As a Victoria taxpayer, I must add my voice to the multitudes of distressed Victoria residents who remain mystified at the spectacular lack of common sense shown on the Centennial Square initiative.

Removing that iconic and architecturally significant fountain and chopping down the beloved landmark sequoia to construct a splash park that will see limited use for perhaps four months a year despite serious broad-based public opposition is beyond troubling.

Show me the parents keen to bring their children into this proposed play area, sure to be at risk from the criminal and homeless population frequenting the area.

And the $11 million proposed cost? Leave the fountain and that beautiful tree and for a tenth of that we could do a beautiful upgrade to that area for all residents to enjoy.

However, this initiative follows a familiar pattern where meaningful public input is ignored in favour of apparently predetermined outcomes.

Clover Point, for example, has been ruined, denying legions of drivers access to that area by design. Every time I go there, it is distressing to see a continuous stream of cars going to the bottom, struggling to turn around and leaving the area, while the picnic tables sit vacant and no parking available.

The reality is that for most of the year, the wind and temperature make it uncomfortable to enjoy the ocean from outside the car. What functioned beautifully for decades is lost, despite broad-based public opposition.

This would be an easy fix and given that it was done on a “trial basis,” council really should now rectify this failed experiment.

And with regard to this pending economic disaster with Crystal Pool , why did the referendum not include an option to renovate?

In these challenging economic times, $25 million and 18 months for a renovation would be a vastly superior option than spending in excess of $200 million with a five-year closure when less than 20 per cent of the population use the ­facility.

Where is the common sense and fiscal responsibility?

This needs to be seriously reconsidered.

Tom Pink

Victoria

How long before Mark Carney throws a sop to the now-hobbled NDP in exchange for a four-year support agreement?

Hmmm … what exactly are the benefits of official party status?

Tom Braybrook

Victoria

As someone who abhors right-wing populism, I........

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