Letter: Ratepayers of Cootamundra

I AM writing this letter as I’m concerned for the ratepayers of Cootamundra. The current councillors are of grave concern to me. My question is; are they here for themselves or the good of the community? 

In the issue published by the Cootamundra Herald on June 23, I read that councillors have applied for the maximum pay rise.

Proposed by Cr Chalmers and voted for by Cr Wight, Cr Palmer and Cr Slattery. 

Are these the councillors that voted out Doug Phillips as Mayor?

Registered Cootamundra residents gave Councillor Phillips the most votes (1727 in total or 37.8 per cent) and Councillor Slattery (192 in total or 4.6 per cent.) 

This information was printed in the Cootamundra Herald on September 10, 2012 and obtained from the Australian Electoral Commission website.

My question remains; do these current councillors really have the community at heart?

Cr Wight objected about the price of a new 4WD mower to be used at the treatment works. Obviously she won’t be the person using this piece of equipment? The purchase of the mower is for something that will last a very long time. She made a statement about the current economic climate but proceeded to vote for a “pay increase!” 

Cr Wight was against the “Peace Structure” Rotarians proposed to construct in Albert Park at no cost to the ratepayers of Cootamundra, but has put forward a Rose Garden to be developed in Albert Park. Who is paying for this? 

In my opinion, maybe the councillors should have a good, hard look at themselves.

Think; what are your intentions for Cootamundra or are you there for the good of your own?

David Holder

Turners Lane