Letters to Editor: Cadogan, crossings, solar

Clutha District mayor Bryan Cadogan says its a win for democracy and better representation for the area (``Council to drop to 10 members'' ODT 7.12.24) .

 

I am finding Mr Cadogan's opinionated and overbearing manner hard to tolerate. 

 

I was a councillor for three terms representing the Clinton riding, receiving $6000 counting fuel a year. 

 

It wasn't the money that was the deciding factor when I didn't seek re-election, I was sick of being a rubber stamp. 

 

In the words of Bryan Cadogan all they got was old white men, and democracy was not being served.

 

I take it as a insult, and I would say many more past councillors would also be wondering where Bryan Cadogan was coming from.

 

[David Mackie was a Clutha district councillor for nine years.]

 

 

I am bemused by the Dunedin City Council's serious consideration of crossings, rainbow, striped, or in a delicate shade of mauve, for both ends of Bath St.

 

My view is based upon the unique experience of having worked at different times just off both ends of Bath St, once from premises at 41 George St, (dead opposite Bath St's George St entrance), and on Bath St's junction with Lower Stuart St.

 

During that total 13 years or so, I had never once been aware of crossings or any demand for them, at either end of Bath St; the crossings of George St at Moray Pl and Moray Pl in Lower Stuart St being more than adequate for those wishing to get to the other side. 

 

To be rainbow, as has been the case with rainbow crossings elsewhere, there would presumably have to be crossings to begin with. 

 

I am aware of none, and would regard both ends of Bath St as most unsuitable places for them, since in a precedent well established by successive councils traffic lights would inevitably follow. 

 

I ponder these things, in the light of my council rates instalments now exceeding a fortnight's superannuation handout, PM Christopher Luxon's niggardly extra $4 falling far short of covering the rise, and seriously wonder on which planet our current council exists, even considering this ridiculous proposal as worthy of serious discussion.

 

 

 

Theproposed solar farm development to be situated in the Ranfurly/Naseby area is visual and ecological vandalism. 

 

Instead of viewing rolling pastures and the natural wonder that Central Otago is famous for, visitors will be met with the sight of over half a million solar panels, 32 container-sizes lithium ion batteries and an electricity substation with two large transformers.

 

All of this sited on 650ha, an area three times the size of Ranfurly township.

 

After two-year construction period, locals will have to endure the noise associated with power generation and storage activities for up to 35 years as well as the continual threat of an ecological disaster from a battery fire. 

 

This project must be stopped and relocated to the North Island where the power is needed.