Your letters: Well worn path to empty money tree

The Wanganui District Council does not have a revenue problem; it can just raise the rates. Poor Joe Bloggs has to live within his budget, so why can't the WDC?

Same old same old

Chronicle, March 15: Rates up on average 4.5 per cent in "good plan".

Tactics don't change. The rate rise should be 12 per cent for 2018/19 but "we", the WDC, have more than halved that figure to 4.5 per cent average. "See how good we are" (yeah, right).

Go pull another leg; we've heard that "same old same old" line for the past several years.
Residential property rates rise 5.6 per cent.

Last year's 2017/18 rate increase was initially 1.9 per cent, then got tweaked to average 2 per cent , but those in Springvale and St John's Hill had to pay an extra 4.6 per cent.

Following the "same old same old" well worn garden path to my empty money tree, the Springvale/St John's Hill 2018/19 rates increase will come out at 12.88 per cent. That's $400 plus extra.

Councillor Kate Joblin says "good plan" hits the sweet spot. Yeah, right between the eyes.

In past correspondence I have always said that WDC does not have a revenue problem; it can just raises the rates. Unfortunately for Joe Bloggs, he has to live within his budget, so why can't the WDC?

Still awaiting directions from freedom camper Hamish to Wanganui's piece of Utopia. Freedom from constant rate rises would be out of this world; never mind finding Utopia.

Now that would be a "good plan".

F LAW
Springvale

Fake news

In his article about fake news, Jay Kuten blew his argument by quoting his own alternative facts about the CPTTP agreement.

Jay said: "This present deal, like the old one, has been kept secret". In fact, the full text of the original and new agreements, together with all of the side letters, have been published on the MFAT web site. It is clear that Jay has not bothered to read them.

Jay said: "A corporate investor can claim damages where locally made protections inhibit prospective profit". In fact, the basis for raising disputes is limited to when a CPTTP state makes laws or regulations that discriminate against a specific party (government, person or corporation).

Jay said: The "claim that ISDS disputes are resolved by a neutral arbitration panel doesn't hold water". In fact, each disputing party will appoint a panel member and they appoint an independent chair from a predetermined list. In addition, the parties must undertake mediation before invoking arbitration. Hearings must be open to the public and decisions published. That sounds pretty neutral to me. There are time limits for each step of the procedure so that decisions will be timely – lightning fast in comparison with WTO disputes.

Jay said: "Citizen-taxpayers are punished for right-doing, like protecting land and waters". In fact, both agreements specifically protect the right of governments to make laws protecting their social and physical environments.

I suggest to Jay and his fellow travellers that they read the agreement before jumping to fatuous conclusions.

STEPHEN PALMER
Whanganui

Open Studios

Congratulations on the recent Artists Open Studios weekend, which far exceeded my expectations.

I am an artist of many media, tutor, author and illustrator from New Plymouth, and I actively partake in our local art scene. New Plymouth has for many years been a place of artistic energy and reputation.

Wanganui has superseded New Plymouth and proudly shown that its artists are zealous,
unique and present a huge variety of styles, art media and imagination. How fabulous that the organisers and the community have totally supported this art event in your small town.

Combined with the support and unity of shop owners and committees which have done an amazing job, Wanganui can be very proud of this epic achievement.

Your town is truly on the map and a desired destination for creative people. Your historic buildings and architecture add to the town's culture, and the people are friendly and keen to pass on their knowledge and tips.

Larger towns could take a leaf out of your book. I look forward to the same event next year. Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging my zest for the arts.

LOIS PARKES
New Plymouth

End of life bill

F G Rose apparently did not like the information evening about the euthanasia bill, the meeting addressed by three doctors with years of experience in palliative care.

These doctors gave their time and expertise to inform the public about this new bill and what it would mean for us.

Mr Rose apparently did not like the fact that these doctors were not in favour of the bill becoming law. He attacks the meeting and people there for not agreeing with his views on the matter.

One of the points made at the meeting was that, under this bill if it became law, doctors who refuse to be part of the process, at least by referral, could be fined or imprisoned.

Mr Rose keeps referring to "choice", but apparently that does not include the choice of doctors not to be involved in any way in the killing of their patients.

K A BENFELL
Whanganui

Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz