My family has been in Katikati for seven generations, starting from the original 'Ulster Plantation” people. Many of them, including myself, my grandfather and my uncle, have been involved in local politics over the years to progress our lovely town, so I have a feel for it. Sometimes people appear to be rebels, if they buck the established system, or dare to question City Hall. But hang on a minute, do we live in a democracy? I sometimes wonder.
I refer to people in Tauranga City, like Rick Curach and Murray Guy – God bless them. We need people like them! They have a good Mayor, who I think is a neat guy, but we need people who will buck the establishment and dare to question City Hall.
Western Bay has had them in the past, not always recognised, but very effective, and needs them in the future.
Roll on October elections, when good people can make sensible decisions – that's democracy.
WF Mayo, Katikati.