We would certainly want to have some opportunity to provide input into and review of the terms of reference. Sufficient weight must be given to reviewing how we are governed and if there is a better alternative.
As we see it the study must be undertaken in a timely fashion and meet two essential tests:
First, it must be holistic - covering economic, social and governance dimensions as they inevitably inter-relate. The study must suggest paths forward (or at least alternatives) in each of these three areas, whether the recommendations be stay the course or reform.
Second, it must be independent - there should be no public perception of patch protection or pre-ordained outcomes.
The study, while assuming the positive and active cooperation and support of all councils, must nonetheless be developed by an independent party with final responsibility for its contents and conclusions.
Mr Dalton has accused this group of wanting to push through local government reform "with indecent haste" and without any factual basis to support it.
We are not!
That is exactly why we have been asking for the councils to cooperate and undertake a proper report on the issues facing this region (including governance).
We want the report to be undertaken in a timely fashion and in order to obtain unbiased objective information and recommendations so that Hawke's Bay can actually make an "informed decision".
We expect that the report would look at all options including the "status quo".
It is obvious that it is actually Mr Dalton who believes that his own view should be accepted without reference to any supporting factual basis, why else would he be against undertaking the independent report?
Despite what Bill says, we can do better!
Stuart McLauchlan, Hawke's Bay
Why stop at cards?
I read with delight Eva Bradley's column in Friday's HB Today (7/10/11) renouncing all interest in loyalty cards.
But I urge you, don't stop there.
If we are going to dis our loyalty cards, we may as well be disloyal to the whole philosophy that underpins them.
Let's ban all unsolicited advertising. Just think, no more ads on TV, no newspapers cluttered with eye catching promos, and no junk mail!
We might actually get what we pay for in our subscriptions.
Glory be! What would the world come to (heaven I think), but what about all those poor unemployed sales people and telemarketers? Eh, what about them? Has this not been thought through?
Yes it has, by a man ahead of his time (undoubtedly due to the improbability drive), Douglas Adams. Golgafrinchan no less, is the place for them.
They deserve it for all their amazing technicolour contribution to modern media, let's send them off to this glorious planetary oasis, no expense spared as they go and be creative together, who knows they might spawn a new and better civilisation!
Stuart Brown, Dannevirke
Privileged prisoners
Now I've heard it all. Gym equipment, televisions, games and personal trainers to help inmates kick the smoking habit.
Where is the justice in that?
The victim struggles to put their life back together while the criminal reaps the benefits of their crime living the high life.
The powers that be justify their actions under the veil of human rights while the criminals are laughing at our soft touch society all the way to the gym.
Jeni Sargent, Napier.
