The Corowa shire was itself a controversial merger of the original Corowa town council and the Coreen shire in 1955.

Since then, several councillors have led the authority as shire presidents or mayor, each for several years, among them Dave Lewis, Tom O'Brien, Bill Bott, Keith Barber, Gary Poidevin and Fred Longmire.

Others did not aspire to lead the council, but served long terms, putting their heart and soul into working for their communities, Mulwala's Paul Talbot being an outstanding example.

As well, the administration was led by long-serving senior officers, notably general managers Chris Ericksen and Bruce Corcoran, as well as Greg Arkinstall, John Babbs and Bob Parr. Also, many outdoor and office employees gave exceptionally long service.

Observing the Corowa council meetings as a reporter over a period spanning some 20 years, I came to appreciate the dedication of many individuals to their shire and their particular communities, including Howlong since it was absorbed by the shire in 2004.

As the shire came to an end, it was spending about $30 million a year and had come to realise it was not raising enough in rates, nor attracting enough external grants. But it was never suggested it was anything other than a well-run council with meetings that had passion and debate but never the acrimony often apparent in its larger neighbour.

I NOTE with concern a news item in The Border Mail, (23/5) concerning David Thurley standing again for Albury council elections come September.

Councillor Thurley states in this article that he intends to field a team that will offer an above the line group choice. No names have been offered apart from his. Haven't we had enough of these blatant attempts to control local councils by people that aren't prepared to stand on their own two feet for consideration? 

It is hoped that several truly outstanding individuals stand for council this year in order to break this attempt to stranglehold the council by groups whose objectives remain unclear.

IT'S the time of year again where people sit outside, enjoying the last warmer days and prolonging the outdoor season by burning wood fires.

What most do not realise is that the smoke from these wood fires causes dangerous pollution. It causes 12 times more cancer than cigarette smoke and impacts so many people with lung diseases, asthma, emphysema, cancer etc. 

They all suffer greatly while neighbours sit around their fires. Think of children's sensitive lungs too. Please everyone, if you must have fires, consider limiting it to once or twice a month and then just a couple of hours.

The Border Mail runs a weekly letter of the week competition - the lucky winner receives a double pass from Regent Cinemas Albury to watch a movie of their choice. Please email submissions about 250 words to letters@bordermail.com.au