Scary commentary on the callibre of (some) student lawyers? – you be the Judge!

publicwatchdog (45) Says:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:20 pm

FYI Penny Bright, you’re a bit of a joke…

In fact you’re such a nuisance that when I was at law school we used your CoA case re: your removal from the Auckland City Council as a test case for advocacy which draws out many laughs at your stupidity. “Dick”

Even the international level law kids who are masters at advocacy can’t find a leg to stand on to appeal your case! Then we all go to the pub and talk about how we would hate to have to have a client like you.

Thought you ought to know….
__________________________________________________________________________________________

MY RESPONSE:

 

Is that right ‘Captain Neurotic’?

It’s all good – I defend myself in Court – so haven’t needed lawyers to do that for me.

(I would be most unlikely to engage the services of arrogant incompetents, such as those with whom you appear to associate?

For the record – I was arrested 22 times defending the public’s right to ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local government, defended myself in Court, without having ever been to University or had a days formal legal training – yet it is 21 – 1 to me.

‘Public Watchdog’ Penny Bright takes on both City Hall and the Police and wins 21 -1?

That’s a track record I respectfully suggest a number of professional lawyers would rather like to have.

(I say that – because that’s what some of them – who are not mere law STUDENTS – but professional trained and practiced lawyers, have said to me – including some notable QCs.

Just thought you ought to know …

err…. so – who was the ‘stupid’ one?

‘Sensible sentencing’?

How about ‘sensible arresting’?

Did the Police arrest the wrong person?
From the past – ex-Mayor Dick Hubbard having Penny Bright arrested on International World Water Day

22 March 2007:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcieegXjttg&feature=related

FYI – the Police ended up dropping this charge, as they did a number of others.

The Court of Appeal case to which you refer, now subject to a United Nations complaint, given that I have exhausted legal channels in NZ.

You will note that I am quite ‘even-handed’ in my defence of basic democratic and human rights?

I have taken my convictions to the point of conviction under so-called ‘centre-left’ and ‘centre-right’ Auckland City Councils.

Ever made such a stand on principle yourself ‘Captain Neurotic’?

Defended the public interest to the point of arrest?

I keenly await your response – but won’t ‘hold my breath’.

Penny Bright
Future MP for Botany?

https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

Chairman of the Asian Anti-Crime Group, Peter Low, comments after the Botany by-election candidates forum held on Friday 25 February 2011

Chairman of the Asian Anti-Crime Group, Peter Low, comments after the candidates forum held on Friday 25 February 2011 at ChinaTown, 262 Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki.

Peter Low played a key role in helping to organise the 15,000 anti-crime march in Botany in 2008. He is both well-respected, and connected within and beyond the Botany community.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

“Jamie Lee Ross (National Party)

Jamie was very confident in the beginning but never stated clearly how he would enforce the law or how crime reduction would be improved in Botany.  He mentioned that 300 policemen was recruited under the rule of the National Party, he has mentioned some statistical figures, but did not mention about the number of unreported crimes made to the police.  Concerns were made in regards to the numerous incidents of bag snatching at the Pakuranga Mall, Botany Town Centre and Chinatown.   These were questions being asked, asking why he did not respond to these matters, but he did not respond clearly.  You be the judge.

Jamie 自发言起就表现出非常地自信, 可是,他从头到尾都没有明确地告诉大家他要如何加强法制,减少犯罪, 改善Botany社区. 他提及了国家党执政后增募了300名的警员; 并引用了一些数据,但是这些数据里面并没有包括那些没有报告警方的罪案. 同时Jamie对在Pakuranga购物中心,Botany购物中心和中国城常发的抢包案表示关心.在论坛的过程中,Jamie被一位民众提问,可是Jamie没能够清晰地回答.

请您作出裁决.

