<< Peninsula News 13 August 2002 - Should not have been surprised >>

Should not have been surprised

I should not have been surprised to read Cr Holstein's letter (Peninsula News, August 30) which is openly critical of my opposition to the recent rate rise for which we have all now been slugged.

Cr Holstein makes a number of statements which I believe to be deliberately misleading and, in some cases, simply untrue.

Firstly, Cr Holstein stated that the Council voted unanimously to request that the Minister approve a rate increase.

That is incorrect.

I did not support the rate increase on the basis that I was not satisfied that the proposed Woy Woy Aquatic Centre was properly costed or budgeted.

If Cr Holstein wants to check, he can simply refer to the Review Committee Minutes of July 2.

Let me make it clear that I support both the upgrading of the surf clubs and the construction of an aquatic centre at Woy Woy provided that I have all the financial evidence to support the decision.

To date, I still have not received that information despite repeated requests.

For Cr Holstein then to imply that I am unconcerned about the expenditure of ratepayers funds is both mischieveous and an insult.

I chose not to sit on the Woy Woy Aquatic Centre Committee as at the time it had operated before my election to council and was duty bound to report back to council regardless.

In fact, I have raised consistent concerns with Council staff regarding both the poor design of the aquatic centre and the future on-costs for which the ratepayer will be ultimately responsible.

Secondly, with regard to the quantum of the rate increase, clearly the latest rate notice dispels the Holstein myth that the average overall increase is only $22.56.

I have been inundated with phone calls from ratepayers who have advised me that their rates have jumped nearly $70 for what are average UCVs.

Finally, Cr Holstein has dragged good old politics into the debate questioning my reference to the State Government's support for the rate increase and the fact that I will be the Liberal Candidate at the next State Elections.

Perhaps Cr Holstem's sudden inspiration to write the letter in the first place was to lift his own profile for a possible tilt at the State Election.

We will watch you also with great interest, Mr Holstein.

One should always beware of glass houses.

Cr Debra Wales