Pensioner Rents

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 382, 16 April 1991, Page 4

Pensioner Rents

• I suppose that we should not expect a local authority to be any more consistent than as are individual members of society. However I find it curious that our local authority (in this instance the Waimarino Community Board) while supporting the increases to our rates to bring new enterprise to Raetihi now wants to decrease our rate burden by punishing the elderly in the Raetihi Pensioner Flats by increasing rents. Why? To relieve the burden upon ratepayers. Now! Now! Is that consistent thinking? While I am in favour of a rate increase for the new meat processing plant (if it ever sees the light of day), may I state that it will not put one penny in my pocket. Nor will it do so for any other ratepayer - except in the business community. That it will do so I am in agreement with. That it will provide fifteen or more new jobs I am in favour of! That it will put one penny in the hands of a pensioner is nonsense. Increasing rents along with increased rates is neither moral, just, or even good local govemment. In closing I ask: Why should Raetihi rents be in any way related to those paid in Taumarunui? Come on guys, let's do what you were elected to do: serve the people. And believe it or not Pensioners are people!

R,

LPeck

(the Rev'd)