What has chief done for city?

“I myself have e-mailed Mr. Van de Laarschot's office a few times with problems regarding my RA. Each time they have been acted on quickly and in a positive manner by that office. Think that says a lot, but I await silly red arrows from nupties who think they can do a better job but can't.”

“Mr. Van de Laarschot appointment was announced as he being the best man for the job. A mega salary was paid on this pretext. Sadly, her appears to be another "Yes man" for Mr Pevez. He appears to have accomplished nothing worthy of note for we the electorate who pay his salary, expenses and into his gold plated pension fund.

He brought in the 'Vanguard' consultancy firm to reshape the Services and give us value for money. So far we have seen Services cut and no apparent improvement in the remaining services; care homes have been closed; money continues to be wasted on white elephant projects - The unwanted new Civic Centre with the spiralling costs from £40 million which we were told but turned out to be £59 million when interest and other charges were added. This has now escalated by another £15 million - without mentioning what this will be when again interest and other charges are added. Cost so far therefore before a brick has been laid is £74 million.

Truly he has failed, along with Mr Pevez and his councillor colleagues to whom he pays lip service . He should be shown the door (along with the Labour dominated Council) _- but I guess he would then get a mega golden handshake. He would not survive in Private Industry - and he would never have been given the astronomical salary package in the first place.”

“It's a bit like the story of The Emperor's New Clothes.

No one in authority at the Council dares to question Mr. Van de Laarschot's salary for fear of appearing stupid. I even saw a council leader from another authority on TV defending the Chief Executive's salary by saying, 'This authority deserves the best man for the job and that means we have to pay the best salary'. No one wants to break ranks for fear of how they'll look to their peers in the local authority 'club'.

I've been around for many years, I've worked for large companies and even had my own business. In that time I've met loads of very capable and organised people who can be trusted to make the right decision and make things work.

Maybe S-O-T City Council should go out on a limb, dismiss Mr. Van de Laarschot by finding something he's failed at (there must be something) and employ someone on say £50,000 p.a. There are loads of unemployed managers who would jump at the chance. If it doesn't work out the Council will be no worse off than if they hadn't tried.”

“Not only does it appear that he has done nothing, but he has to employ an assistant to help him do it!”