I agree entirely with his view that: “I question the (state) government’s inaction in providing new schools …. ” for the planned new 3000 homes in Anambah.

Cr Penfold seems to blame the city’s rapid ­expansion on “the state’s imposed Lower Hunter Regional Strategy”.  He also accuses the state ­government of growth “imposed on us”.

Does that mean Maitland’s councillors have no say in this rapid expansion of our city? 

I don’t think so. 

What really angers me is that the council, of which Cr Penfold is part of, is, I believe, dominated by pro-­development conservatives, has a very poor record of ­caring for our natural environment and has little or no concern for the city’s European heritage.

The latest example was the Glebe Paddock in East Maitland, where only two councillors spoke against what I believe was an unnecessary ­development. 

And I recall every time an announcement is made that Maitland is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, the mayor, general manager and ­councillors shout their glee from the rooftops.

Meanwhile, the necessary infrastructure is left behind. 

We not only need more schools, but better public transport and more parks and gardens for the city to breathe. 

We need more TAFE colleges, not less, and fewer coal trains going through our city, not more, so our citizens can breathe.

So, if Cr Penfold supports more schools, he might ask his fellow councillors to stop and consider the city’s ­infrastructure needs before approving just about every development put before them.

- John Brown, Greens candidate for Maitland