What is the truth?

Rod Murray, Ocean Shores

It would appear that Mayor Richardson has failed to receive recent issues of The Echo containing many suggestions for raising revenue from the influx of tourists and party goers, as he claims to be uninformed  (or can’t think for himself) regarding other  possible options to an impending extortionate rate rise.

He ask’s “show me another way we can make 25 million (a figure plucked out of the air?)  over four years”, what log has he been living under?

Could you please ensure he has his own personalised copy delivered to his chambers forthwith so as to keep abreast of community input and ideas.

This comedy just keeps giving.

Now we have a mayor who has seemingly dismissed or failed to discuss other finance options with other councillors or staff, refutes anyone who espouses  progressive democratic social policies (e.g. Bernie Sanders) and has a very strange concept of transparency, yet continues to claim  “Green” credentials.

We all know how the last pale green turncoat ended up , maybe he should apply for a job in real estate.

Anyone renting will be affected as well, as rents will undoubtedly rise and there are already mothers with kids living in cars.

When will tourist operators and festival organisers  shoulder the responsibility for unsustainable levels of tourists and party animals and perhaps council assets could be sold.

For months we have been told a bed tax is not possible yet recently a past councillor has come out demanding that this should be pursued.

What is the truth?

The council should not presume that residents would not prefer an amalgamation if council can’t operate effectively.

The whole process lacks transparency, residents  and rate payers are not being served by their elected representatives and the evidence has been well documented.