Excellence in local government is not learned from a manual but achieved from a lifetime of valuable experience. Cumberland Council is facing unbridled debt, the COVID-19 virus and a Labor Party opposition blinded by a 1970s mindset. (Selling off assets, 11/8). Regrettably, Paul Garrard moved away from Parramatta Council to Cumberland Council with the recent amalgamations. To Cumberland’s benefit, the former lord mayor makes sense as he opines on solutions to real world 21st century problems. The ratepayers of Cumberland can rest assured that this outstanding councillor will proffer wise counsel after 40 years of service. Toxic inexperience must not weaken the resolve of fellow councillors to balance their budgets. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 12Aug2020.