****
Religous views
Regarding Bob Boardman's letter supporting Israel Folau's extreme Christian views.
For the religious, which god they choose to worship depends on geographics.
If Mr Boardman had been born and raised in Iran he would be a devout Muslim; if from India he'd be Hindu; coming from Israel he would practice Judaism.
If he was brought up in a remote village in Africa it is likely he would be a follower of one of the many gods from their traditional religions.
In all cases he would swear to god his was the only true one.
Alan Forrest
Rotorua
***
Council strategy
Let's open the story book Rotorua – Tatau Tatau to examine and define some of its terms.
Rotorua Lakes Council strategy – a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem.
The first goal of achieving Vision 2030 in a financially "prudent" and sustainable way. Prudent – is showing good judgment, being sensible and careful in avoiding risks and uncertainties.
The second goal of maintaining existing "infrastructure", so it is fit for purpose now and into the future.
Infrastructure – is the fundamental facilities and systems serving a city, ie stormwater, water, sewerage, footpaths and kerbing. On page four it states: Repairs and upgrades on some of Rotorua's facilities are overdue.
The third goal of keeping rates "affordable" and managing debt. Affordable – the extent to which something is affordable is measured by its cost, relative to the amount that the ratepayer is able to pay. ie.
Proposed rates increases of between 4%-8% during each year of 2019 to 2022. Is it sustainable, when higher than inflation?
At the conclusion of reading the chapter on Revenue & Funding, I couldn't help wonder if anyone will believe this fairy tale, or whether its time to rewrite the story book, into a documentary based on a true story, with a different set of characters?
Tracey McLeod
Lake Tarawera
