The phrase ‘elected reps responsive to the needs of their community’, is the key to far more than just that. But the principle is essential in a far more expansive fashion.
Unless both individuals and potential candidates are illuminated with ideas outside the usual box, the silent majority can’t but remain in their usual state.
It’s only the most powerful corporations that steer the ship of state.
Local small businesses need to be aware of that. They are doomed to be victimised forever unless they are prepared to change course and act accordingly.
Of all the varied interests you have listed, there was only ‘environmental protection’, that’s not part of the ship of state. By that I mean the lobbies owned by business giants.
Small business interests, and the silent majority, must surely team up to get the shire (and country) out of this rut.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
