The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Below you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.
TODAY'S LETTERS:
Byelection sparks thoughts of cronyism
Your editorial (Our View, June 15) could not have been more on the mark, and indeed more timely, given the upcoming central government byelection and end-of-year general election. Words and thoughts like cronyism and abuse of position come to mind here.
Isn't this the same local government body that wanted to build a huge monolith on our valuable reclamation at Sulphur Pt? On land that was earmarked for the express purpose of marine-related activity?
I would suggest that if the 11 officials had needed to attend the powhiri, as per Maori protocol, then they may have given us ratepayers more value for money by using more traditional methods of travel.
I would even suggest (maybe with tongue slightly in cheek) that many of their contractors at the coal face, and indeed us long-suffering ratepayers, would scarcely have missed their absence for the not inconsiderable number of days it may have taken them to complete the journey on foot.
And I'm sure we wouldn't have minded had they crossed Cook Strait with us commoners on the ferry.
Rex Mangham, Mount Maunganui
Volunteer week
During National Volunteer Awareness Week (June 19-26), New Zealand Red Cross is excited to celebrate the energy, commitment and caring of all our volunteers.
Volunteers are an important part of the work Red Cross does; they offer their most precious resource - their time - to make a difference in our community and help people in need.
There are many different, exciting opportunities in Red Cross for people of all ages to volunteer, learn new skills, help people in need, meet new people and have fun working within our great team.
Red Cross volunteers, we couldn't do it without you. You are the unsung heroes of community work in New Zealand. This is your week. Thank you!
Heather Dabrowski, Events co-ordinator, New Zealand Red Cross
Act on toll booth
Re: Drivers U-turn as toll booth looms (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, June 11). We need pressure and hard-headed negotiation for Route K to become an extension and part of State Highway 36 by aligning with the new Pyes Pa bypass. The tolls would disappear as the debt is transferred to NZ Transport Agency. It is logical for Route K to be linked to the state-highway network. So come on, leaders, make this happen.
Tim Short, Tauranga
'Scurrilous' truth
Regarding David Finney's letter (Your View, June 10) attacking Mary Brooks, in which he calls her remarks regarding Bob Clarkson "scurrilous" - the truth is that what she said about Clarkson during his time as an MP was totally accurate.
Clarkson himself admitted he was out of his depth as an MP and his "malapropisms" were served up to the public on television and in newspaper.
May I suggest Mr Finney thoroughly researches the facts before so rudely attacking one of your correspondents.
Everyone has a right to their opinions without having a personal attack on them.
He could have just stated his own opinions and let other decide for themselves.
A. Taylor, Tauranga
Party drug law
I see that the Government is going to bring in a law which provides that the purveyors of "party drugs" must prove that they do no harm before they will be allowed to be sold (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, June 18).
What a good idea, although the fact that they will do nothing until next April causes concern.
Not as urgent as members' superannuation it seems, where, if my memory serves me correctly, they did three readings of the act one Friday night.
Good law about the drugs but I wonder if they are prepared to apply the same restrictions on alcohol?
Charles Purcell, Tauranga
Text views
* Nudity in general public areas def not acceptable!
* What a sad person naked jogger Andrew Pointon would appear to be wanting ratepayers to fund his strange requirements. Could i suggest the Australian outback?
* children are the most innocent and accepting of nudity. It is only parents that tell them it is bad, and ascribe sexual stuff to it!
* Re naked jogger. Go for it. It's harmless. Kia ora.
* How pathetic that people are now complaining about homekills. If they dont like kids watchng them then dont let them simple as. Im a butcher and if any one told me what i was doing was wrong id soon tell them where to go. Homekill king. Greerton
* It is becoming increasingly apparent that the bulk of the city councillors have zero business nous. Maybe the problem is that not one councillor has a REAL job!
* I believe slaughter in front of other beasts and people is totally unacceptable. I too have seen this from the main rd state hway 2 te puke. I was shocked this was in full public view. Could they not use a screen? Clare grindell
* Dont buy next to farms if you dont want to see that sort of thing. Plus its good for kids to see where there food comes from
* Hogwood and walker get bak 2 the city, ur clearly not country folk so go bak to where meat is grown in a plastic tray all ready to go in the pan!
* The hypocrisy of those that toast the virtues of legal alcohol while condoning the bullying and imprisonment of cannabis users is complete and malignant.
* J. Hubbard, nz media cartoonist of the year, nice one. I. Harris
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