Rural representation

AS A Stratford district ratepayer and a business owner in thetown, I am concerned at the comments expressed by the Mayor ofStratford, David Walter.

Mr Walter, in announcing his decision not to seek re-election asmayor, was reported (March 11) as saying that he was givingconsideration to standing for the Taranaki Regional Council torepresent the interests of farmers.

Mr Walter also stated that it was important to get the rural votearound the table.The Stratford District representative on the Taranaki RegionalCouncil, is elected to represent all ratepayers in both urban andrural. During the nine years that I have served on the TRC, thefarming representatives have been Barry Smith and, currently, MarkMasters, both of whom were nominated by Federated Farmers.During their terms, each has represented the interests of thefarming community in a most positive manner within the role ofTaranaki Regional Council.As the current member, I will continue to represent all of theStratford District, both rural and urban.PETER LEWISOmataLAURIE GOOCH: Take matters updirectly with the school. EDITORREADERS with Internet access are invited to submit letters to theeditor by e-mail. The same restrictions on content will apply asthose for ordinary mail. Letters should be no longer than 250 wordsand must be signed legibly. Only letters carrying a correspondent'ssurname, along with initials or christian name, will be published.Noms de plume will not be accepted unless the editor decides theletter is clearly in the public interest and there is a genuine needfor the author's anonymity. Poetry is not normally accepted. Theeditor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letterswithoutexplanation. They must carry full addresses and a telephone number.PO Box numbers are not acceptable. They should be sent to either:The Editor, The Daily News, PO Box 444, New Plymouth; or, for thosewith Internet access, to: Editor@dailynews.co.nzREADERS are notified that, should they wish to make a complaint tothe New Zealand Press Council, the council requires that complaintsshall first be put in writing to the editor of the newspaperinvolved. If not satisfied with any reply received, persons ororganisations should then write to The Secretary, New Zealand PressCouncil, Box 1066, Wellington. The complaint should be accompaniedby a clipping of the article complained of, and by a copy of anycorrespondence with the editor.