DEAR News Of The Area,

IN an environment where so many people are cynical about politicians and their motivation, it is heartening to see that there are still people who seek public office just because they want to serve their community and to make a difference.

One of those people is Patrick Deegan, candidate for Page.

The recent flood events and their aftermath have been devastating and traumatic for people in Lismore and the Richmond Valley.

In some towns the majority of houses will need to be rebuilt.

Lives have been turned upside down and the loss has been incalculable on a human scale. People needed assistance with the cleanup, but just as much they needed a sympathetic ear and the reassuring presence of someone who was just there to help.

For quite a few people in Lismore and other Richmond Valley towns, that person was Patrick Deegan.

He turned up, day after day.

He helped with the heavy lifting.

He helped by listening.

He absorbed the trauma and kept turning up.

Patrick didn’t want publicity.

There was no media presence, no photos and no fanfare.

He did it because he cared and because he knew he could help.

That’s the Patrick Deegan that I have come to know – a worker, a listener and someone who cares.

Many of us will go to the ballot box on election day with a firm political commitment.

I am one of those people.

Others will make up their mind according to the personal qualities of the candidate.

I just wanted those people to know the sort of person that Patrick Deegan is.

In a world full of politicians who are so keen to capitalise on any good work they do, it’s pretty amazing to find someone like Patrick who does it just because it’s the right thing to do.

Regards,
Tony JUDGE,
Woolgoolga.