Scoop Feedback: Who Are True Public Servants?

Monday, 21 May 2001, 11:19 am
Opinion: Scoop Feedback

Dear Editor,

The Casino Control Authority has recently indicated that it will be seeking $126,500 from a group who opposed the Riverside Casino in Hamilton. This group is made up 14 Hamilton citizens and organisations, including a few local churches. These people are 'true' public servants.

Despite overwhelming evidence against the Riverside Casino proposal, including the majority of Hamilton citizens being against the Casino, the Casino Control Authority granted the future Casino an operating license. These Casino opponents continued to fight for what they thought was right. Eventually the Court of Appeal ruled that the Casino would be allowed.

Now the Casino Control Authority wants this group to pay for its legal fees. The group has already spent lots of its personal money fighting against the Casino. They have contributed even more in terms of labour. For their outstanding service to the community the group should be honoured by the Government. Instead they are sent a massive bill. Mr Hawkins, Minister for Internal Affairs, claims he can't intervene in any way because the 'granting of casino licences and all related matters are the sole responsibility of the Casino Control Authority.' Obviously Mr Hawkins and his fellow Government Ministers don't know what true public service is or they would be finding a way to help these outstanding 'Public Servants' from Hamilton.

C D Walmsley

© Scoop Media

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