Why an increase? Ha, yes, he has a hole in his bank account he cannot fill. He needs to talk to pensioners after they've paid their rates demands. They, too, have holes in their bank accounts, maybe because they are too old to work for a living.
Removal of any or all debt from their budget is a priority. As ratepayers, we should not encourage council debt and should lobby councillors to reduce it, even if we may want what's best for Wanganui.
With an extra $9 million a year in the council coffers, they could satisfy most wishes.
Presently, a debate is upon us about council seat numbers. Should it be six or, as Kate Stewart suggests, two but possibly four with a mayor?
If that came to pass, the pot would be shared by fewer and therefore take-home pay would increase (Chandulal-Mackay). Personally, my number is one, a commissioner.
Also, Parliament has passed the first reading of the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill. This changes the "purpose" of local government, allowing every man, woman and their respective dogs' wish list to be financed at ratepayers' expense.
Check out communications from the NZ Taxpayers' Union.
F LAW
Springvale
Butt out, Vlad
We look in vain for Donald Trump, as the so-called "leader of the West", to stand up to Vladimir Putin.
Instead of cosying up, he should tell him that he has no right to be part of the self-appointed group for deciding the future of Syria — because he is himself part of the problem.
The long-suffering Syrians must be allowed to decide for themselves. A few years ago, this was seriously mooted among United Nations members, but now seems to be on the back burner.
To achieve it will take tremendous stamina and resolve, and we should be able to look to our leader to spearhead the move. Dream on.
Putin needs Assad to give him access to the Mediterranean. But Assad should be in the dock for long-recognised crimes against humanity. The photos of his prisoners, which Al Jazeera recently released, show near-skeletons as emaciated as those found in Belsen.
Here in Wanganui we are fortunate in our easy access to Al Jazeera's TV channel (16) and many of us use it as the channel of choice.
R HOYTE
Gonville
New name
I have a suggestion for a name for the soon-to-merge RSA and Cosmopolitan Club, namely: Retuned Services Association.
F GREENALL
Bastia Hill
Sort out big screen
No big screen at Christchurch for the big rugby game, Crusaders v Sharks. They say it's a health and safety issue — what a lot of BS. If a job is done properly, we have no problems — so do it right and give us what we want to watch.
GARY STEWART
Foxton Beach
Cave rescue
What a demonstration of courage and decision-making. Thailand did not waste any time or let politics get in the way of rescuing the 12 boys and their coach from their flooded cave.
Unlike our previous Government and the Pike River tragedy, where even experts in mine rescue and recovery were not allowed near the mine — only a few cops — the Thai authorities did not waste time and, with the help of the international community, got the job done.
Pike River and the CTV building in Christchurch are examples of the previous Key government, the "Phantom Banker" in particular, being laid-back and relaxed about everything, except that which personally interested them.
Let's hope we don't have another similar tragedy, but if we do, can we please put the Thai navy in charge? Practical people, not b.......ting politicians and traffic cops.
As it stands, the cost the present Government is spending would have been a lot less if Key had allowed this entry to go ahead in the first place, and maybe a better outcome would have been the result.
A BARRON
Aramoho
Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
