Allan McDougall

We are getting the usual flummery of platitudes from local council candidates.

I have no doubt many candidates are genuinely motivated, but actions speak louder than words.

Hence, I would like to see a record of the voting histories of those sitting councillors who are seeking re-election.

Not on every issue of course, but on those issues which seem to have upset or divided the community they serve to the greatest degree.

I can think specifically of the long, drawn-out boat harbour debacle, where "no public money has been spent"

Also, their voting on different expenditures planned for Rex Morpeth Park; on the council's own expenses, particularly the renovations to its building.

It ought not to be too difficult, surely, for your local politics reporter to set out such a document for us, your subscribers.

Going to a meeting where prospective councillors are asked (say) three set patsy questions is not cutting the mustard.

I repeat- when assessing whether you think a councillor will act wisely, past actions speak louder than words. The Beacon does not need to give an opinion, just a record. Then we can be better informed for our voting choice.