Letters to the editor: Appoint commissioner to sort out 'dysfunctional council'

Welcome Bay in Tauranga. Photo / File

Re. Council acting like babies (News, August 8).

In my opinion, just when you think Tauranga City Council and the councillors cannot do worse they seem to be able to achieve the almost impossible and sink even further into controversy.

The mayor has already said he had thought about resigning and we have also heard that at least one other councillor has had the same thought, so just resign and let someone else replace you.

The councillors are, in my opinion, so divided they appear unable to even resolve issues amongst themselves without potentially resorting to employing retired judges.

This is, in my view, a dysfunctional council and I repeat my call for a commissioner to be appointed.

(Abridged)

Mike Baker
Bethlehem

Euthanasia

How can Dawn Picken possibly promise that the End of Life Choice Act will not be used frivolously when developments in other countries that have legalised euthanasia show that, with time, that's exactly what will happen?

Ian Young
Pāpāmoa

Biased views pushed around euthanasia

I am so very tired of the blatant biased views being pushed from every avenue of your newspaper, whether it be regular columnists, news reports, and even daily, the cartoon section.

The latest I take issue with in particular are the large headlines pushing the expected bias of the Government and media, that we all should support voluntary euthanasia.

Sadly those with the opposite view from Dawn Picken cannot counter them with large headlines.
Interesting that she should quote US statistics in favour of her argument, when the Netherlands and Belgium would have been very much more worrying, having gone down the slippery slope of more and more amendments to their liberal laws.

I can't say I was impressed by the doctor's cynical comments Dawn relayed of ''plenty of other bums to wipe''.

I think the real issue is the sanctity of life, how much we value that, and whether one elevates themselves above our Creator, and whose right it is to take a life.

Jan Stevenson
Rotorua

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:

• Letters should not exceed 200 words.

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.

• If possible, please email.

• No noms-de-plume.

• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.

• Local letter writers given preference.

• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.

• The Editor's decision on publication is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz