The commissioners have made a big thing out of their willingness to listen to what the community is saying and keeping an open mind on matters of importance to the community. It's not something about which they have a choice. It's a statutory requirement. However, while they're big on talking the talk there has been little or no evidence to date that the commissioners are prepared to walk the walk. Staff recommendations and left over policies from the previous elected representatives have been bulldozed through without any changes and regardless of large numbers of objections and submissions in opposition.

Well, the ‘big one' is coming up very soon: the Long Term Plan that will bring about huge rates increases. Most people recognise that some kind of rate increase may be required, but is such a big spend-up necessary? Can't other ways of funding and doing things be found to reduce the amount of the increase? Submissions to the LTP close on June 7. Have your say. Go to the online form on the council's webpage and tell the council what you think. The larger the number who take part the louder our voice becomes.

Barry Scott, Papamoa Beach.