The Rosemary McLeod quip “not mad, just frank” might bring to mind retiring Whangarei District Councillor, Frank Newman. It was this frankness, along with his support of better administrative control and financial management that often had him side-lined.  Cr Newman was famously not appointed to the now defunct Administration and Finance Committee, nor was he required to act as Council liaison to our National Clock Museum.
Ratepayers though, weren’t to be denied. His ability to articulate an issue – whether one agreed or not - in the Chamber will be missed
The Council may be facing a future without Frank’s acumen, but let us hope a new Council will have the courage and skills to fully understand and consider the ramifications of the decisions they must make.