Letters: Voting and Tauranga CBD

The notion that young people, or for that matter, anyone, should be encouraged to vote is both idealistic and illogical.

It's based on some sort of moral panic – and the hope new voters will support the views and preferences of the promoters of this concept.

If a person has no interest in the management of their community and are happy with accepting the choice of others, leave them alone.

Forcing them to vote will inevitably result in poor choices based on the influence of their peer group rather than researched knowledge of the candidates.

Maurice O'Reilly
Tauranga

Tauranga CBD

How do we revive CBD Tauranga?

I believe the council's focus should move away from fining or penalising the public to encouraging people to come back into the city.

Some of the public will have got used to shopping elsewhere, especially with all the disruptive renovation going on.

Why not consider doing what Hamilton CBD does - offer the public the first two hours of parking free?

It may not solve the problem completely, but it may be one of many ideas that may help to stimulate Tauranga CBD.

Jim Tabak
Mount Maunganui
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.

Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz