Do not trash our town; vote the council out

Dear Ed,

We, the ratepayers of Newcastle, have been paying taxes, electricity and water bills for years. Included in the bill is an amount for refuse removal etc. We pay this money in good faith, hoping that the municipality will put it to good use. How the municipality uses the money is not controlled by us. But we are proud of our town and if the staff of the cleansing department have a problem with the salary they earn, they should take it up with the municipality. We have paid for the service, so how dare they trash our town???

In order for you to receive an increase, the ratepayer will have to pay more taxes etc. Have you considered that the pensioners in this town are lucky to receive a very small increase, but in your selfish way, your demand for more pay will result in them having to pay more tax and that they cannot afford. This goes for many people who also earn small salaries.

Remember, that you, the cleansing department, voted this council into power and you should therefore live with the way they run the town. If you have a problem with the municipal council, vote them out at the next election, but do not trash our town.

If you are not happy with the salary you receive, then resign and look for other work. I am sure there are many other people who would gladly take over your work for the salary you earn.

If you want to help the whole town to live better, then rather take up the fight against the increase of food prices, petrol etc. that are set by the government that you voted into power.

IRATEPAYER.