Letters the Editor
Editor,
Successful Eastbourne Community Board member Robert Ashe says (Petone Herald, April 18) he was personally disappointed that just 39% of the eligible voters cast their postal vote in the recent by-election.
In writing to congratulate him I was immediately reminded of the ubiquitous Mangatinoka brewery hoarding likely to be erected at the entrance to the eastern bays – “We find local body politics interesting…etc.”
The estimated cost to the ratepayers of Lower Hutt was $35.31 per vote for his opponent, Jim Meates, and $30.60 per vote for Ashe’s now limited time in a sinecure till our next round of probably equally apathy-ridden local body elections. I consider more people should take advantage of their democratic right to vote.
Many in the wider community baulk at the rising cost of sending a letter by post – soon to rise from 50 cents to 70 cents.
I am incensed at the cost at an average of $33 for my casting my postal vote in a by-election brought about because the previous incumbent failed to settle his differences with the board chairman.
That this is value for money, I exclaim, “Yeah Right.”
M Laurence Withy, Lowry Bay
Editor,
It’s hard to believe the rubbish that comes from Seaview Marina after reading the Petone Herald (April 18).
The marina company is planning on major works including reclaiming more land from the sea to accommodate even more boats, many of which the owners can no longer afford to berth in the current economic climate (nearly all marine businesses in Seaview are now closed).
But “build it and they will come” – sorry these days are over. Sell or lease the marina to a professional operator now before it’s too late.
On the other hand, maybe the marina company could raise another loan at 3% for the new reclaimed land and piers – like they did for the sea centre. I wonder how I or any other ratepayer of Hutt City would go if we were to apply to the council to build a building on special reserve land (as Seaview marina is) and receive from the council a 3% loan? We all know what the answer to this would be!
It is clearly stated in the Local Government Act that a CCTO (council-controlled trading organisation) shall not borrow money on more favourable terms than that of a normal lending institution. In my view, and that of many ratepayers, there should be immediate dismissals made and the board and management brought to justice.
Mark I Gluyas, Petone
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We are keen to hear your views. Letters to the Editor are warmly welcomed. They must include your name and can be emailed to editor@pcn.co.nz or