Perth Voice Interactive

Pollie pot
PREMIER Colin Barnett calls Clive Palmer a damaging embarrassment to WA. Hmm. Perhaps. Yet certainly not more so than Mr Barnett’s abhorrent policy on sharks.
Another case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Otto Mustard
Queens Cres, Mount Lawley

New broom blows whistle
I REFER to your front page article (Voice, August 16, 2014) where the newly hired CEO of Vincent city council Len Kosova has proven he can read properly.
In his first week with unfettered access to Vincent’s detailed books, he’s discovered a $3 million deficit does not mean a $3 million surplus.
Apparently this is news to all and sundry. Was it ignorance or choice that the current and former councillors and mayors couldn’t comprehend a simple income and expenditure statement, and whether it was meant to be plus or minus sign at the front of the figure?
In another newspaper the new CEO is quoted saying “despite forecasting a balanced budget every year, the actual budget had come in at a deficit for the past 5 years. Why didn’t we know about it, why didn’t we plan for it ?” Ouch.
With “please explain” letters being written by state government departments, issued to Vincent city council for at least the past 18 months, why am I not surprised the whole debacle has been conveniently swept under the carpet for so long, and it’s taken a new broom with no allegiances to discover and blow the whistle on the whole debacle. Just don’t mention the A word.
Darryl Moore
Federal Liberal Candidate for Perth, 2013

Siena’s surprise
A FEW weeks ago I got a lovely surprise in the mail when you sent me a voucher for Siena’s in Leederville announcing I had won the Adbuster competition.
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious meal there last Thursday so I am writing to say thank you very much!
Your newspaper is a great way of keeping up to date with local matters. Best wishes and keep up the good work.
Jan Nicholls
Sixth Ave, Maylands
The Ed says: We love to hear our readers are having a great time!

Stirling service
THE letter from Nick Agocs of Dianella (Voice Mail, August 9, 2014) rang a few bells for this Bayswater reader/ratepayer.
At least 18 months ago I wrote to all Bayswater councillors and the only response I got was a visit from one who, having offered his advice, made me promise not to reveal his identity. No reason was offered that might explain his apparent apprehension.
Later, a petition to the CEO to have the matter relating to my concern was brought to the attention of the council. It was not even acknowledged, but I know my letter was received because it was sent by special registered post.
As well, I faxed a request to the-then mayor for him to receive a deputation to enable me to present my case, but despite the fact my request went in about a year or more ago, I still wait upon a courteous response. In the meantime, examination of council minutes reveal some other ratepayers’ concerns were fast-tracked to the council. Yet, I too, pay my rates.
More recently a request to be provided information regarding a matter claimed to be city policy, and addressed to the now mayor, has been ignored and I have been informed I should address all future communications to employees of the city. Why would I bother? The city’s employees are not my elected representatives.
Vincent J McCudden
Almondbury St, Bayswater

So nice…
IT was so nice of Perth city councillors to grant $45,000 to Pride Parade for this year’s festival. If you happen to be a ratepayer and violently opposed to to the gay agenda, homosexual  lifestyle, etc you might be a bit peeved off.
After all, ratepayers are never consulted on these decisions. You pay rates and the money could end up anywhere. Not just local streets festivals—terrorist organisations, global wars, anything at all. Fantastic system don’t you think?
Raymond Conder
Central Ave, Inglewood
The Ed says: That’s why we have things called elections, Raymond.