Deeds are what count, not riding coat- tails

THE TV news recently paid tribute to two of our civic champions, who, because of their efforts to make positive contributions to their fellow citizens’ welfare, will run with the Queen’s baton in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

Congratulations to these two seniors – but who should be leering in the background? None other than Scott Stewart and Aaron Harper trying to make some undeserved political mileage. Coralie O’Rourke had the good sense to stay away.

If these two members want to earn public recognition and support, they’d be well advised to front up to our water needs, Townsville’s endemic and escalating crime and do all they can to encourage job opportunities to progress the area’s economy.

Unfortunately, their public pronouncements are not rigorous in relation to these matters.

Aaron gets some credibility for the reconstruction along Riverway Drive using the plans that the previous member had prepared but failed to have included in a State Budget.

The Townsville Bulletin and its various correspondents make more noise about our region’s shortcomings than these two members do. No doubt they will hang their political hats on the forthcoming stadium but general opinion is that the current stadium would have been serviceable until our crucial water needs are met.

However, they’ll be able to make amends now by putting their hands up to have a proposed youth detention bail house in their street. KEVIN CUTLER, Kelso.