The apparent total disenchantment and indifference by the general public of the value and function of local elected members requires to be a matter of concern to all of us, irrespective of our political persuasion.

The low percentage of those who cared to vote is not common only to Hertsmere. This is a problem of national proportions.

In preference to indulging in the ancient negative art of point scoring, in the hope that some of the electorate may even subscribe to the cynicism, we need to distinguish between the traditional carrot and stick.

We need to set aside the sometimes patronising approach by all political parties and confront the genuine apathy among the people we hasten to serve.

We must consider the promotion of a system that will enable the casting of votes in places that people frequent most and over an extended period.

We require also to address, by the use of survey information, the reasons why people have no interest in electing, or respect for, those who would administer the affairs of the community.

This concern must register with the political parties with the initiation of discussions on how to combat this voting fatigue before it destroys the very cornerstone of our democratic system.

Frank Ward,

Hertsmere Borough

Councillor.

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