EDITOR – Engaging with those whose opinions are informed by emotions and not facts is not a pleasant task.
Be that as it may, ‘frustrated resident’ (SUN, 1 May) should note the following facts:
· I did not lose the 2016 election to JP Prinsloo as, having retired, I was not a candidate.
· My legacy is apparent in volumes in the SUN for the period 2001 to 2016. For a quick summary, read the half page review of my terms in the SUN of 22 July 2016.
· I held quarterly public meetings throughout my tenure. I was available at all hours, responded promptly to all queries, dealt directly with officials instead of supplying details for complainants to contact officials themselves as Prinsloo frequently does, personally inspected problems on site instead of Prinsloo’s routine which requires an appointment at his office when he is available.
· For two of my terms ward 66 included the frustrated and demanding residents of Clairwood with its half dozen informal settlements. Between 2006 and 2011, ward 66 also included Seaview. I had to deal with three ratepayer bodies and two CPFs. The ward 66 Prinsloo inherited is just a single suburb with one official informal settlement.
· Public life requires taking the rough with the smooth, brickbats and bouquets.
My criticisms of Prinsloo have concerned:
· His failure to account for the environmental massacre he countenanced in the valley adjacent to the show grounds.
· His promotion of the Finnemore Road whale watching deck despite the fact that it has become a filthy, anti-social gathering place.
· His gall in accusing Netford Road residents of ignorance for signing a petition against a whale watching deck in their street.
· His failure to press the tourism body, Sodurba, to disclose the economic benefit the Bluff has derived from whale watching.
· His failure to disclose the ratepayer-funded membership of his ward committee, their portfolios and contact numbers.
The DA saw fit to field a candidate in ward 66 who had no prior experience and was not a Bluff resident. That is not the way to treat a suburb.
DR DUNCAN DU BOIS
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