THE following is the response by Warwick real estate agent Darryl Evans to a letter by the Southern Downs Regional Council CEO David Keenan yesterday. Mr Evans was a mayoral candidate at the last council elections. Ed.

I AM more than happy to accept the invitation to meet with you (CEO David Keenan), as long as it is public and the press are welcome.

I note you have failed to address, the BIGW DC Lease not being re-signed, three businesses with 500 full-time jobs lost to Toowoomba.

The obscene debt council has with more than $31 million.

You have failed to address any of my comments regarding the sale of community assets.

It appears to me you have just written an article for self preservation or justification after my suggestion it might be a cheaper alternative to restructure the top end of council rather than sell off the kids' parks.

My agenda is quite simply to drop the debt, cut the wastage, reduce the rates and don't keep increasing them.

I don't believe I have ever asked for anything personally or for personal advancement, and comment from the heart as a citizen within this community.

Your biggest concern seems to be that I accuse you of not living here, (comments reported by the Warwick Daily News) yet you fail to address any major issue I have raised.

I am sorry you don't like opposition or criticism.

As for saying you have not seen me at any events, you must have missed the mayor's comments to me in the Town Hall discussing Destination Southern Downs.

I don't attend many events the mayor or council attend as I worry it would be viewed as disruptive or politically motivated.

I look forward to the paper organising a public meeting between us.

- Darryl Evans, Warwick