And so those who are benefiting – that is receiving ratepayer dollars or getting their way – think the Commissioners are doing a great job.

If that's so then the people doing the paying should also have the opportunity to voice their opinion via an election. You don't have to have a university degree to figure out why democracy is being suppressed.

The plan is to cement in all the big spending projects so that a democratically-elected council can't undo the Commissioners plans. Ratepayers are being treated like an ATM machine.

Commissioners can stand in each of the nine wards on the plank of spend big and Anne Tolley can stand for Mayor on the same platform. If the spin is true they'll be a shoo in.

Bill Faulkner, Tauranga City.