was the manner that the Exclusive Brethren opted for. We need to be alert and watchful for the future. So I consider we should carefully watch where candidates funding may be coming from and what this might mean for the future of our city.

Of course elections weren't supposed to be like this, but through an innate hunger for power plus the automatic abuse of power, local politicians, can if under the covert obligation to their sponsors hip pockets, turn into what are really serious dictatorships. By gift wrapping them in the mantle of so-called elected respectability they do in fact lower and demean the democratic process in this day and age.

This issue is important and should be picked up by the media and followed up with vigor and if needed investigative journalism. I’m sure that the Manawatu Standard with its new and welcomed community minded team would do just that, after all they might well know who is paying the bills…for as sure as hell we the citizens don’t.

2. Rosemary! I receive transcripts of Peter Wheeler's broadcasts even though I live in the Wairarapa. I have highlighted a relevant passage in RED. If possible I would be obliged if you can pin this to my submission as I have touched on these points. All councils have the same problems. How do you attract business or make it easier for businesses to flourish? Why do uniform charges subsidise the properties above the average rates level? Curious about whether the rating commission has a newsletter or any way of informing submitters how the inquiry is performing. Yours sincerely Gerald Tait Thanks Gerald we all await the commissions findings and thanks for sending WC to the commissioners.

3. The mayor held a function for Volunteers in the convention centre last Thursday at 5pm. Hundreds turned up to celebrate ‘Volunteer Awareness Week’. Georgina Beyer MP was the guest speaker and she was absolutely fantastic. The three hundred plus present were treated to an entertaining and rewarding performance. This ‘dancing with the stars’ performer knew how to capture her audience completely. The crowd was responsive and reacted with delight to Georgina’s history as a volunteer. As I partook of the wine and nibbled the nibbles I recognised many faces of those who keep our community on track. It was great to see Cr. Ian Cruden there his sports volunteering is well known. But once again members of councils tight eight stayed away as they have done for most events organised by the Mayor. Oh! Cr. Jono Naylor was present and this was a first to my knowledge, no doubt he saw some votes lurking in the wings, his slogan of ‘uniting our city’ was no doubt on his mind, I wonder if his sponsor was behind this newly found community spirit. Alas there was no Cr. Alison Wall, Ann Podd, Lynne Pope, Gordon Cruden, Vaughan Dennison, John Hornblow etc. To be fair maybe they were all to busy. All in all it was a great two hours, well done Mayor…Jono should note that it is these community based activities that unite the various communities that make up our city and only the mayor has taken us down that path since her election.

4. Speaking of John Hornblow, did you read his PR bit in the Guardian [Thursday 21st June 07] where he talked about how he met an unnamed citizen [and not a rich one] who just loved his/her increasing rate bill? This election year wonder also thought the Square was just great and was absolutely overjoyed at the increase in fixed charges, the wonderful parking with its extra cost. Overall this unnamed citizen was totally satisfied with the forty-seven million dollars worth of planned borrowing in the short years ahead and the state of his/her water. He/she obviously didn’t live in Dittmer Drive, Elmira Ave, flooded Takaro or Milson Line. Do you remember ‘Ripleys believe it or not’ well I’m sending the above item to them for publication.

5. It was good to hear the other day that not all Churches are like the Exclusive Brethren crowd and don’t ban their members from reading the paper and watching TV. One Church in particular is considering asking other mayoral candidates to come and address them so that they can get a real balance and not simply have one choice. This is democracy in action, well done!

6. Cr. Gordon Cruden has reappeared in the Manawatu Standard pushing his usual yearly bleat! He is against the increase in rates, yeah, yeah. He informs us that he always has been against the increases. He implies that some how rate increases are because Mayor Heather Tanguay used her casting vote to impose the increase, we all know that is simply rubbish. It is always amusing but not surprising to read how Cr. Gordon views historic events. Rates under his watch have risen by almost forty percent; the fixed charges alone are now on the verge of being against the law in percentage terms. This councillor voted against any and all suggestions from the mayor to keep rates down. He has also voted for the massive borrowings of the last five years. He supported strongly any suggestions for increased charges put forward by the past CEO Paul Wylie including Paul Wylie’s totally out of this world salary increases. He asks us to believe that he is sincere in his plea. I ask you to simply believe the facts and that is that he is one of the reasons why rates are so high. Believe what you see, not election year hype…and don’t forget he has said all this before.

