The Daily Post (News, April 11) reported Mayor Steve Chadwick as saying the suggestion of council-wide pay cuts amid Covid-19 would be "morally indefensible" while council chief executive Geoff Williams, whose pay is $374,721, thinks the suggestion that council staff should take a pay cut while working hard and under unique circumstances is "pretty unforgivable".
In my opinion, their views are out of touch because people have either lost jobs or already taken a pay cut due to Covid-19.
Ratepayers cannot continue to fund the mayor and chief executive on full pay while many local people are finding it tough to buy food and pay the bills.
Some councillors are prepared to take a pay cut, which is commendable and, in my opinion, shows leadership.
Council revenue will be declining now various council services are unavailable or simply not being used.
In my view, it is a great time for councillors and council staff to take a pay cut to 80 per cent of their normal pay. (Abridged)
Paul Carpenter
Rotorua
Dependence highlighted
I read with interest Cira Olivier's article regarding the flow of illegal drugs during our current lockdown (News, April 13).
It highlighted the issue with drugs and people's dependence on them.
It also showed how dependence on all drugs is not good for the individual or society in general.
Why then would this government want to decriminalise another drug (cannabis) to the crop of alcohol and tobacco knowing that one in 15 people have the addictive gene? The numbers of addicted individuals will soar.
I have heard and read most of the arguments for decriminalising and I still say they are putting the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and if society believes that the government will instead provide sufficient mental facilities to help those affected they are dreaming.
W Keen
Pyes Pa
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