THANK you for Spectator’s Notes (D&S Times, Apr 22).
My attention was caught by the headline “Pointed comments about PCCs”. Why, I wondered, was the Darlington & Stockton Times concerned about the state of parochial church councils which are being elected around this time of year?
The only item I have so far seen or heard about any other PCC elections is a card received some weeks ago informing me that I am registered to vote in an election for a Police and Crime Commissioner.
I had largely forgotten about this as it is an office that I am still not convinced is necessary or desirable for one person to hold.
Far from having any “colour” brought to the debate here in Aldbrough St John, there has been a massive silence and the whole process has been entirely invisible.
In fact, your article was the first I knew of there being any candidates at all. So thank you, D&S, for keeping me informed but I am tempted, as last time, to spoil my ballot paper in protest over this fatuous, money wasting election.
Janet Hall, Aldbrough St John
I WAS surprised to learn that elections are once again to be held for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire. I thought that this flawed, expensive and less democratic arrangement where power is vested in one individual would be scrapped.
I was even more surprised to learn that Julia Mulligan will be standing again for re-election.
In her term in office, she has failed to listen to the public and to be an independent voice. In the debacle over a new police headquarters, which she led, over £620,000 of local taxpayers money was wasted on an ill-conceived scheme.
Did she apologise for her failure to listen and appalling lack of judgement? Of course not. I would urge voters to look elsewhere.
Barry A Hitchen, South Kilvington, Nr Thirsk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here