The “tone” of some of the articles talking about the TCDC long term plan is a little perturbing. The criticism of expenditure on social services – I for one applaud the Council for having the courage to fill the gap between what should be a Government responsibility and delivery on the ground. In case the entitled haven’t notice, many people in our Coromandel communities are doing it hard and we currently have a government intent on savagely peeling back departmental resources while proclaiming front line services won’t be affected. Seriously?
The cutting of support services to Veterans is one that springs to mind – no ifs or buts – just gone. And there are many others, the impact of which is yet to be gauged.
Filling the social gap where possible and sensible is a good approach by our Council as the alternative say, of having people begging on the streets, or missing out on other services essential to our communities, is intolerable.
I think we all have a responsibility towards the welfare of our fellow citizens and in the face of currently misguided government priorities, I for one am happy that a portion of my rates is being used in this way.
