R Prince's letter (The Weekend Sun, November 27) asks many valid questions which the Tauranga City Council CEO Garry Poole should, in my view, answer without hesitation.

I was on the council (2007-2010) that voted to proceed with the Southern pipeline and this decision was not made until the then CEO and the council staff were fully quizzed over the entire route and in particular the Matapihi part of this essential multi-million dollar link.

We were clearly advised and informed that the entire access rights to the pipeline were guaranteed hence the decision to proceed was made.

To now be aware that issues exist is very disappointing, as is the apparent decision by the CEO to basically put his head in the sand and refuse to provide the answers to what the problem and the delay is.

Maybe it is time for the councillors to stand up and demand the answers or are they not prepared to do this?

The councillors are each paid in excess of $70,000 per annum to do just this or do they believe that they too busy but then some councillors have, in the past admitted to working barely 10 hours a week so this should not be the problem.

Roll on 2016 when maybe the community will elect councillors prepared to work hard for the community and to also ask the questions of the CEO and staff and demand prompt and factual answers.

M Baker, Bethlehem.