I would like to reply to the letter headed Social assassin from Bob and Yvonne White (Ledbury Reporter, April 13).

Firstly to my knowledge, I do not know Mr John Charles or ED Hogan, so the allegations of being in a clique is at best pathetic.

Yes, I have had an education (a very good one, thanks for noticing) which evidently the Whites have had or had the opportunity to have but their Flat Earth vitriol indicates they may have misplaced it as learned by rotem with discouragement being given to independent thought.

The advantage of an independent education (state or otherwise) is the ability to take on board information, have the capacity to assess such and to formulate an opinion; I belong to no party (political or otherwise) and as such go where evidence, conscience and good sense lead.

If the quality of their argument supported by evidence proved their case, then logic would dictate that other than attack my ability for independent thought we would be working together to achieve the same end – it doesn’t.

It is not condescending to remind people that they have a choice, nor is it sarcastic to suggest that people take control of their own destiny – for a full explanation, Three Counties Bookshop do a nice range of dictionaries.

Neither am I demanding the town council stand for election, merely reminding people that if a government needs to go before the people on a regular basis why should a town council be above accountability?

If people are unhappy with the town representative, and Bob and Yvonne White appear to be, then they have the power to do something about it.

Maybe Bob and Yvonne White, along with Colin Marschall who evidently feel they are more qualified to speak on behalf of the townspeople than the townsfolk themselves, or those already elected (not co-opted) show the courage of their convictions and stand for open and fair elections as opposed to being self-appointed guardians.

Political office (local or otherwise) always brings risk and kudos (look it up) should be given to those on the town council who took a stand, put themselves before the people and after winning take on the burden of responsibility for their actions because of a belief and willingness to do something for the greater good of the community as a whole.

I look forward to your next response.


TIM RAE-CLARKE
Ledbury