I keep reading that Tauranga City Council refuses the right of reply offered to them following letters to The Weekend Sun expressing dissatisfaction with the council's performance in diverse areas.

My question is: Why? Surely, as the administrators of the rates we pay, they have an obligation to justify the decisions and actions they take?

So much comes under the heading of ‘Could do better' or ‘Must try harder' that I am wondering just who this group of unelected dictators is responsible to? Certainly not us, the disrespected ratepayers.

When criticism is put to them it seems as if a code of silence is their way to deal with it.

Just another item to add to the lengthening list of failures by those who are handsomely paid to look after our interests.

Jackie and Neil Stewart, Papamoa Beach.

*** TCC responds: From time to time, the council chooses not to respond to correspondence where the subject matter has already been comprehensively addressed through our own proactive communications and media coverage, or where the writer is simply expressing an opinion. Any resident who is seeking information about council activities or services is advised to contact the council directly. All such communications will be responded to.