It concerns me that most of the usual suspects at City Hall have been joined by the Mayor and his deputy to tick off council becoming involved in another property development. Hello? Are memories so short that those concerned have forgotten how much money the last attempt at this cost ratepayers?

I wasn't at the meeting, but I applaud Cr's Morris, Cowley, Edlin, McIntosh and Robson who I understand voted against the proposal which they all deemed was commercially silly and not in the best interests of ratepayers. The address may be Opal Drive now, but in a few years it may well turn to Expensive Trinket Place for ratepayers.

Low-cost housing is an admirable objective, but it isn't the job of council to bake a new pie and stick it fingers and ratepayer filling into the pastry.

Sadly, the good folks lost, and ultimately thanks to Mayor Crosby, deputy Clout and Crs Grainger, Stewart, Brown, and the proponent Curack allowing it to pass by voting for it.

Elections are only eight months away, and it's time for some changes me thinks.

In the interest of openness and honesty, I am delighted to disclose that I will be standing.

Graeme Purches, Sterling Gate.