Democracy thrives on people having a go, even tree huggers

JUST for the record I am not the Tom Bennett running for council.

Not related, don’t even know the bloke.

A Green’s candidate apparently; none of those in our family.

Last time I hugged a tree I got splinters and I’ve hated them (trees) ever since.

Except palm trees. I love palm trees because they remind me of the tropics.

I give gum trees and banksias a big tick, too, but not oaks or pines. But regardless of what trees the other Mr Bennett likes, I applaud him for being prepared to offer himself in service to the community.

Hats off, too, to the other candidates in all the other wards.

I reckon it would be a tough gig being on the council, attending meetings, sitting on committees, listening to people’s complaints and being across all the issues. And it’s tough to be elected. Statistically, individual candidates have little chance of attain- ing office. I’m in Coryule ward where, of the five people running, we will be sending only one to City Hall.

But even those who aren’t elected should be proud of the contribution they make to the democratic process simply by standing.

Their presence enhances the standard of the debate.

By offering their beliefs and their ideas, they give us something to think about and something to compare. We are a species that values ideas.

Every great human achievement started off as an idea that someone offered up.

So God bless all those putting themselves forward, regardless of their political leaning or the type of trees they hug.

History, they say, is made by those who turn up.

Thanks and good luck to you all.