It appears if it didn't move it was fair game for a sign to be erected on it.

Chop chop, game over - take them down please.

I was appalled to learn in last week's Examiner ('Price of Mayor's car queried', Examiner, May 19), that the mayor of Port Stephens is allowed to choose such an extravagant vehicle at ratepayers' expense.

I believe the Mayor's Ford Ranger Raptor performance off roader is not a suitable vehicle for mayoral duties.

It is my understanding that even State Government ministers are restricted in the choice of government vehicles they can have at tax payers' expense.

NSW state ministers are restricted to vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold as should be the mayor; Minister Matt Keen drives an all-electric Tesla under the tax threshold. The total cost of ownership of an EV is vastly less than that of a petrol or diesel vehicle.

The only justification I can see for the Mayor's Ford Ranger Raptor is the diabolical state of the roads in Port Stephens particularly on the Tilligerry peninsula, which residents have to negotiate in their own private vehicles daily.

How can you 'rebuild' manufacturing in Australia when our labour costs are from $1200 to $1500 per person, per five-day week?

This compared to $35 (yes thirty-five) for a six-day week in China.

It proves yet again just how out of touch our politicians are with the real world.

Regarding the recent article 'Price of Mayor's car queried' (Examiner, May 19), not only is the new mayoral vehicle, in my opinion, an oversized and overpowered extravagance, but its purchase also raises the question of why a dual-cab truck was deemed as the most suitable class of vehicle for performing the predominantly indoor, desk-oriented mayoral duties.

The most likely explanation for Mayor Palmer's choice of a souped-up Ranger is that it provides the most comfort in traversing the growing abundance of potholes on our roads which Port Stephens Council appears not to be in a rush to address.

It is interesting to see the choice of car our mayor has selected.

There doesn't seem to be any justification for a ute. There is no question the mayor travels widely across the Port Stephens area on our behalf in his daily duties, but he doesn't need this sort of car as he is not performing tradesman-like duties.

As well, the car has been purchased from Port Macquarie and not from a local dealer.

My suggestion is a Camry-Hybrid. Well priced, reliable, environmentally friendly and comfortable enough when other council employees may need to accompany the mayor.

Just as with the recent discussions around the Federal and State government responsibility with money management, our local council should be even more frugal.

Just a final reminder it is ratepayer money that is being spent. If we have to sell land on Foreshore Drive that is an environmental asset to our local area animals and recreational use to pay for council infrastructure, then maybe a look at all council expenditure needs to occur.

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