Reckless danger posed to children must stop
This may just be another letter about young people driving their cars erratically. However, if you live on Forest Street in Wendouree it is about people with little respect for other people's safety or property. As soon as it rains/drizzles they are out trying to burn as much rubber off their tyres as possible without concern for anything but their own pleasure. The problem arises from the fact that we have children walking along this street. We also have two schools and a child minding centre along the same street.
I realise the police have a lot of better things to do than listen to whingers. In the past two years, I have almost had both of my cars wiped out by these people and there is nothing that will be done about it. If you take matters into your own hands you are the worst in the world, but residents are getting sick of it.
Please, for the children's sake do something about it. Police presence or perhaps speed cameras; these are both cheaper than the loss of life.
James Charlton, Wendouree
Local rising star we should all be proud of
Congratulations to Callum Linnane on his nomination for the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award (Courier, 23/08). Incredible dedication and commitment from such a young age. What a wonderful achievement and how proud he has made our community, but most importantly, his family, friends and relatives. Peter McIntosh, Ballarat
Back to Basics spending needed
Council has allocated over one hundred thousand for roads so far as stated by our mayor toward pothole repair. Well, give up the overseas trips, do not go ahead with the slide for the pool, and use the million left over to fix the potholes and the wheels damaged in Ring road on Friday.
I, too nearly disappeared into this crevasse when I hit the same hole on Monday night. It is obvious councillors don't travel this road at night. They seem to think they are doing something, but do they actually get out and see what is happening around town.
Neil Henderson, Alfredton
Unconscionable tradies
An elderly woman (89) needed two light globes replaced. She had no family or friends to assist her with this simple task. Fiercely independent, she chose not to call upon her neighbours and instead, rang an electrician. The 30 year old turned up pronto in a top line vehicle. Installed the new globes and left after less than five minutes, not before charging $125 for a call out and $50 for parts (2 light globes) and fitting. No social conscience, whatsoever. What you reap, so shall you sow.
Michael J Gamble, Belmont
Debt not the devil
Fairfax columnist, Ross Gittins argues politicians peddle a lie about the debt governments leave our children because they fail to ask what the debt is for.
He writes; What do governments have to show for all their borrowing? Public infrastructure – roads and motorways, bridges, railways and bus fleets, hospitals and schools, prisons and police stations. Since we worry about our children and grandchildren, what kind of physical Australia do we want them to inherit? One with rundown and inadequate public facilities – one where it's really hard to get around, where roads and trains and hospitals and schools are grossly
He is right on the money (again) in pointing out the fallacy propagated by politicians (of both sides) that having debt is inherently bad . Why do politicians and the ruling class in general continue to tell this lie? The answer: it is part of the overarching cunning plan the neoliberals have to transfer public utilities and services to the private sector. Mission (almost) accomplished.
Jeff Langdon, Smythesdale
