Selwyn_Times: February 14, 2024

I HAVE BEEN following with interest the
news that significant rates rises are on the
horizon for the Selwyn district.
Mayor (Sam) Broughton hinted at an
outrageous rate rise of 20 per cent.
This was subsequently downgraded to
a mere 16 per cent! Does he think that we
will all be happy and relieved that is only
three times the rate of inflation? It was
also stated double-digit rises are forecast
for the next three years. In other words,
you will probably be paying at least 40 per
cent more then than now.
Out in the real world where most of us
live, money we intend to spend must be
earned first. However, the local government
bureaucrats simply inflict more
taxes upon the hardworking ratepayers
in order to satisfy their lust for spending
other people’s money.
It must be remembered that all council
staff from the Mayor down are our servants.
We pay them to perform to our
satisfaction, not the other way around.
It is obvious that Broughton and his
fellow bureaucrats have lost sight of this
reality.
What is really needed here is an independent
and comprehensive audit of
the entire council’s conduct by a suitably
qualified person from the private sector
who can identify wastage, overstaffing and
general inefficiency.
My bet is that all necessary council
activities could be comfortably performed
whilst actually reducing the financial
burden on our community.
LETTERS 13
Projected rates
rise ‘out of touch’
We want to hear your views
on the issues affecting life
in Selwyn
Selwyn council management will
provide all sorts of reasons for avoiding
such scrutiny of their operations, however
the real reason is that they would be
scared of the likely outcome.
-Graham Bethell
Stadium
I think Selwyn should contribute to
the new Te Kaha stadium, how much I
don’t know but council can work that
out. I think the stadium is for all of
Canterbury. I don’t want to have different
ticket prices because we don’t live in
Christchurch city where we spent all our
lives before moving out to Selwyn.
-Jim Brosnahan
Wednesday February 14 2024 Selwyn Times
You’re invited to our
CRUISE ALASKA &
TOURING USA/CANADA
EVENING
Join us and hear from our travel experts
all about Cruising in Alaska plus how
to get the best from touring the USA
and Canada.
Whether you've dreamed of visiting New York,
Chicago, New Orleans, Nashville, The Rockies,
or Cruise Alaska, we will cover it all.
Our passionate experts are super
experienced and have plenty of handy hints,
tips, and knowledge to share with you.
This is an event not to be missed!
Send emails to:
barry@starmedia.kiwi
Letters may be edited or rejected at Star Media’s
discretion. Letters should be about 200 words.
A name, postal address and phone number should be
provided.
Please use your real name, not a nickname, alias, pen
name or abbreviation.
When: Wednesday 21 Feb
Time: 5.45pm for 6pm start
Where: The Piano, 156 Armagh St
We’d love to see you there!
Registrations are essential,
so call us today to confirm your spot
Read local
BARRINGTON 331 7182 | CHRISTCHURCH CITY 365 7687 | FERRYMEAD 376 4022 | HIGH ST LANES 335 3722
HORNBY 344 3070 | MERIVALE/SHIRLEY 385 0710 | NORTHLINK 352 4578 | PRESTONS 385 0220
RANGIORA 313 0288 | RICCARTON 341 3900 | UPPER RICCARTON 343 0869