EDITOR – Having read the comments in the Sun over the last number of months, I feel I need to set the record straight.
Firstly there has not been a political take-over as suggested and the decisions being made are based on how to strengthen the CCPO and not to break it down, as rumoured.
The CCPO has been fortunate to have been offered free office space in the CBD, and while many people might not be happy with the decision, it is something PSIRA requires and is also the only free space we have been offered so far.
While Mr Fisher may have forgotten the meetings and correspondence we had with him last year, I think he has seen that we are open to have the books checked by his accountant, and also welcome the input he has given so far. My disappointment though is not with Mr Fisher himself but the fact that there are so many in the community who instead of volunteering their services to help build the organisation, rather choose to only criticise or do nothing.
While Toti has many top security providers, lawyers, accountants and other professionals who live in the community who could be of great benefit to the CCPO, the number who have stepped forward to offer their services or advice over the years is virtually non-existent.
While the CCPO has grown to roughly 5,000 members over the last nine years, the vast majority have chosen to ride on the contributions of the faithful few. The last AGM was the first time in its history that anyone other than the current committee at the time, offered to stand for office. While the transition has not been necessarily as smooth as we would have liked, it must be remembered that the CCPO has grown to a large organisation which is managed by an elected committee who voluntarily give of their time to try and steer it forward as best they can while also in many cases running their own businesses.
The truth is that any committee past, present or future is not going to always get it right, and are not going to always be able to please everyone either, but if you feel you can offer your assistance, give the CCPO a call or stand up and be counted at the next election.
In the meantime support the team you have and let’s work together to make Toti a safer place.
RICHARD ALLKINS
CCPO committee member
