We pay for centre costs

I'm so glad to read that we ratepayers are paying for Cr Chris Holstein's "vision" for the multi-million dollar leisure centre at Woy Woy.

And while Mr Holstein calls anyone with a different view to his as "detractors", I call them responsible ratepayers who deserve to have answers to their questions and have the courage to stand up to Cr Holstein and his arrogant attitude.

Let's look at the facts.

We now have a leisure centre complex $13 million over budget with operating losses projected for the second year at $1.7 million and increasing further as the complex needs maintenance.

All of which we are paying for.

In addition, council has scalped $12 million from the Open Space Contribution Funds which should be paying for improvements to our parks and reserves.

As chairman of the committee, Cr Holstein trots out the same old stuff.

Council services such as child care centres, libraries and constructing new surf clubs aren't supposed to make a profit.

Well, I have to ask the question.

How is it that private enterprise can run child care centres, gyms and sporting complexes with a fiscally responsible attitude and he can't?

Brian Collis Empire Bay