People before parties

It's only natural the political parties run for local government because it is a training ground for aspiring politicians and it's a good one, for they have close contact with the people.

Great politicians such as Ben Chifley, who became Prime Minister, Harry Jensen and Lionel Bowen are some examples of politicians who made their start in local government.

So, in principle, there is nothing wrong in having party representatives in local government, as long as they put the people first and not the party.

I was part of a successful Labor team in three council elections and our slogan was Residents First.

These days that slogan seems to clash with the aspirations of the current State Labor Government.

Keith Whitfield, Woy Woy