Expensive wish-lists

Justin Lester’s proposal to remove free weekend parking or raise rates by up to 7.2 per cent (March 3) is yet another example of a mayor with expensive wishlists which they wish to fund via the long-suffering ratepayer.

First, he seems to have forgotten that inflation is at 2.1 per cent and forecast to stay at this level for the next 12 months.

Yet even with charging for weekend parking Lester wants to raise rates by 4.3 per cent.

Many Wellington residents are retired and on fixed incomes – how are they supposed to afford a rate rise double or triple the rate of inflation? Why can’t this council stick to basics and reduce desires such as $70 million on cycleways to a more affordable level?

In equity there should be a pro-rate budget for pedestrian and roading improvements as well.

Re parking charges, there are other options for the council to raise additional funds. A large number of motorcyclists park for free in Wellington city yet other cities such as San Francisco charge them for parking.

Also, why not charge freedom campers who have free use of council-funded facilities at Evans and Owhiro Bays. I expect the mayor and councillors to manage the budget for the city as if it was their own money – not have extravagant tastes.

ALEX GRAY Brooklyn [abridged]