Thoughts of the Week

Disclaimer
Re: “Have mercy”
I, Bruce McNair Dick, formally Waihopai Valley and now Blenheim, am NOT the Bruce Dick who commented in last week’s Marlborough Weekly.
— Bruce McNair Dick

Less still more
Re: “Council pares rates-jump rate”
13.62% in 2024 down to the current 6.81%.
— Vasiti Baledrokadroka

0% increase should be the aim really. Ah, well, looks like tenants will just end up paying more. Great work, government.
—Toby Alexander Lloyd

Who got a 6.81% increase in their income this year to cope with yet another excessive rates increase? Do councillors even take any notice of what ratepayers are telling them?
— John Mortimer

Cap on rates, less to spend on essentials. Oh wait, that’s what got us here. Reduced spending to keep ratepayers happy, combined with stupid spending – let’s repeat it. Add to that, Central Government has pushed some of its costs to local government.
—Murray Gibbons

How about just putting good old fashioned common sense into your decisions? Think of the working class who struggle financially.
—Brenda Green

No wonder with the unnecessary cosmetic changes.
—James Ross

Rate rises are pushing residents out of their own hard-worked-for homes.
—Paul Rennie

Marlborough is a bustling place. All these events we have should be propping up the books directly, not indirectly through hotel beds. That’s just one area that’s not paying their way, especially if they’re selling alcohol, adding more expense for the region to pay.
—Jamarl Thomson

Smiles gleaming
Re: “Long in the tooth”
Thanks for your service to our family, John [Beattie]. Wishing you a happy and well-deserved retirement.
—Gail Silcock

Best dentist ever. Thanks for many years of service. Happy retirement to you and Elspeth.
—Ali Roselli

Free-press rally
Re: “Shining a light on light-shiners”
A lovely idea.
— Suzanne Norton

Maybe use energy to feed, house and educate people.
— James Ross

Singing ‘Matilda’ praises
Re: “Wow moment at Whitehaven”
Fantastic show – highly recommend going along.
— Jude McIntyre