We as council didn’t ask government for the merger proposal with Gundagai, but on Thursday, May 12, they did just that, so now we have to make the new council work for our both communities and it will be a challenging time over the next 15 months, before the new council will come into place after September, 2017.

Our administration and interim general manager, the staff from both councils and former councillors from both Gundagai and Cootamundra will be the advisory group to help shape the new council.

I acknowledge your concern and the residents over the naming of the new council - they are frustrated as we are - but the government and governor has signed off on that, so there is very little we can do.

Getting back to what Isabel said, Cootamundra council has been playing “Mr Nice Guy for too long”.

Well the “Mr Nice Guy” council has good sustainability, good financial figures, infrastructure, services, good management and good staff and will continue to do so under the council. You should not forget that “nice guy” council pumped thousands of dollars into that art centre which is good for the town.

But to say “they do not want us and we do not want them” is your say. They did want Gundagai people and I am sure Gundagai people would not say that, they are good for people, as we all are - or I hope we are.

Jim Slattery

Cootamundra Shire Councillor

I attended the council meeting on Monday night to try to express my annoyance and frustration at how the amalgamation of councils and council name changes have been handled by the state government.

To place Christine Ferguson in the unenviable position of administrator who then told the interested citizens present that they were not allowed a say because it was an "Extraordinary" general meeting was most unfortunate and smacked of bureaucratic nonsense.

However, I believe Mrs Ferguson has offered us as citizens of Cootamundra a pathway to having a say on name changes at an Information Meeting on June 9. It is important that we as citizens turn up at this meeting.

What I find so totally frustrating is the total lack of recognition of the wishes of the people in the so-called democratic process of this whole forced amalgamation debate. I would be disappointed if we don't get a more democratic hearing and result on the issue of name change!

For my penny's worth why not call the new council Ulandra Regional Council. Mount Ulandra is home to the major communication towers for the whole region.

Simon Bragg

Cootamundra

In response to Letters to the Editor, May 18 from Isabel Scott and David Ferguson.

On a day-to-day basis, people rarely disturb themselves to openly complain if current services and relevant growth in the shire are maintained.

Due to the financial support by state and federal governments by way of  loans, grants and subsidies, it  gives them the right to have a say in how local government functions.

However, there are some issues which do upset the status quo and this is demonstrated by Isabel Scott's letter  for a “call to arms” against the identity theft of Cootamundra Shire's name, which is to be subsumed into Gundagai Shire.

I support Isabel in her condemnation of the name currently proposed. Would one be presumptive in thinking that the name change suggested is an appeasement to stop legal action by Gundagai against amalgamation?  With the possible exception of senior administrative staff on Cootamundra Council, the people of Cootamundra wish them well in their legal battle against amalgamation.

With regard to David Ferguson's letter, he is correct in defending his mother against personal public attacks which are uncalled for in any situation.  

When people are tapped on the shoulder to take up the positions at the behest of the ruling political party rather than apply for an advertised position, then that is political as is the current forced amalgamation.  

Mr Ferguson's published letter appears to speak of  aspirations (both personal and political) with emphasis on the former Gundagai Shire rather than benefits and negatives for all townships both large and small, that are now involved.

If an acceptable name change for the shire is to be achieved then there has to be community input by consultation or vote.   

One other positive which could also be achieved by the interim administrator is a change to the administrative function of the council which would allow a new mayor to be directly elected by popular vote.

Robyn McMellon

Cootamundra

Alan and I would like to suggest the name Wiradjuri Council for the newly merged Gundagai and Cootamundra Shires.

We are all the same mob.

Carol East

Cootamundra

I agree wholeheartedly with Isabel Scott. Muttama Valley Shire connects Gundagai and Cootamundra. Look no further.

Win Main

Treetops Cootamundra