Letters to the editor: Putting the needs of Tauranga ratepayers first

Lighting up the Matapihi rail bridge is not a cost ratepayers should have to stump up with, readers say. Photo/file

I'm no medical specialist but, in my opinion, councillor Baldock is displaying all the classic symptoms of selectivitis. His quote in the Bay of Plenty Times (News, December 9) that he would discuss the proposal to decorate their railway bridge with Matapihi residents leads me to this conclusion. Why? Because he is prepared to meet with a very small group but has made no effort I'm aware of to properly consult with ratepayers over the museum, which is hugely more significant than the bridge.

I can only imagine the frustration of the business community at the lost opportunity to get tourists into the CBD by co-locating the museum and library.

The possibility of his affliction showing up to be a terminal condition at the next civic elections is a real possibility.
Alastair Jones Bellevue

Transport solution

Yes, SkyCabs transport. That's what we should be looking at in the future, not white elephant museums.
Janet Drake Tauranga

Lighting up the bridge

I agree wholeheartedly with the letter published December 12.
The council has some grandiose ideas and projects like lighting up the rail bridge.
For once the council staff used common sense and recommended that this idea not be proceeded with. The city councillors then go against the staff's recommendation and decide to pursue the idea at an estimated cost of $200,000.

Why would you do this? So someone can say how nice the lights look on the bridge?.
It is not only the initial cost of placing the lights but then, of course, there will be the ongoing costs of maintaining them. Where will this money come from? Your rates, of course.

It is time for some councillors to use some common sense in their decision making, and remember that they are making decisions on behalf of all ratepayers, and not simply making decisions based on their own personal whims, preferences and views.

It is time for some to either get their heads out of the sand and make sensible, practical decisions on behalf of all in Tauranga, and if they are not able to do so, then it is time for them to move on and let others with a more practical approach take over.
Rob Baron Mount Maunganui