Response to letter writer

Be careful what you wish for Hugh Webb (letter Waikato Times September 24). While being mayor still only has one vote around the table, they play an important part in chairing the council and keeping the subcommittees running smoothly and focused.

Paula Southgate has a proven track record of being a very effective chair and guiding force as mayor for Hamilton City Council and, before that, councillor followed by chair of the Waikato Regional Council.

You don't have to go back very far to remember the chaos that developed in Hamilton City Council under some inexperienced mayors of the past.

Paula's experience includes a wide network of influential people both locally and in Wellington.

To suggest that a second term councillor with little, to no proven leadership experience can hold council together and trip off to Wellington to have a major influence on politicians is an unacceptable high risk for our city.

Rex Bushell, Hamilton