At a time when the general population seems not to think too highly of councillors we have to try to find ways to lift their image and understand that they are virtually volunteers.
There seems to be a misconception that any action by council is an action implemented by the councillors and therefore they are responsible for that.
The role of the CEO has been misinterpreted and ignored for too long and it is about time that changed.
Before he left, the Administrator Rik Hart wanted monthly financial reporting to be reinstated; this is very important and needs to be followed up.
The public needs to have an understanding of the debt that council and they (the ratepayers) have on a monthly basis and these figures need to be published monthly.
This at least may bring some understanding to the public of the enormous task and responsibility councillors face and what they propose to do about it.
Email Oct 5,
Geoff Mitchell, Kariong