Where do I put my

ON Thursday, along with many others, I will be casting my vote at the local election.

My dilemma is who do I put my X against!

I have my own pen at the ready, in case, with national and local cuts, they cannot afford to supply them, even though some highly-paid executive will oversee the “event”.

In my ward there are four candidates. Two have visited my property, one of whom I chatted to, the other, who was talking to my next door neighbour when I arrived home, never came back.

I read your excellent evening paper on a regular basis and follow the “local politics show”, especially noticing the infighting, disagreements and leaving one party to join another or become an Independent.

The farcical goings on at the full council meeting when a young councillor was chastised for switching his phone off, while allegedly more senior councillors were on their mobiles, shows signs of bureaucracy.

I have read the election flyers and find the information of great interest.

The Tories tell us what they have done and the other parties tell us what the Tories haven’t done and what their parties will do.

I have no doubt that all candidates are genuine and fully intend to represent the ward in the best interests of the residents.

I also realise that there needs to be a political element within the local council, but it appears that representatives of the main parties are influenced by their “demi-god millionaires” from Westminster.

I note, from the flyers, The ET and tax letter that some council executives are on a phenomenal salary, more than the PM. Local council tax has risen, unemployment risen, money (taxpayers’) has been wasted on certain projects and senseless decision making – getting rid of school crossing patrols, since reversed.

It is also apparent that the council leader and cabinet members are paid up to £30,000 per annum for a parttime job.

Many Peterborough residents do not earn that for full-time employment. I am, of course, aware these salaries would be paid to any person, no matter of their political allegiances.

So back to my dilemma – where do I put my cross? Status quo, or the unknown?

I do, however, request to the successful candidate, please look after the needs of the residents and be without political bias in an endeavour to serve the said residents honourably. STUART TERRY

Bringhurst, Orton Goldhay,

Peterborough