Personal qualities

S Sutherland of Middleton is quite right. I actually do live in the Waimakariri District – where we have a highperforming council under a highly respected chief executive.

I was not aware that as a long-time subscriber to The Press my opinions were restricted to events in Rangiora and the Waikamariri District, which would mean that I would have very little to write about!

S Sutherland misses the point of my letter, which is about the personal qualities of the new CCC CEO, who has indicated that she is committed to transparency and openness.

This is a CEO I could work for. Her response to this seemingly trifling issue in the eyes of S Sutherland is not about the money per se; it is a matter of Ms Baxendale’s integrity. I see that in Saturday’s Press (p A3) Ms Baxendale appears to be grappling with her conscience over the details of her relocation fee and has committed to providing further information next week. I encourage her to do so as this is a test of her integrity on which her credibility now rests.

If Ms Baxendale decides not to release that information then what hope is there for the CCC on matters of much greater significance, not only to people who live in Christchurch but also Canterbury?

There is a saying that a fish rots from the head. Whether the rot at the CCC stops is entirely up to Ms Baxendale. If it does not, we have plenty of new subdivisions here in Rangiora for Christchurchians to move out to!

Dr Michael Gousmett, Rangiora

Mason Pendrous can surely be released? This investigation has lost credibility in my opinion.

It seems plain to me that those who failed this young man want the matter forgotten. I hope The Press won’t allow that to happen.

Robert A Cant, Nelson