Waitaki debt levels raise serious questions
Six years ago the Waitaki District Council had no debt. How can councillors and the CEO be so negligent?
The debt is now $70 million and rising fast, almost reaching our debt ceiling. Was that their target?
For nine out of the last 10 years the council has run at a deficit. They have proven incompetency regarding the Southern Waters partnership by pulling out and then having a commissioner set them back on track at further cost.
The new stadium vanity project is completely unaffordable for this district.
When questioned they have been through every expense: however the catered lunches are still on the table. Now they’re asking for a significant rates rise which we have no choice but to pay.
Faced with this debt some residents are now forced to sell or lose their properties. Why would you want to live here now?
Neil Gilbert
Herbert
The good old days
ACT New Zealand leader David Seymour has an intriguing explanation for his new immigration policies.
As reported in the ODT (4.5.26) ‘‘he said people were asking why something “doesn’t quite feel right with immigration” and Act believed their suspicions were correct.’’
Feelings and suspicions? Whatever happened to the idea that policies that affect people’s lives should be based on data and evidence and rational thinking? Can we please have it back?
Otherwise we’re going down the same track as mad Uncle Donald in the Big House in Washington, who bases all his decisions on his feelings and suspicions.
And look what a mess that’s got us all into.
John Drummond
Glenleith
Trial trying
Living local and having walked, run and driven many times through the area of Queens Dr that through a proposed trial could be closed, 'tis a relief to know that vehicles can now drive unimpeded as per the last 150+ years - until a decision is made, and hopefully after.
Apart from numerous reasons to leave as it was, a main concern was with regard to one's welfare should one unfortunately fall, slip or have a medical episode, (whilst only being allowed to walk or bike passing through) knowing that one may not receive any assistance until another walker or biker came along.
My own novice surveys of vehicle movement over recent days, indicate a far greater presence of cars etc, than walkers or bikers, thus being more likely able to assist much more quickly should such an incident occur.
Bird song remains clearly audible as observed, unaffected by vehicle movement.
The pathways are more than adequate to walk safely. I have never felt unsafe but as another walker expressed there would be no presence of cars for assistance if so required.
An option as presented in my submission was, if a closure was so desired (privileged for walkers and bikers only), then that section from the bottom of Chamberlain St out to Warrender St be closed off.
J Pascoe
Dunedin Central
Hobby horse
If the racing ‘‘industry’' is unsustainable without tax breaks (ODT 5.5.26) then perhaps ‘‘hobby'’ would be a more accurate term.
Stan Rivett
Ocean View
Chance to get on stadium pitch great for families
It was exciting to be at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday evening and join in celebrating a long awaited and well deserved win. It was also a thrill to see the crowd on the pitch afterward getting signatures and photos etc.
However so many games this year have been lost through errant long lineout throws not to mention dubious refereeing decisions. Lineouts this time were very successful through throws to middle and centre. That, along with our very strong scrum, allowed our lethal backline to run with the ball.
Good luck for rest of season brave Highlanders.
Fraser Wilson
Dunedin
Booze matters
Your correspondent Ian Smith (8.5.26) is in error in supposing that last week’s “Nothing too serious” column suggested that Donald Trump drinks Jim Beam whiskey.
If Ian checks more closely he will find the suggested “bottle a day” man is another person altogether.
Like Ian, I suspect Trump's teetotalism is what makes him dangerous. As the respected international diplomat and statesman Sir Les Paterson put it, ‘‘Never trust a man who doesn't drink.’’
Jim Sullivan
Patearoa
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