ONE never wants to hear that someone is experiencing financial hardship and to a certain extent I have some sympathy with Coun Alexander in this regard – times are indeed tough.

When a council leader then chooses to publicise this on a social media site such as Facebook, then his judgement should be called into question. Add to this equation a national daily newspaper bringing this to light and it brings ridicule to Coun Alexander and by association the council.

Judging by comments on The Press website, people are starting to question whether someone who can’t budget properly in their personal life can make informed decisions regarding a multi-million pound council budget. There could be some substance in this argument, as several of Coun Alexander’s latest policies show an alarming lack of long-term fiscal planning.

Take the proposed Union Terrace car park sell-off. A Labour knee-jerk policy will net £2 million – but this is a one-off payment which will disappear quickly forever, whereas the car park can continue to generate ongoing £400,000 annual revenue indefinitely. Add to this the destruction of the local Gillygate economy, and Coun Alexander’s lack of business credentials are brought sharply into focus.

Nick Love, Deangate, York.