Re: Online response to June 27 column, Poor form during State of Emergency. I was a member of the Civil Defence response for a number of years, and unlike Lara, know what goes into every event.  Leading up to and when there is an event, Civil Defence Emergency Management staff, council staff and volunteers leave their own families and work 12-hour-plus shifts to attend to the needs of their community.  It's not merely a job, it's an absolute commitment.  Strong leadership is required, and I can tell you that at every event, not only is the Mayor available 24/7 but so too is the Chief Executive giving 100-percent support to her staff 24/7.

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/letter/strong-leadership-and-absolute-commitment

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