7. My God is keeping warm and dry now that winter has arrived she was most impressed with the volunteers who attended the mayoral function and she thought that the wines were impressive especially the reds’, I can but agree…have a good week.

Peter J Wheeler

Wheeler@inspire.net.nz

Catalogue
Last Gasp Cafe 32
two songs in G for Philip K Dick. Lady so Far and Idol both composed and performed by Peter Cleave.

Last Gasp Cafe 31
Concert for Courtney Love. Gloria and Long Black Jar. Both songs performed by Peter Cleave. Long Black Jar composed by Peter Cleave.

Catalogue
Last Gasp Cafe 30
You're Free and Colin both composed and performed by Peter Cleave.
Ana Carolina, Kurt Cobain, caterpillars...

Last Gasp Cafe 29
Two songs in C. Long Black Jar and Colin both composed and performed by Peter Cleave

Last Gasp Cafe 28
Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave.Red Bus and Long Black Jar. Chords on Red Bus have a structure! Recorded on the Wetlands.

Last Gasp Cafe 27
Two songs performed and composed by Peter Cleave.You're Free, Red Bus. Recorded

on the Wetlands.
Last Gasp Cafe 26
Two songs composed by Peter Cleave. We got lucky, Idol. Recorded on the Wetlands.

Last Gasp Cafe 25
Two songs composed by Peter Cleave. Red Bus, Lady so Far. Recorded on the Wetlands.

Last Gasp Cafe 24
Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave. Idol and You're Free. Recorded at the Stomach, Palmerston North

Last Gasp Cafe 23
Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave. Long Black Jar, You're Free. Recorded at the Stomach, Palmerston North




Composed by Peter Cleave. Bass by Leo Cleave. Guitar and vocal by Peter Cleave. For Paula Miranda for her role as Mia Hill in Perfect Stranger

Sweet Killer Love

Sweet Killer Love

Come from the stars above

You smile

The devil is in your detail

The devil is in your detail
\
You walk into the market

Hand up on your hip

You look

The price is way too high

The price is way too high

Sweet Killer Love

Sweet Killer Love

Come from the stars above

You smile

The devil is in your detail

The devil is in your detail

You touch the base of your neck

You set your shades down on your nose

You look again

Who are you waiting for?
Who are you waiting for?

Sweet Killer Love

Sweet Killer Love

Come from the stars above

You smile

The devil is in your detail
The devil is in your detail

Moving right along now
Looking down the line

Who will take you home?

Who will take you home?

Sweet Killer Love

Come from the stars above

You smile

The devil is in your detail

The devil is in your detail


puff 532 Last Gasp Cafe 22

Concert for gold diggers, claim jumpers, future super stars, foxes and trout. 女子高生 Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave Concert for gold diggers, claim jumpers, future super stars, foxes and trout. 女子高生 Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave: Johnny Rockaway and Red Bus

Johnny Rockaway
For Johnny Rockaway
The gangsters came to play
To throw a rose
into the grave
of Johnny Rockaway
Brando on the screen
so high on his machine
waves a hand to all the fans
along the way

Wear your hair up high
Turn your collar to the sky
No surrender
No sweet goodbye

(guitar break)

For Johnny Rockaway
The gypsies came to pray
to light a bonfire
at midnight
for Johnny Rockaway
Bardot on a motorbike
The chrome so bright
so lost, so lost
in her shades

Wear your hair up high
Turn your collar to the sky
No surrender
No sweet goodbye

Johnny Rockaway
loved Jimmy Dean
the Dodge, the De Soto and the Galaxy
Go Johnny Go ,
Go, Go said Chuck,
the American King,
Johnny Rockaway





