This has come about because they seem to see themselves as ‘spinmeisters’, rather than simple conveyor’s of fact & truth ’ If you want an example look no further than the ‘facts’ they put together & had published in the local papers concerning the Great Southern Rail Trail Extensions. Whilst on that subject, despite requests to defer un-necessary Capital expenditure until after the Corona Virus episode is dealt with, the Council have said they will proceed with the project as planned.

Back to the’ spinmeisters’, who have been busy for months now, spending 10’s of thousands of our $’s on full page colour ads in what has been 4 local papers, keeping us informed about council operations that we really ought to be able to take for granted. They do this every year to influence the Council satisfaction ratings. Have they got lucky now that we are down to only having The Mirror still publishing. Long may they live!

To put it bluntly, we ratepayers would be much better served if this segment of council operations was severely reined in. What I am suggesting is nothing new – take a look at the 2013/14 Section 223 Budget submissions & you will find constituents expressed the same, or similar, sentiments.

It’s time for the Administration to respect the ratepayers & trim non-essential expenditure out of the Budget, instead of treating us as cash cows!

Yours sincerely,

John McCombe

Leongatha