BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1950 WHY NOT AN ELECTION ?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 96, 15 September 1950, Page 4

BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1950 WHY NOT AN ELECTION ?

It is 25 years since Whakatane saw an election for the Mayoralty. That may say a lot for the ability of the two men who have held office during most of that time, Mr Sullivan and Mr Barry. But is it a healthy sign? Does it show a lack of interest in municipal affairs or does it illustrate the reluctance of able men, no matter how interested they may be, to offer themselves. Whether or not he is opposed, Mr H. G. Warren will be looked upon by many as a most suitable candidate. No one in the town has been a more untiring worker as he has for any movement calculated to be of community service. But an election, without in the least reflecting on Mr Warren’s ability, would indicate a healthy public attitude to local politics. It would give proof of the willingness of more than one person to give time and work in a responsible office and it would indicate public interest in something that is of importance to the town.

Municipal elections are an integral part of our democratic system. They are allowed us so that we can decide who will guide our local affairs. When municipal matters proceed smoothly, or more or less so, it is easy for townspeople to slip into a lethargic attitude—an attitude which causes them not to oppose Mayoral candidates for a quarter of a century. How many townspeople know or care just what the Mayor and Councillors do at and between meetings? How many read fully the reports and paragraphs of vital local importance which are published after every Council meeting? Not all our readers, we imagine. Next November will be the time for the residents of Whakatane to wake up a little—to show interest in local matters. But now is the time to make the first moves.