Are you serious Kevin or just yanking my chain? (The Examiner, January 27).

You mention the many functions our mayor attends. Well firstly, that’s part of his job and is well paid by the way. Secondly, it gets his face in front of the voters so he’s pushing his own barrow and would go to an envelope opening if it was free.

Jimmy Tsinoglou and the late John Lees have done more for our city than Cr van Zetten. Like Kevin, I would also like to propose a name or two.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters strikes a chord as does Bridge Over Sullage Waters.

During our latest hot period, my Tibetan spaniel Coby and I varied our daily walk.

Waverley Lake is a popular spot and often on our walk, Coby goes for a paddle and a drink, even the ducks join him and he goes home a happy dog.

St Leonards dog park is next but more strenuous often meeting up with his friends, he then goes for his paddle and long drink in the river before going home a very very happy dog.

Royal Park was our next venue, its beautiful trees, lush green grass and flower gardens was such a pleasant walk until Coby went for his paddle and drink in the river.

One smell and his head went into the air, with his tail between his legs, he dragged me away, not a very happy dog.

Our one-time beautiful river still stinks and looks it. What must tourists think after being told about our clean image?

DICK James (The Examiner, January 30) has highlighted one of the potential unique identifiers for Launceston by encouraging the maintenance of former signs on heritage buildings.

Launceston is replete with history and the former signs are often just as distinctive as the buildings.

These include the laneway Wonderland sign on George Street, the signs on the side of the former National Theatre, (now Foot and Playsted) in Paterson Street and many others that deserve to be maintained and possibly even restored.

Even a restoration of the Reckitt’s Blue sign at the CH Smith complex would be iconic. Along with Dick James, I would also be willing to contribute to a fund for this purpose.

IT was amusing to read Father Brendan Lee’s article (Midweek Musings, The Examiner, January 30 ).

Clearly there are serious dog problems still on the mainland, but thankfully not here in Tasmania. Since the state government’s Dog Control Act 2000 was made law, all Tasmanian dog owners now keep their pets on a lead whenever in a public place.

They know that the definition of under effective control has been changed from something like “it will come if I call it” to it must on a lead at all times in a public place.

How lucky we are to have law-abiding people in Tasmania, and councils that will one day act to enforce these laws.

AN interesting theory for fellow politic watchers, has anyone considered that so many Liberal ministers are defecting because they are concerned that they will remain in power, and will not be able to sit back and enjoy their considerable salaries for doing zilch in opposition?

Let’s face it, no one these days wants to do any more than absolutely necessary for as much as possible, and being in opposition frees them up to attend to other things in their miserable lives.

Think about that fellow Aussies and remember the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Regardless of the dummy spitters most everything at present is in pretty good shape and we cannot afford Bill Shorten under any circumstances.

AUSTRALIA’S moral authority has taken a savage beating during the past years with its ongoing treatment of refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.

Individuals and dual citizens that are being held in custody in countries such as Thailand, China, Egypt and Iran have every right to expect diplomatic and consular pressure from Australia for their release.

However, until Australia closes down its achilles heel of offshore processing centres then it will continue to be ineffective in securing the freedom of political prisoners.

IF YOU are the holder of substantial amounts of superannuation, put your hands together for former Prime Minister Paul Keating.  

My reading of Paul Keating’s recent superior mindset: he supports giving priority to that higher numbers of Australians who never had superannuation and those because of age came in late, accumulated very little super that ran out.

The general upward trend in prices has undermined the incomes of low income aged people.

It would be positive for the economy to place them in a government fund that fixes an income, a lift out of poverty, enough income to buy the current necessities of life.

Mr Paul Keating is a leader with a plan and knows the structure required and how to deal with the top-heavy conservative arguments that prevent progress.