Council regression concerning

I am writing this letter to expand on what G Edmeades said in your previous edition.

Regarding his advice ‘‘that when you’re in a hole, stop digging’’. This applies to many of the bloopers committed by our council in recent times.

I refer to gross overspending by the engineers, the use of Barry Herlihy’s salary by themselves, the mishandling of the dog fiasco and now public criticism of Cr Corban, a matter that should have been discussed privately ( if at all), and handled as a personal issue and minuted as such. I have recently returned to the district and find many aspects of council service have regressed, certainly community service.

Instead of declaring an open season on a councillor, would council time and ratepayers’ money be better spent in rebuilding areas tforced to retrench for lack of funding?

When I was district librarian here, I was proud to be part of a progressive organisation and proud of the transparent governance that prevailed. I doubt if I would be so proud now.

The answer ratepayers is simple, make your votes count later in the year. R Pittams

Tirau the district so any reduction of council services affects them as well?

That should be made compulsory for heads of departments as well.

It’s very easy to reduce services when it does not affect you.

I would not be surprised if this council employs a new chief executive from Australia, flying in and out at our expense.

To our mayor – I still have your last election poster for Tirau. Remember what is printed on it? ‘‘Toilets for Tirau’’.

Where are they? Oh I forgot, you closed the public toilets at Fitzgerald Glade down too, to save money.

Now that the Tirau Pub is closed the toilet situation on top of the hill in Tirau is desperate.

I remember in the South Waikato News you said that ‘‘we borrowed a million dollars for toilets in the district’’.

You seem to find money for pet projects but not for real community needs. Next council election cannot come soon enough. Maybe we would all be better served by promoting Jimbo the dog for council. Maybe he has common sense somewhere. P Schulte

Tirau and South Waikato to make sure we are a community that can still make decisions for ourselves. There is a lot of talking and work to be done this year and I pledge that I have not lost sight of this. Jenny Shattock

Deputy Mayor run in a more efficient and business like manner. It can’t come soon enough. F Lawton Tokoroa election. That is your right as a New Zealander.

Better still stand for office. H Lodge Tokoroa