Michael Wood (Labour Party)

Michael spoke calmly and mentioned how unemployment may lead to the increasing crime rate.  There was a lot of blame against the National party.  However when Labour ruled for 9 years there was very little improvements.  We would rather see some constructive ideas and actions put into place rather than seeing the finger pointing and pushing the blame around.  You be the judge

Michael的发言镇静且清晰. 他提出失业率的升高导致了犯罪率的升高,国家党应该为此而检讨. 只是,我们大家都知道,工党执政的九年里,失业率和犯罪率并没有怎么改善过. 我们想说,与其对别人指指点点,不如自己实际行动.

请您作出裁决

Lyn Murphy (Act Party)

Lyn spoke very softly but at the end we came to understand from her speech, that the “3 Strikes” bill was active and put in place for violent crimes, but not so active for minor crimes such as bag snatching and burglary.  We would like to see some actions taken towards improvements on the self-defence bill, but again, thoughts on crime reduction in Botany was not mentioned.

Lyn发言的的声音很柔弱,大家要很用力地听,最好才明白她的发言. 她提及了 “3镇法”的修改和实施打击了暴力犯罪. 可是,这对小罪案,例如抢包和入屋偷袭,并没有起到很好的作用. 我们希望看到实际的改变. 另外,Lyn没有提及如何降低Botany地区的犯罪率.

请您作出裁决

Penny Bright (Independant)

Penny is new to the public but speaks genuinely and talked about how we should know our rights, and the consequences if we didn’t.  She is the ‘watchdog’ that advises us about what goes on behind the curtains of the political world, corruption and conspiracies, that we all as citizens should be aware of.  She is not scared to speak against anyone.  She appears confident and fearless to speak for the people of Botany.  You be the judge.

Penny对于大家来说是新的面孔,可是Penny的发言诚恳,真挚. Penny告诉大家要知道自己的权益,并提醒大家要看清政治家的背面. Penny的发言不畏惧得罪任何人,她表现出来非常地自信.

请您作出裁决

Paul Young (New Citizen Party)

Paul has proved that his multi-lingual ability gives him the advantage to represent the Chinese community.  He mentioned that he is also the vice chairman of the ACRC.  Good on him for contributing twice at the Safety Fair, but has this made any impact or improvements on the crime situation?  You be the judge.

Paul的发言向大家证明了他的多种语言能力,这使他能够很好地代表华社. 他同时提及他是ACRC的主席.我们可以看到他还是很关心有关治安方面的会议,有会必到. 可是我们更想知道他实际会为社区安全做些什么.

请您作出裁决

James Searl (Police Manukau)

James introduced himself and his team from Howick, Flat Bush, Otara & Botany Downs.  He also expressed his condolences to the 2 victims who recently had their homes burgled 5 times in Papatoetoe, and Bucklands Beach.  At least they showed us they want to work with the people and develop an understanding and good relationship. I commented on how their ticketing on drivers is harsh, yet they should be more harsh on real crime.

James 向大家介绍了自己和他的团队(Howice,Flat Bush, Otara & Botany Downs). 他对连续被5次入室盗窃的受害人表示慰问,同时向大家表示警察队伍希望与民众友好合作. 我们更希望看到警察队伍少开超速罚单,多办罪案.

Peter Low (AAG)

Crime has no shame.  We are not safe.  We do not feel safe.  Politicians do not feel embarrassed if they do not deliver what they promise.

罪案不断, 我们没有安全. 我们要问政治家们,你们没有信守承诺,没有保证我们的安全,你们羞愧吗?

Thank you

Peter Low  ”

Public Watchdog Penny Bright asks Labour Party voters to consider a strategic vote for her in the Botany by-election!

4 March 2011

thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-04032011/#comment-304471

BOTANY BY-ELECTION 5 MARCH 2011

Hi folks!

Interested in your considered opinions and intelligent debate on the following proposal!

Respectfully suggest that Labour voters in Botany consider strategically voting for myself, proven Independent \’Public Watchdog\’ Penny Bright, for the following reason:

National’s political fortunes are totally intertwined with those of Prime Minister John Key.

