Ed,

How sad to hear from Rodney Stevens (CVI 24/07/24) that Deputy Mayor, Jeff Smith, has had enough and will not stand for re-election.

As a dynamic, successful business operator who was instrumental in re-invigorating a stagnant Jacaranda Festival, Jeff is just the type of Councillor we need to change Clarence Valley Council’s approach to getting things done.

Instead of Council being seen as a bureaucratic stumbling block to progress, Jeff was looking to create an enthusiastic Council with a “What can we do to help you succeed” attitude.

At present, we continually hear that Staff are only available by phone and an appointment is needed at a time that suits the Staff, rather than the ratepayers, to discuss the most basic of matters.

Council needs to understand that we, the ratepayers, are the shareholders of their organisation, the Councillors are their Board of Directors, and the General Manager & Staff must follow the Councillor’s instructions.

If Councillors are forbidden to talk with Staff and that even their meetings with the General Manager are restricted, you have to ask, “Who is running the show?”

Councillors need to take control and have Council start following their directions to achieve the outcomes that we, the ratepayers, voted for.

Only then will the Clarence Valley attract more Councillors like Jeff Smith and start to progress at the rate its resources and population deserves.

John Pullinger, Grafton