Costa - a surly and petulant leave taking

According to The Daily Telegraph yesterday, sacked Treasurer Michael Costa really spat the dummy with his resignation from the NSW Parliament.

His official leave taking is timed for two days after the by-elections on 18 October caused by other MP resignations, leaving him time to create as much mischief as he pleases and maximum headaches as the party scrambles for a replacement.

His resignation was also said to be handed in by fax to the NSW Governor without notifying Premier Rees.

True to form, Costa sees his dummy spit in heroic form:
"The former union boss later told The Daily Telegraph that he was ending his seven-year parliamentary career in the manner of all good Greek tragedies - in failure."

Up here on the NSW North Coast quite a few people are more inclined to view Costa's resignation as nothing but the evidence of failure without any trimmings.

Costa baby - there's nothing heroic about you!

A new perspective on US Presidential campaign buttons

First Dog on the Moon at Crikey

Tiley v Williamson: Clarence Valley mayoral debate continues

I read with interest the letter placed in the Letters to the Editor column and submitted by Arthur Lysaght concerning the Election of the Mayor for the Clarence Valley Council.
The letter was written as an endorsement for Richie Williamson because he topped the poll and could be regarded as a Graftonian.

It is Arthur's right to go into bat for one of his own. It is also the right for others to give support for the incumbent Mayor Ian Tiley.
Graftonians have been smarting ever since a non-Graftonian was elected to the position of Mayor and they must be reminded that their turn will come, but let's hope it is not this year.

When amalgamation took place Ian Tiley was given the most difficult task of moulding the Councillors into a formidable group to look after the interests of the Valley which he has done.
A lot of decisions that have been made will not suit a lot of people but at the end of the day his actions, whilst he has been Mayor, have placed the council in a good position to face its second term.

Ian Tiley's cone of vision extends well beyond the precincts of Grafton and fairness for all of his constituents has been paramount in his thinking and in dealing with all the problems that are associated with being the Mayor.

This is the second time that the Valley has been confronted with the suggestion that "The one who tops the poll should be the Mayor."
Former councillor Chris Gulaptis was also in the same position, however, common sense prevailed and Councillor Ian Tiley, who has two degrees in Local Government, was elected to the job and has come through it with flying colours.

People should be reminded that just because you are popular doesn't necessarily make you the right person for the job.
Isn't it better that if you fly in an aircraft the pilot should have the right qualifications to fly the aircraft than just being popular back at the base?

I am sure that Richie Williamson will eventually become the Mayor as he is keen and young enough to wait for the right time.
Being at the microphone with gigantic headaches each day might prove to be just too much to handle.
But then again with the social life that he has led over the years it might be nothing new to him.
Don't rush things Richie, listen to the stories about the "old bull and the young bull," they will make if easier for you if you are elected but God help you if you don't take heed.

The Clarence Valley Council needs another term of Ian Tiley at the helm, as there are still many teething problems to overcome and it may prove to be a disaster if he is removed and replaced by someone with much less experience.

In conclusion, may I congratulate all the newly elected councillors on being elected and hope that the interests of the whole valley will be of the utmost importance and that parochialism does not come into any decision making.

APPSIE
Clarence Valley

* GuestSpeak is a feature of North Coast Voices allowing Northern Rivers residents to make satirical or serious comment on issues that concern them. Posts of 250-300 words or less can be submitted to ncvguestspeak@live.com.au for consideration.

Climate Change Community Forum, Grafton NSW, 2 October 2008

A Community Forum is to to be held on the development of the NSW Government's new Climate Action Plan, changing context for action on global warming scenario, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts in our region and across New South Wales.

Venue: South Grafton Ex-Servicemen's Club

Date: 2 October 2008 between 9.30am to 1pm

Entry is free, lunch is provided but booking is essential by Thursday, 25th September.

Contact: Phil Mitchell

Ph: (02) 6640.2517 or Email: phillip.mitchell@environment.nsw.gov.au

Mortgage starting to wear you down, bank balance looking sick? Defamer has the answer!

Now that Truffles Turnbull is leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party of Australia and the Federal Opposition, Defamer has the answer to our money worries.

"Malcolm Turnbull's millionaire background - and past ownership of an ISP - means he probably has an internet connection. Which means he's accessible to mums and dads around the country through the magic of email.

I've already drafted my first written request for a cash injection from the Bank of Malcolm, and I suggest other cash-strapped Australians do the same - and quickly - before those damn Nigerians cotton onto the scheme and bleed him so dry, there's not a drop of blue blood or affluence for the rest of us. "

You can contact Big Mal at:

T: 02 9369 5221
F: 02 9369 5225
Level 1 - 5A Bronte Rd Bondi Junction
Po Box 1840 Bondi Junction NSW 1335

or email him here.

If in doubt contact his dogs and tell them you are now or were once a renter just like Malcolm.

Don't even bother if you are on a disability, carer or widow's pension - you are so obviously dirt beneath the big man's shoes that he won't even include you in his spurious 'plan' to increase the quality of life for pensioners.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

This warning cancelled by BOM at 8.25pm

Costello's new pastime

Have poor book sales forced Peter Costello, the former Australian treasurer, to take up a new pastime?

Just one week after the launch of The Costello Memoirs an announcement has been made of Costello's appointment to the World Bank's Independent Advisory Board, which will provide advice on anti-corruption matters. (Please, readers, stop that guffawing!)

Sales of the book have been so poor that it has already been binned by many stores.

The Age reports that the book, which carries a recommended retail price tag of $54.99, has been marked down significantly.

Borders chain stores slashed its price by almost a third and other stores are also discounting it heavily. Big W, which is having trouble getting rid of its stocks, cut its price to $32.93.

One does not have to be an Einstein to see that Costello's book is a gigantic flop and any hopes he had of flogging more literary efforts have gone out the window.

So, with prospects of living off his royalties completely dashed, Costello has had to look elsewhere for another activity to fill his hours. Hence, Costello's appointment to the World Bank's position is indeed very timely.

But, hang on!

The World Bank launched its global search for members for its advisory board on July 8 and interested individuals had to forward their names to the bank by July 20. That means Costello lodged his 'expression of interest' with the Bank two months ago.

Perhaps his publishers knew then where the Memoirs was heading and let Costello know that they would not be requiring his services again.

Costello's appointment by the Bank is for a three-year term, with the possibility of a one-time renewal. Well, that gives him something to do for three or perhaps six years.

A biography of Costello that the Bank has published looks very much like it was written by the man himself. Then again, maybe his father-in-law penned it.
I