In defence of the only councillor on our side
LEE Vandervis has consistently been a toppolling council candidate with the support of considerable numbers of Dunedin ratepayers for a very good reason.
He realises a profound truth, unrealised by his fellow councillors, but one frequently quoted by my bogIrish greatgrandmother who had known hard times: ‘‘If you can’t pay a week — you can’t pay a fortnight’’.
I would surmise that most people had drawn a sigh of relief when the stadium had finally been completed and a fresh council elected on a promise that profligate and pointless spending would henceforth stop. A vain hope, if ever there was one.
Confidence in the present council is low. It stands to reason that anyone likely to hold the council to account would be a pariah.
After the election, the present lot immediately made known its intention to kneecap this councillor who, almost alone in his concern for our city and its people under its current ineffectual leadership, seems to have its welfare and that of its people at heart.
Undoubtedly, Cr Vandervis has been gangedup on with a view to neutering him totally. Under those conditions of futility, I think anyone would feel inclined to ‘‘do his scone’’.
So which, viewed realistically, is the real ‘‘bully’’ in this case? Is it this councillor with an admittedly rather abrasive manner; or is it the prevailing culture which endeavours to humiliate him or hound him constantly, likely pursuing an agenda bent upon forcing him to finally quit in total exasperation?
[Abridged]
Ian Smith
Waverley
AN earnest request from a ratepayer, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
It’s time for the Dunedin city councillors to conduct themselves as reasonable, responsible adults who sought public office.
Focus on promoting the interests of all of the ratepayers who elected them instead of expending their collective energy on the rancorous pursuit of a vendetta.
With a new chief executive, you can start afresh.
If it were possible to call a snap local body election, it is fully conceivable that several councillors would find themselves cast aside.
V. Markham
Dunedin
Drunk patients
YOUR editorial (ODT, 30.10.20) took my mind back to the days when I was a nurse at a public hospital (half a century ago) and revealed that some things don’t change.
We, too, had to deal with drunkards in the emergency department.
A drunkard who is obviously injured must, of course, be treated, but others who are causing trouble should be removed.
I suggest that they be locked in a padded cell and monitored by remotely controlled cameras. A copy of the film might be sent to the drunkard’s nextofkin. I suspect that would make any other punishment unnecessary.
M. Condie
Waverley
Outdoor workers
WHEN travelling around the streets of Dunedin observing the behaviours of outdoor workers, I see hiviz gear being worn and good traffic management, which is great.
However, I am really disappointed by the lack of sun protection and protection from fumes and dust.
Outdoor workers can download the free UVNZ app that tells you when the UV Index is three or above, which is when sun protection is required.
Everyone needs to be informed about the risks they are taking and what protection is required. Workplaces need to do better.
Lou Scott
Kenmure .....................................
BIBLE READING: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. — Matthew 6.33.
IN recognition of the importance of readers’ contributions to the letters page, the newspaper each week selects a Letter of the Week with a book prize courtesy of Penguin Random House. This week’s winner is Anne Barkman, of Brighton, for a letter about the multifaith centre at the new Dunedin Hospital. The prize is a copy of Zen Heart, by Mark Vette. The winning letter was printed on Tuesday and can be read on the ODT website.