It is my considered opinion that as John Key’s carefully spin-doctored ‘ordinary bloke’ hollow mask continues to slip, and his ‘true blue’ corporate raider past and present is exposed – John Key’s support will continue to slide in the polls.

(National’s support will follow………………)

It appears that no one else it asking John Key the HARD questions that I am:

eg: Is John Key personally profiting from NZ’s growing indebtedness?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXwNoaOpDMw

No one else that I know of has taken a private prosecution against John Key over Tranz Rail:

(There was effectively a mainstream media black out on this issue – at the same time there was a concerted \’MAN ON THE MOON\’ headlines campaign against Winston Peters and NZ First to prevent their attaining the 5% party vote.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFTYZVQo-A8&feature=related

With all due respect – who do you think John Key would be more concerned about as an MP in the House?

Independent \’Public Watchdog\’ Penny Bright or Labour\’s Michael Wood?

(It\’s a hard, but fair question?)

Who would be best positioned to pressure John Key on these issues from INSIDE the House?

Who has the proven track record in fighting privatisation and corruption?

Just for your consideration Labour Botany voters ………………… it\’s your call!

MORE BOTANY BY-ELECTION INFORMATION YOU MAY NOT BE AWARE OF?

Irrespective of the outcome of this by-election, the public spotlight is now starting to focus on these related issues of privatisation and corruption.

(HOW is it decided who gets the privatised contracts?)

It is my considered opinion, that ‘asset sales’ / ‘partial privatisation’ is going to be the pivotal election issue in both the Botany by-election, and the forthcoming general election.

If a significant number of Labour, Green and NZ First Party supporters cast a strategic vote, on top of support that I have been told that I already have – this election result could be quite historic!

An Independent Public Watchdog INSIDE the House?

With access to all that information (in a proper way – of course!

Unlimited written questions to Ministers?

Access to Parliamentary Library staff researchers?

(I know this because I have already been down to Parliament, spoken to a senior Parliamentary staffer, got my own copy of Parliamentary Standing Orders, and am ready to get stuck in – boots and all from Day One

Finding out EXACTLY where our public monies are going?

Finding out WHO exactly is benefiting?

Finding out how exactly ‘State capture’ (where vested interests get their way at the policy level before legislation is passed), operates in NZ?

Then letting the public know what I have found out?

Unlike young National Party hack Jami-Lee Ross, (who refers to John Key as ‘The Boss’), and will be expected to sit down, shut up and do as he is told.

FYI – this is a 3 minute You Tube clip of the views of five of the Botany by-election candidates on asset sales, taken at the first candidate debate on 15 February 2011:

(Listed in the same order as on the You Tube clip)

Penny Bright INDEPENDENT

Paul Young New Citizen Party

Lyn Murphy ACT

Michael Wood Labour

Jami-Lee Ross National

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zht3kVIwaX0&feature=relmfu

(In reply to a member of the audience who asks:

“How can I vote for you if I’m totally opposed to State-owned asset sales?”

Jami-Lee Ross states:

“If you’re completely opposed to asset sales I’m probably not the person for you.”

Yep! Exactly right.

(Included in full, to assist with informed debate on the Botany by-election

FYI – this quarter page advertisement appeared on Pg3 in both the Howick and Botany Times (2 March 2011), and Howick and Pakuranga Times (3 March 2011).

This popular community newspaper is delivered free to households, and between both papers more than covers every household in the Botany electorate.

(In case you haven’t seen this.)

________________________________________________________________________________

“VOTERS OF BOTANY!

It’s ‘people power’ time!

It’s time for a fiercely independent ‘Public Watchdog with a proven track record of defending the public interest INSIDE the House of Parliament.

Someone with the guts to ask the hard questions!

Eg: To whom exactly is NZ in debt? Open the books!

Where exactly is our public money being spent?

