Re: ‘CEO not responsible to ratepayers!' R Sapwell, Bethlehem. (Letters page, The Weekend Sun, September 9).

In his letter contradicting the criticism made by K.Goddard, R Sapwell states: 'The CEO is not responsible to the ratepayers” but to his elected council members.

This seems to confirm the attitudes of politicians who prioritise their allegiance to their parties rather than the constituents who have elected them. When an Member of Parliamanet recently felt his duty was to his constituents, he was severely censured and ostracised by his party.

In the final analysis R. Sapwell, where do all the funds of government levies, grant, fees and councils' rates come from? If it is not the public, in the form of taxes and levies, then where? There is no benevolent Fairy Godmother or generous, civil-minded billionaire providing them. The public do not sign ‘employment agreements' with governments or councils. If they were asked, they would also have the right to refuse because of the undemocratic, autocratic behaviour of their employers.

Forget your pedantry and get real.

Bryan Johnson, Omokoroa.