Ed,

Mayor Smith stated recently (“The Independent”, March 5) that ongoing criticism of Council was “taking its toll” on the organisation.  Is community concern about our council and its activities growing? If it is, surely the organisation needs to take a close look at itself. 

However, the Mayor suggests that critics should “put their hand up and make an effort to get onto Council so that they can make a change if that’s what they feel is needed”.  I’ve heard this suggestion many, many times over the years from various politicians and bureaucrats who do not like community members having an opinion on what those in power are doing. 

It’s the old “You’ll get your chance at the ballot box!”  No solution for the years between elections! 

In a healthy democracy it is important that the community is interested in and well-informed about what their governments at all levels are doing because their actions do affect their lives – often in very material ways. While Council would undoubtedly prefer praise from the community (or perhaps indifference), it should be able to learn from criticism.

Leonie Blain, Grafton