How much public money is going to greedy corporate welfare beneficiaries?

How much public money is being spent on the ‘contractocracy’ vs the ‘bureaucracy’?

(ie: Private ‘piggy in the middle’ contractors vs ‘in-house’ central & local govt employees?)

Who else is holding MPs and the Government accountable? Where’s the ‘transparency’?

NZ is ‘perceived’ to be the least corrupt country in the world – but our MP’s don’t even have a ‘Code of Conduct’!

Why aren’t the public given the name of the contractors; the scope, term and value of billion$ of private sector contracts at local and central government level?

Why is there no ‘Register of Interests’ for local government elected representatives and staff responsible for property and procurement’?

Who decides who gets the contracts? ($$$???)

Why has there never been any ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the ‘commercialise, corporatise – PRIVATISE ‘Rogernomics’ model – that this National/Act Government wants to extend?

Who has, and will benefit from future privatisation and asset sales? The public?

How will the ‘Mums and Dads’ who can’t afford to pay their power bills, going to afford to invest in the power companies?

How do ‘vested interests’ get there way at the policy level – before legislation is passed?

Have we got endemic ‘State capture’ in NZ?

Who is benefiting from the Auckland $upercity? The public or multinational contractors?

Please – give me a chance to act as a public watchdog from inside Parliament!

For more information: https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz http://www.stopprivatisation.org.nz

Authorised by Penny Bright 86A School Rd, Kingsland. waterpressure@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________

https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

Auckland City Council raised $350 million from ‘Secured Fixed Rate Bonds’ – money has already been spent – but where EXACTLY did it go? (OIA reply to Lisa Prager 28 February 2011)

28 February 2011

Official Information Request No. 9000107451 (Please quote this in any correspondence)

 

Ms Lisa Prager

85 Garnet Road

Westmere

Auckland   1022

Dear Ms Prager

Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

Re: Secured Fixed Rate Bonds

 

I refer to your letter dated 27 January 2011, which we received on 28 January 2011, requesting information about Secured Fixed Rate Bonds.

Please note the following response to each question raised:

1. Please confirm the total amount raised through the Secured Fixed Rate Bond, which closed on 19 March 2010?

Auckland City Council raised $350 million on 24 March 2010 via a retail bond issue.

2. How much of this Bond offer has been spent?

All the cash received on the bond issue has been utilised. Council is a net borrower therefore does not hold significant cash for long periods.

3. What has the money been spent on?

The use of the bond issue proceeds was outlined on pages 7 and 17 in the investment statement dated 17 February 2010 (attached).

The use of proceeds was for general financing requirements of the Auckland City Council, including debt retirement and capital expenditure. In addition, Auckland City Council on-lent some of the net proceeds of this bond offer to other existing councils in the Auckland region.  This was to avoid the need for those councils to undertake their own debt raising, thereby coordinating a borrowing programme across the region. On-lending to the other councils reflected the announcement by the Auckland Transition Agency that the borrowing and treasury functions of the existing councils would be integrated during the transition to the new Auckland Council.

 

4. Name the companies’, contractors and subcontractors who have received funds from this source?

Council manages its treasury and cash flow on a council-wide basis.  Specific cash inflows are not tracked to specific cash outflows (apart from tagged funds), therefore council cannot identify individual third parties that would have received the cash from the bond issue.

5. Name the amount received and the projects related to each company?

Please see response to question 4 above.

6. Where and when was this information made public?

The information on the retail bond issue was made public on a few occasions these are as follows;

1. 1. Intention to make a new retail bond issue was announced by NZX on 24 December 2009.
   2. The issue document (Investment Statement) had the details of the bond issue, dated 17 February 2010.
   3. When the bonds were issued, there was an NZX announcement on 24 March 2010.
   4. It was included in the quotation notice for the NZX as per the NZX announcement on 24 March 2010.
   5. Information on council’s retail bond issues are also available on the councils website. http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/retailbonds/default.asp

7. How is information made public about the amount raised and how it is spent?

Please see response to question six above.

