During TV One's ‘Q+A' programme on March 16, doing away with rates based on property values versus an income tax-based system was discussed.

It is high time such a tax-based system come in to being, to end the largesse of pontificating spendthrift councillors who cannot manage the running of council. Yet in the arrogance of their ignorance they have the audacity to stand for election knowing full well they don't have a fiscal/management bone in their bodies.

The only ability most councillors have is self aggrandisement and a deeply held desire to waste other people's money and enrage ratepayers.

I write that because most councils in New Zealand are strapped for cash, and of course they have many avenues of blame, apart from mismanagement.

Alastair Bourne, Bethlehem.