Development launch should raise concerns about priorities

Look at such things beforehand to make sure that such invitations from developers - or other business people - are not attempts to buy favour.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson and property developer and mayoral campaign donor Walter Iezzi at the official launch of his latest project ahead of formal council approval. Picture: Cade Mooney Photographer

REGARDING 'Mayor had no knowledge (Daily, March 10) and Mayor Mark Jamieson launching campaign donor Walter Iezzi's development before it had been approved.

Sunshine Coast voters should probably be thinking about how their money is being spent, too.

My expectation as a Coast resident is that our local government representatives represent the citizens of the Sunshine Coast.

We should not be left in any doubt that they are working for us and that the decisions they make are unbiased and reflective of community views.

I take no comfort in the mayor's excuse that he accepted an invitation to attend the launch of Walter Iezzi's development not knowing if his campaign donor's development application had not yet been approved.

It would be prudent to look at such things beforehand to make sure that such invitations from developers - or any other business people - are not attempts to buy favour.

More so given the Crime and Corruption Commission is looking at the goings on of some southeast Queensland councils.

While the mayor may not vote on all development approvals, he does get a casting vote on controversial motions when councillors can't reach a majority decision.

The fact the mayor, or a staff member on his behalf, accepted an invitation from a developer without question should be of concern to all Coast residents.

FRANCES LILLEE

Maroochydore

Originally published as Development launch should raise concerns about priorities