It's always sad to read the letters to the editor from former elected members of council, defeated at the election box.

They are caught up in a negativity that blinds them to anything positive, which might be happening in local government.

Mike Baker in his letter ‘Be very afraid' (The Weekend Sun, December 12) criticises former TCC CEO Stephen Town for his supposed support of reorganisation of local government in the Bay of Plenty.

Yet Mike was not present at the very informative and wide-ranging address given by Stephen to a Chamber of Commerce function on December 12.

Stephen made the point that amalgamation of Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council would not bring about immediate cost savings, but it would introduce truly effective and efficient governance that would enhance the competitiveness of our region by driving population growth and adding economic value.

Yes, be afraid of a unitary council but stand up for the amalgamation of our local territorial authorities remembering there is so much that unites and so little that divides our Western Bay of Plenty.

Graeme Horsley, Tauranga City.