Climate must be top priority for new councillors

HOW arrogant are our elected council members?

The best option they came up with for mitigating climate change was cycling or walking.

It’s well known using wetlands as carbon sinks is best for the planet and the wildlife that live there.

I would never trust this group of councillors who say they are capable of keeping a rubbish dump safe from leaking into a pristine waterway that runs into a protected wetland. And which could then run on to one of Dunedin’s best beaches.

I’m remembering their past record, the worst being the flooding of South Dunedin.

The council also wants to put a rubbish dump within 4.5 kilometres of the airport, with bird strikes a reality.

Apparently safety for Dunedin citizens is no concern for these arrogant councillors.

Also a similar council has allowed dairying in one of the country’s most pristine environments.They seem able to break their own regulations.

Are they getting cosy with big business for a bigger rates take?

We need people with new thinking who truly understand sustainability. Mary Robertson

Ocean view

Extreme decisions

THE trouble with the proposal ‘‘to identify extremists’’ who might stand in the local body elections (ODT, 2.9.22) is that nobody so far has explained who decides who these recalcitrant individuals are, and whether their beliefs are indeed conspiracy theories or fact.

The labelling of people with alternative views as extremists is antidemocratic and defamatory, as it lowers the reputation of the defenceless person in the eyes of the general public.

The reality that this initiative is from a Labour government subsidiary, i.e. Local Government NZ, is quite alarming.

Nigel Yates Dunedin