Week after week and month after month we see letters to the local papers complaining about Tauranga City Council - the rates, the debt, the lack of this and that, etc. etc. Yet when the local body elections come round people can't be bothered to go to the Candidates' Meetings and become more informed on who to vote for.
Consequently, we seem to get many of ‘the same old lot' back every time. And some of them have been there far too long.It must be so disappointing for the candidates who make such efforts to attend and speak at these meetings only to find themselves facing a mere handful of people.
I was at the Mayoral forum at Holy Trinity - a venue that seats about 800, but with only 160 or so there. It was an informative well-run meeting and it was clear that each candidate wanted the very best for our city.
I was left with a more informed assessment of what skills each would bring to the Mayoralty - which is important when deciding who to vote for, and I look forward to getting to hear the would-be councillors next.
If you can't be bothered to see and hear the candidates maybe you don't bother to vote either. Well, don't complain if there aren't many fresh faces at City Hall for the next three years, and don't grizzle when you get the outcomes you deserve.

Maureen Guy, Otumoetai.