Not All Councillors Tainted By Inquiry

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday March 1, 2008

People have asked why shouldn't all Wollongong councillors resign? Not all the councillors have been called before ICAC, so why should they resign? Do the people who have this storm-the-Bastille attitude know all the facts? Of course not.

They who are without sin cast the first stone, but the councillors not before ICAC should not be hounded out of their position.

The questions answered in the Mercury article (February 27) shows what would happen if an administrator was appointed, that is, the possibility of years of administration by one person.

Didn't we just have that for about 20 years? That's clearly not in the interests of ratepayers.

It was pointed out that the only situation in which all councillors would have to be dismissed is when there is systemic corruption and all are involved. This is also not the case.

No-one who has had controversial developments happen in their suburb is surprised by the ICAC inquiry which, as the Mercury editorial put it, casts a long shadow over the Oxley years.

But those untainted by this inquiry should have the full support of the community.

Alan Bond, Stanwell Tops.

Respect the privacy of Adam Morgan

I find the use of photographs and the mention of Adam Morgan in relation to the present ICAC inquiry involving his former wife Beth Morgan, very distasteful.

Adam is a decent young man and has no involvement in this inquiry; it must be very hurtful to him and his daughter.

Give the man and his family the privacy they deserve.

Greg Robinson, Figtree

All those mentioned at ICAC should resign

In view of the scandalous events in Wollongong, there is now only one possible course of action.

All those mentioned at the ICAC inquiry must resign their position, preferably voluntarily. Otherwise every piece of legislation or business deal which comes before councillors and MPs will be regarded with suspicion.

For any of them to consider staying in office will jeopardise the integrity of everyone in government, local or state.

Genevieve Blundell, Towradgi.

It is time for Iemma to call a state election

As well as high-profile people being "stood down" while still receiving their huge salaries, now the Premier Morris Iemma has threatened to sue anyone who asks embarrassing questions.

If you do sue dissidents, Morris, use your own money. You've wasted enough of taxpayers' money already.

There is ample evidence that your government is incompetent.

Call an election; it's time.

Kevin Epps, Coalcliff.

How Scimone's salary stacks up against pollies

I note that Andrew Sefton and John Klower castigate Tony Abbott in the Mercury (February 22) for his comments regarding backbenchers' basic salary of $127,060.

Perhaps the above gentlemen would like to comment on Joe Scimone's salary of $200,000 courtesy of the State Labor Party or his previous salary of $168,000 at Wollongong City Council.

I guess it's all a question of relativity.

Alan Towers, North Wollongong.

Hold on for Gong-gate, the TV miniseries

Residents of Wollongong need not fear the impact on our reputation of Gong-gate. In a couple of years it will all be history. That is until the television miniseries appears. Actors auditioning for the lead roles will have an advantage if they are arrogant and possess huge egos.

Mark Smith, Bulli.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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