THAT old chestnut about peanuts and monkeys does not account for the many organisations which are run efficiently by enthusiasts who are content with a modest salary, or none at all ('When I ruled the city'), Stephen Lewis, March 1).

Councillors fulfil an important function and this is not always appreciated. They carry an awesome workload and, if they are doing their job, deserve their allowances.

Perhaps there is a case for paying the leader of the council a jumbo rate. But before we sign the pilot's cheque, oughtn't we to make sure he knows how to fly the plane?

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 09:52 Thursday, March 03, 2005