Ken Ingram

Is it not time to re-evaluate the council’s directions and its fiscal position?  

For too long our representatives, to curry favour with their constituents, have ignored our dire financial state and our crumbling infrastructure leading to the unenviable position in which we find ourselves.

To rectify this, the following steps must be taken.

First, remove the ward voting system and replace it with a general voting protocol, thus allowing for a reduction of councillors.  

Secondly, abandon all unnecessary expenditure, the absurd marina project and the failed so-called self-cleansing paddling pool at The Heads, spring to mind along with the unnecessary revamp options afforded to the council chambers.  

Any major expenditure should concentrate on essential infrastructure and items requiring immediate essential work.  

All this, of course, will involve a greater expenditure and should not be expedited by increasing debt.

Thus, a new source of funding must be found.

This may come from a user pays regime, or a much-vaunted poll tax or at the outside, government assistance, either way, increased revenue must be found if we are to remain solvent and enjoy a prosperous community.

It is imperative we take cognisance of our position and reject those who would promise rate reductions and unrealistic expectations that will never come to fruition.