Suzanne Williams

Thank you Anaseini Bryant for your criticism of my letter (Beacon, September 26).  It is so exciting for me to cause this level of annoyance to someone – it means that I have made at least one person think, which my letters seldom appear to do, judging by their (mostly) lack of response.

I do admit that perhaps I was a bit over the top with "Trumpism" and "staff dismissals", and my methods of research for sending out invitations were not really "nefarious – but surely your letter is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?  I stand by my assertion of obstruction of the democratic process, when one is unable to talk to a candidate before casting a vote.

The letter dealt with my unhappiness and incredulity that candidates for election to the Whakatāne District Council could possibly wish to remain uncontactable and out of the public eye, while at the same time putting themselves out there, right in the middle of the public eye.

For that reason, I had assumed that the council staff had not ascertained from candidates whether they wished their details known to voters.  It would be very strange if they were all shrinking violets, wouldn't it? It surely would not say much for their commitment to the district and constituents and wouldn't get my vote.

I am pushing 90 now and find that in this age demographic, we are often more curious and nosier than the young; we are as much or possibly more inclined to question authority as well.  I have had several of my friends ask me how to contact and question candidates, as they find that there are not many public occasions to do so.

I found that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council eastern constituency candidates' details were easily obtainable, as they were on their profiles. Also, for the 2022 election, I was able to obtain from the district council a comprehensive list of all candidates' details with only an hour's notice, which, in an efficient office, should surely be the case.  What has changed in the three years since?