David Allen, Mortlake

In light of the recent disclosures made in regard to Mr Kelson trying to change council voting processes by attempting to have another former councillor step aside for him to fill the role of a countback winner and the continual negativity from this disgruntled councillor, (who was voted out by the people), perhaps it is time he stood aside from the Warrnambool Ratepayers Association and found himself another hobby.

Whilst there has been some unfortunate decisions made in the last twelve months by the Warrnambool City Council, on the whole the WCC also have worked extremely hard for the betterment of our city.

To vote out the whole council is totally ridiculous and would achieve nothing but destabilisation of the organisation.

What we need is ratepayers or self-elected groups of ratepayers to put forward positive alternatives and new ideas to the WCC and to the people of the city through platforms such as The Standard.

Gavin Arnott, Allansford

With council elections towards the end of the year, it is good to see Warrnambool City councillors out and about getting their photo in The Standard, telling ratepayers what a great job they have done and the big projects planned for the future.

It's a pity they are not interested in the concerns of the ratepayers of Warrnambool.

For the past 18 months, ratepayers of the Turner Drive estate have tried to get council to look at their concerns about the dangerous entry from Mortlake Road into Turner Drive and how congested the entry and exit of the area when the new sub division at 159 Mortlake Road is finished.

The only comments to ratepayers has been "we will look into it", "we will pass the concerns on" or "it has been earmarked". Councillors should hang their heads in shame.

I don't think sitting councillors will get much support from the ratepayers of Turner Estate.

Julian Mugavin, Warrnambool

In relation to aged care, I am in care at Lyndoch Living.

I have been here four years, and I am very happy here, and can recommend the services and care I receive.

I am 94, also fairly active. The staff and team members are very helpful, with a very caring attitude.

This letter is my own personal thoughts

Stewart Owen, Warrnambool

Warrnambool deserves councillors who behave responsibly and are accountable to the community who elected them. Councillors Neoh, Gaston, Cassidy and Owen have behaved recklessly and irresponsibly when they sacked the CEO, Peter Schnieder.

The CEO satisfied all of the performance standards expected of him in the role, and these were approved by Council, including each of the gang of four. The sacking of the CEO is currently being examined by the Local Government Inspectorate. The gang of four have failed in their role by refusing to give an account to the community for their actions.

They treat the community with arrogance and contempt. In the forthcoming elections, choose a candidate who will not behave recklessly and irresponsibly

James Cleary, Warrnambool

The Standard reported (Katrina Lovell, 25 August) that the council, when adopting their new governance rules, had decided not to allow general business to be returned to the council agenda.

But the council did seek to reassure the community, or at least themselves, that now it would be easier for the next council to do so should they wish.

So, if general business was such good idea that they would pave the way for its introduction later, why didn't they just do it?

Much has been made of the notice of motion seeking the return of general business moved last December by Cr Cassidy and well done to her for that. But, at the same meeting another notice of motion seconded by Cr Cassidy also passed unanimously.

That notice of motion called for the council to introduce a way for community members to address the council at ordinary meetings of council on matters currently before the council. This was neatly air-brushed out of the picture last Monday. It was not mentioned or referred to in any way. This is from a council that, just last month adopted their new transparency policy.

The new transparency policy was forced on the council by the new Local Government Act but was not intended that it become mere window dressing.

It was intended that the council behave transparently as it works for the benefit of the community. So, how is that working for you so far?

Jim Burke, Warrnambool

Please note: The Standard prefers letters to be less than 250 words. Preference is given to shorter contributions. Letters must include the author's name, address and contact phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at standard.net.au and in print.