Appalling priorities

IT IS absolutely appalling that Casey councillor Wayne Smith was approved yet another ratepayer funded trip to the United States to pick up new tips on tackling graffiti (Graffiti Lessons, News, 19 February).
This one is estimated to cost ratepayers $6500.
How many of these trips does he need to take before the issue of graffiti is solved?
Meanwhile, Casey residents who have property backing onto parks and reserves still do not receive any assistance from local government to share the cost of replacing damaged old fences.
I’m sure Wayne Smith’s flight and accommodation expenses would have covered half the cost of replacing a few fences and possibly have saved a Casey pensioner a fair bit of pension.
Clearly these councillors need to get their priorities straight!
Janine Paul,
Endeavour Hills.