If you think you can do a better job then stand for election yourself

Certain themes come up regularly in Hartlepool Mail letters. Common subject is how useless are the MP, Mayor and Councillors. Derek Lax’s letter this week was an example attacking the Mayor and the MP. At least he wasn't having a go at me!

Actually I agree with many of Mr.Lax’s points regarding the New Labour Clone MP, who I consider is a professional politician dedicated to his career, and the Football Mascot Joke Mayor who I think can’t believe his luck to be elected as two fingers to the establishment.

However, both the MP and the Mayor were democratically voted into office and to do so they had to get off their behinds and offer themselves for election. Regardless of what you may think of their politics they both, as individuals, deserve every credit for getting involved and having a go.

So, I fundamentally disagree with Mr.Lax on his wish that he had abstained. If the MP hadn’t said “I’ll save Stadium” he would have been criticised for not caring. At least the Mayor’s column, despite what you may say about its content, is an attempt to communicate with the people of the town.

If Mr.Lax thinks the MP, the Mayor (or Councillors) are not worth voting for then rather than abstaining he should put up for office himself.

No doubt 2008 will see a fair number of letters criticising the MP, Mayor and Councillors. To the future authors of these letters I say this. If you think you can do a better job then stand for election yourself.