Otaki holdups

The new expressway is a great improvement, but it is let down by the holdups at Otaki Railway. Surely it is time to have the main highway through Otaki Railway made into a clearway, on holiday weekends. Why are a score of shop keepers allowed to inconvenience 15,000+ motorists?

There is plenty of parking off the main highway for shoppers in Otaki.

The costs of the extra air pollution, fuel wasted, and the loss of time caused by thousands of vehicles at almost a standstill must surely outweigh the benefit to the local shopowners. This change could be implemented easily and quickly on a temporary, experimental basis this Easter weekend.

The same people who set out the cones to block off the overtaking lanes north and south of Otaki Railway could set out cones to block off parking on the main highway, and when the improvement in traffic flows is seen, it could be made permanent. WAYNE FAIRBROTHER Levin

I wish to reply to those residents in the district who have expressed views about a lack of democracy in the Horowhenua District Council, and to some points published in the article, No holds barred.

Democracy is alive and well in the Horowhenua. Less than six months ago the people of the Horowhenua decided that it was time for a new mayor, and Michael Feyen was voted in.

Voters also decided to retain most of the previous councillors — only one sitting councillor was not re-elected. The message that I get from this vote of confidence is that most people are happy with the decisions that council made last year.

Voters knew that the councillors were satisfied with the investigations of two independent engineering firms and the safety ratings they gave the council building.

Voters knew that councillors had consulted on the possible sale of pensioner housing and had decided to pursue the process.

Voters were confident that the sitting councillors had the best interests of the district at heart. I can assure you that your confidence was not misplaced. I will continue to independently make