Road courtesy appreciated

I am a professional driver and I resent that a self-styled ‘‘professional driver’’ thinks cyclists shouldn’t be on the road.

The man found guilty in the New Plymouth court for being a danger to cyclists with his vehicle may be a paid driver, but his attitude is starkly amateur.

Fortunately, not all Taranaki drivers are like him. Last Monday, I cycled with my wife from Stratford to Eltham and back. Almost without exception, drivers passing us gave us plenty of room.

I appreciated being given enough space to feel safe, and gave those drivers a wave when I thought they would be able to see me in the mirror. Some of them did see, and gave me a quick flick of the flashers. Thanks again, people.

But the high point was the truckie who gave us a couple of toots on the horn when he was still well behind us. What a great attitude. It’s only the second time I’ve experienced this in many years of cycling.

These are the true professionals. ROGER BOULD Waikanae

More than meetings

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who came forward to me with messages of support after the article regarding the South Taranaki District’s councillor meeting attendance that ran in the Taranaki Daily News on February 12.

While I do not wish to engage in conversation through the media, I feel the article needs a response.

I am a councillor who is also in full-time employment. My commitment to my community is 100 per cent genuine, whether as a funeral director or a councillor. The article chose to highlight meeting attendance as the epitome of a councillor, but because of personal circumstances and work commitments, I was unable to attend some meetings.

Please know that through modern technology and a reliable postal system, I do read the meeting’s minutes and have responded via phone and email to current issues before and/or after meetings, where my view has not already been shared by other members of council.

To me, being a councillor is also being available at any time for the community I represent, in addition to the meetings that need to be attended.

This, I believe, makes me a well-rounded and effective councillor.

The commitment that all our councillors show to the South Taranaki district makes me proud to be one of them. The respect that is held for each other, and the ability to work cohesively as a team when making decisions, makes us an effective council.

Thank you to the Daily News for the article. It really is quite heartwarming getting messages of support, regardless of how they were generated. KELLY JUDKINS Councillor, STDC Hawera Ward

Conduct hearing

This statement in your article on Councillor George’s demise says it all really – the code of conduct hearing is the third under Mayor Harry Duynhoven’s watch and just the fourth in the 30 years. RUSSELL W GILMER New Plymouth