Disappointed about politicising

I was disappointed to read the article on page three of the Express Advocate on November 11, where Cr Vicki Scott has politicised an application by the Umina District Chamber of Commerce for some assistance from Gosford Council to put together a festival that would unite the people of Umina in an enjoyable Christmas event to remember.

Cr Scott has attended Umina chamber meetings and is well aware that our chamber is apolitical

In our chamber, on the executive and the festival committee, in our membership, there are people of all political persuasions.

Encouraging the community to come together and enjoy family carols is by no means politically motivated.

It is acceptable to this chamber that there is debate and opposition to matters that are put before council but it is unacceptable that Cr Scott associates this chamber, its committee or its members with political manipulation of due process within council.

Council did ask for audited finances from both chambers and, in our response to council, we explained that the Umina chamber is not yet one year old, has not conducted an annual general meeting and therefore does not have this information available for immediate inspection.

We did however supply accurate financial information to council along with a comprehensive explanation of the activist's events and promise sponsorship.

We as a chamber, and as part of the Umina community, nevertheless express our absolute appreciation to all councillors for their generous donation to the festival committee and we also express our appreciation to those council employees who have worked tireless to assist our festival committee to make Umina festival possible.

We do hope that Cr Scott and other councillors come along to the Umina Festival and enjoy a community day together.

Email, 13 Nov 2009 Sharon Martin, President of the Umina District Chamber of Commerce