DEAR News Of The Area,

IT seems that we have to be doubly cautious when considering our vote for local government.

It is common in higher levels of government to use misinformation as well as denigration of other candidates in order to win support but in local government this takes on a far more personal aspect and can be permanently damaging for people living in the community.

Just as the progress of the CCS (now named Yarrila Place) was fraught with half truth and downright untruth causing mistrust to grow in the community I can already see that the trend is beginning to ramp up as the election gets closer, and it is dispiriting to note that it is a new thing in Coffs harbour elections.

This has the potential to discourage otherwise excellent candidates from putting themselves forward, especially women.

We all need to test the facts before getting carried away by rumour and attacks on prospective candidates’ reputations.

There is no law requiring truth in political claims but we are all capable of contacting the various council members when we are unsure of the basis.

I guess a good principle is “don’t believe everything you hear – or read”.

Regards,
Margaret ENGLAND,
Korora.