Adam Roberts, council and mayoral candidate for the September 8 council election, has thrown down the gauntlet (C H Courier, 25/7) by challenging candidates to reveal details and ‘deals’ relating to voting preferences.
Mr Roberts is spot on in this matter. All candidates should respond. Ratepayers certainly don’t want a repeat of the arrogant and self-serving council that delivered the unaffordable Glasshouse and unwanted water fluoridation which will needlessly cost ratepayers an additional $250K+ per annum.
The July issue of Council’s Community Connect acknowledges the deplorable condition of our roads, while welcoming the hefty rate rises that have been approved. The latter provide a lifeline for the council, but are hurting many ratepayers.
Administrator Neil Porter’s parting wish is that the voting community will focus on future expectations. This is fine, but costly lessons from mistakes made in the recent past must be remembered when voting in this election. It would be a mistake for the present administration to engage hastily in hiring more staff prior to the election.
The new council will be on notice to run ‘lean and mean’ and to focus tightly on core services and infrastructure. For example, it must address cost savings for the Glasshouse and review the level of council support allocated for tourism and its promotion. Many ratepayers feel that this cost burden should be covered by the Chambers of Commerce because businesses are the principal beneficiaries of incoming tourism dollars.
Our mayor needs to be community focused, honest and tough. Ideally, the mayor leading a new team of councillors should have considerable experience in local government.
Dr Lisa Intemann is the outstanding candidate.
John Lusk
Dunbogan
