I agree with Rogers when he says it's ‘odd that so many entrust so much with people they hardly know'. In my case ‘don't know at all'. I've received a Voting Paper with 23 names, I'm being asked to vote for 3 names (people). Not one of these people have ever come to my door for a chat or communicated with me in any way, they are complete strangers and could be from another planet for all I know. How would I know what they are like, how they think, their Political/Religious beliefs etc etc. I haven't a clue in the world. I believe that before you cast any vote for anything you need to know that person and check him/her out thoroughly. They need to be scrutinised and answer any questions you have. They're the ones who are asking for your vote and need to present themselves to you. Otherwise you run the risk of some idiot being voted in at your expense, and getting his/her nose in the trough. Over the years I've seen it happen many times. So, as it's mid-winter & I'm always looking for paper to get the fire started, that's where this paper is headed.

Pete Kelly, Te Puna.