WITH the council elections now so close, it is a good time for people to consider what is the lifeblood of a democracy. It is the meaningful engagement of all citizens and the right to question the motives of politicians and to scrutinise their activities. In other words, it is power to the people.

What has been evident in the Shoalhaven in recent years has been exploitation by political power against the weaker community. This has led to an exhaustive battle to have a community consultative body recognised, committees stacked against the community, their needs and wishes, and unaccounted and unexplained actions against the best interests of the community. This is appearing more and more like an authoritarian regime.

When truly open discussion, debate and consultation is undertaken and encouraged, mutual respect will flow and thinking people might be persuaded to see the other side of issues - a two-way street - and compromises will be the result. But when powers-that-be dictate to the members of a community, try to deny them their right of a voice and denigrate them in the process, authoritarianism replaces democracy and the residents dig in their heels and compromise goes out the door.

Democracy does mean power to the people and we in the Shoalhaven really must show on September 13 that we will no longer put up with the current regime under the banner of the Shoalhaven Independents Group.

Anyone allied to the misleadingly named Shoalhaven Independents Group should be viewed with suspicion by all residents who value true democracy.

Remember when you fill in your ballot that their allegiances will be to developers who donate so richly to their campaign.

W. Fuller

Mollymook.