It can be reasonably claimed that true democracy begins at the local level.

If an individual citizen cannot get democratic representation there, particularly on the matters that affect their day to day living, then where can they get it?

Recently my wife and I sought the feelings and opinions of our councillors on a matter that concerned our welfare as we pass through our mid eighties.

It should be appreciated that, despite the fact that you may be experiencing good health allowing you to look after yourself, this stage of life is not easy and requires careful decisions.

Of the 11 (eleven) councillors elected to our now amalgamated regional council, 8 (eight) did not even have the courtesy to reply, and 3 (three), in a heartless, unfeeling manner passed us on to a council bureaucrat (hollowman) whose natural response is that the rules are set in concrete, one size MUST fit all. Is it not the councillors who make and judge the rules?

At this stage the nature of the matter is of little concern, but the quality of the representation is subject to close scrutiny.

This lack of caring response can only mean one of two things.

(1) The Councillors are too busy coping with the work of representing the electorate of the new amalgamated council which was serviced previously by approximately seven times their number.

If this is the case should they not be taking up the cudgels for the growing demand to deamalgamate? Where is the fight in them?

OR

(2) They are sadly neglecting the duty that democratic representation requires. If so, this is not for what they are paid, and paid well! They campaigned strongly enough with both time and money to solicit our votes to get where they are!

If there be a call from the least of their citizens, should they not respond directly and personally?.

It has been seen that there is plenty of time for swanning on overseas trips, opening shows and attending functions, as much to do with their own personal aggrandizement and ego rather than fulfilling a useful role for the individual citizens who need their personal help.

We will contribute in a future page the full story of our approach to councillors, acknowledging that we would not be averse to disapproval from councillors on reasonable argument but we are incensed, infuriated and insulted by this contemptuous disregard and neglect.

We are all busy, so only one thing is asked of you.

Submit your vote of approval/disapproval with the lack of response by councillors with a YES or NO.

Your vote will only be recorded once.

The current voting results are available any time by clicking the "Display Results" link.

Your support for this novel method of stimulating concerned representation from your local government will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.