8. Will the Mayor Len Brown uphold his election promise to open the books to the public?

Yes

9. Will the Mayor Len Brown fulfil his election promise to undertake line-by-line anayls of where our public money is going before agreeing to a rate rise?

Yes

10. What possible reason could the Auckland Council expect to raise the rates when the public has already underwritten or gone Guarantor for a total of $350,000,000?

Rising inflation, increases to ongoing debt servicing costs, and any increase in the level of service provided by council or an increase services provide by the council are the primary drivers for rates increases by council. Any increases to these variables will require council to raise rates to meet its day to day obligations. The $350 million proceeds received by Auckland City Council in March 2010 from the retail bond issue has been completely utilised as discussed in question 3 above.

If you have any further queries please contact me on 301 3810, quoting Official Information Request No. 9000107451.

Yours sincerely

Nicole Miell

Information Advisor

Public Information Office

9000107451

Encl.

VOTERS OF BOTANY! It’s ‘people power’ time! Vote proven INDEPENDENT Public Watchdog Penny Bright into the House of Parliament!

Quarter page,  Pg 3 advertisement in both Howick and Botany Times (2 March 2011)  and Howick and Pakuranga Times (3 March 2011)!
These free Times community newspapers cover the entire Botany electorate plus more.

This is the wording – (can’t access the ad on-line unfortunately – just asked.)

Irrespective of the result of the election (5 March 2011) – I will have achieved my main aim of shining a public spotlight on the issues of privatisation and corruption.

Becoming the first MP elected as a ‘Public Watchdog’ to act from INSIDE the House will be a HUGE bonus!

Here’s hoping that history will be made by the people of Botany!

______________________________________________________________________________________

(The photo used was taken from the photo used in the Howick and Botany Times article 10 February 2011)

“I’m public’s watchdog” says Bright.

( Advertisement – layout doesn’t match ad – but this is the wording!)

_________________________________________________________________

VOTERS OF BOTANY!

It’s ‘people power’ time!

It’s time for a fiercely independent ‘Public Watchdog with a  proven track record of defending the public  interest INSIDE  the House of Parliament.

Someone with the guts to ask the hard questions!

Eg:  To whom exactly is NZ in debt? Open the books!

Where exactly is our public money being spent?

How much public money is going to greedy corporate welfare beneficiaries?

How much public money is being spent on the ‘contractocracy’

vs the ‘bureaucracy’?

(ie: Private ‘piggy in the middle’ contractors

vs  ‘in-house’ central & local govt employees?)

Who else is holding MPs and the Government accountable?

Where’s the ‘transparency’?

NZ is ‘perceived’ to be the least corrupt country in the world – but our MP’s don’t even have a ‘Code of Conduct’!

Why aren’t the public given the name of the contractors; the scope, term and value of billion$ of private sector contracts at local and central government level?

Why is there no ‘Register of Interests’ for local government elected representatives and staff responsible for  property and procurement’?

Who decides who gets the contracts?  ($$$???)

Why has there never been any ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the ‘commercialise, corporatise – PRIVATISE ‘Rogernomics’ model – that this National/Act Government wants to extend?

Who has, and will benefit from future privatisation and asset sales?

The public?

How will the ‘Mums and Dads’ who can’t afford to pay their power bills, going to afford to invest in the power companies?

How do ‘vested interests’ get there way at the policy level  – before legislation is passed?

Have we got endemic  ‘State capture’ in NZ?

Who is benefiting from the  Auckland $upercity?

The public or multinational contractors?

Please – give me a chance to act as a public watchdog from inside Parliament!

For more information:  https://waterpressure.wordpress.com

www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz www.stopprivatisation.org.nz

Authorised by Penny Bright 86A School Rd, Kingsland.   waterpressure@gmail.com