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<strong>Overstrand</strong> <strong>Herald</strong> 25 Julie 2013 Bladsy 19<br />
Briewe<br />
Representation<br />
I have watched, with some<br />
interest the recent reaction of<br />
the pensioners of Kleinmond,<br />
(in particular) to the proposals<br />
of budget imposition put<br />
forward by the existing council.<br />
One observation, the only one<br />
discernable is that the local<br />
governing body has lost direction<br />
and no longer has the support<br />
of far too many residents<br />
to maintain credibility.<br />
The recent increase in financial<br />
benefits for council members<br />
borders on the obscene<br />
in the present financial situation<br />
facing those who are<br />
permanent residents and/or<br />
owners of land in the municipality.<br />
The council members<br />
through the benefit of overremuneration<br />
are insulated<br />
and out of touch with the<br />
needs of residents they were<br />
elected to represent!<br />
I have heard nostalgic claims<br />
of ìthe good old daysî when<br />
rates paid by residents of<br />
Kleinmond and the three<br />
villages were for the benefit of<br />
those residents and not exported<br />
to Hermanus. Perhaps a<br />
separation from the existing<br />
<strong>Overstrand</strong> Municipality has<br />
some merit?<br />
At present, in municipal<br />
elections, the choice is limited,<br />
you either vote DA or ANC.<br />
What is really required is a<br />
new organization drawn from<br />
local residents, and land<br />
owners, to work for the benefit<br />
of residents and not for outside<br />
interests as revealed by the<br />
councilís recent decisions.<br />
The existing Ratepayerís<br />
Associations are of little effect,<br />
the recent plea of the Kleinmond<br />
Association to delay the<br />
exorbitant demands of council<br />
until next year, can be equated<br />
to asking a burglar, ìPlease<br />
donít rob me until next weekî.<br />
Scarcely a firm demand from<br />
an association possessing<br />
backbone! Anyone wishing to<br />
consider the possible formation<br />
of an alternative but<br />
effective organization may<br />
contact me at ph 073 22 73<br />
175 or Post Box 676<br />
Bettysbaai. Frank Helm