FROM THE STAR

It is time to think about who you want to represent you on the various councils in South Taranaki.

It takes courage to put yourself forward because there is always someone who wants to shoot you down in flames. But those who do stand do it because they have a real desire to help the community. Sometimes they see a better way of doing things or perhaps they want to push the council in a new direction.

What must be remembered is that no one person can achieve change. Council members must convince the others of the rightness of their view or cause because everything must be agreed by a majority vote.

This is democracy in action and is the bedrock of our society. It ensures that tyrants cannot take control.

The Taranaki Star is asking candidates to send in a photo along with 50 words on what qualities they have that would make them a good representative of the people. We will publish these over the next few weeks.