Red Bus
On the Red Bus
nothing seems to matter much
say what you like or what you don't
the bus runs on

she was a claim jumping, gold digging future super star
I sold cars on Saturdays

we met on the Red Bus
where nothing seems to matter much
say what you like or what you don't
the bus runs on
and on

she was a city girl and a foxy trout who left nothing out
I was a valley boy

we talked on the Red Bus
about anything that came to us
about life after life after life
and the bus ran on



trout 女子高生 red bus marlon brando bridgette bardot chuck berry gypsies cars gangsters

puff 531 Last Gasp Cafe 21 女子高生

Concert for the Batcave 女子高生Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave: Broken Road and We got lucky



Robin catwoman 女子高生 broken road ring moon cat cream bubbles bath
We got Lucky

It was all over before it had begun
it was good night nurse on the midnight shift
it was red, red wine, blue bubbles in the bath

we got lucky
there was a ring around the moon
we got lucky
and we slept till noon
gave cream to the cat
and that my friends was that

It had just begun when she said she'd won
so it was lights for the tree and wood for the fire
candles, blue bubbles in the bath

we got lucky
there was a ring around the moon
we got lucky
and we slept till noon
gave cream to the cat
and that my friends was that



puff 530 Last Gasp Cafe 20 女子高生

Concert for the Black Hawk 女子高生Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave: Johnny Rockaway and We got Lucky.



black hawk 女子高生 cat cream bath bubble red wine marlon brando gypsies gangsters pray hair high collar sky

puff 529 Last Gasp Cafe 19

Concert for Spiderman 女子高生 Two songs composed and performed by Peter Cleave: Long Black Jar and Johnny Rockaway



Spiderman 女子高生 long black jar picture wall hall no surrender sweet goodbye

Long Black Jar

Saw your picture on the wall
thought I heard you in the hall
put flowers in a long black jar

Now I'm playing such a sad guitar
and I'm wondering where we are
o darling talk to me

talk to me about the way things used to be
don't talk about setting me free

Thought I heard you in the driveway
Thought I felt you behind me
but there's only one person here
puff 514 Last Gasp Cafe 18
Two songs in new keys. Another concert for Mary J Blige. Long Black Jar and Idol. Both songs written and composed by Peter Cleave




idol maryjblige peter cleave last gasp cafe long black jar ghosts
Idol
It was just a wish
From high on a wish list
but it had to be you
cos you are so fine

And the idol smiles
there is a door in the wall
the traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

Latrice and Labelle
are lost in LA
But they find a sign
meant for you and me

And the idol smiles
look out the window in the wall
The traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

Way on down the hall
Uncle Phil is asleep
You whisper to me
about Dragon Ball Zee

And the Idol smiles
it is written on the wall
the traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

puff 470 Last Gasp Cafe 17
On the deck...Idol and Broken Road for the Goo Goo Dolls...concert by Peter Cleave

puffshop
女子高生
Idol
It was just a wish
From high on a wish list
but it had to be you
cos you are so fine

And the idol smiles
there is a door in the wall
the traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

Latrice and Labelle
are lost in LA
But they find a sign
meant for you and me

And the idol smiles
look out the window in the wall
The traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

Way on down the hall
Uncle Phil is asleep
You whisper to me
about Dragon Ball Zee

And the Idol smiles
it is written on the wall
the traffic stops
the rain begins to fall

Last Gasp Cafe 16 Two songs for Green Day



Last Gasp Cafe 15 女子高生
Concert for Donnie Darko. Long Black Jar and You're Free composed and performed by Peter Cleave
long black jar you're free ana carolina reston green day

puff 291 Last Gasp Cafe 12 Will there be Fox in the Metaverse


Will there be Cher in the Metaverse? Roaches? Peter?

puff 290 Last Gasp Cafe 11 Two songs for the Astrochick



Puff 285 Last Gasp Cafe 10- Upstairs Studio Concert
Long Black Jar
Colin


Last Gasp Cafe 9
A concert for the Metaverse



puff 281 Last Gasp Cafe 8 A two song concert for Tyra Banks


puff 265 Last Gasp Cafe 5
A concert for Mary J Blige by Peter Cleave featuring songs dedicated to Ana Carolina Reston and Daniela Cicarelli


puff 261 Last Gasp Cafe No 3 For Peter Wheeler
Featuring Colin, To see you is to love you, Nadine...