Members of the community write and read Letters to the Editor and I suggest reading actual words written by the writer gives an insight into matters that a journalist may not pick up on.

I and many others enjoy the privilege and courtesy extended by your paper.

The knowing of who wrote the letter also gives the reader an insight into why and what motivated the writer to speak out, especially if more than one letter.

With this in mind is it not relevant that a Councillor should identify themselves as a Councillor in Letters to the Editor that comment on Council matters and paint a picture of what a good job council is doing.

Transparency is paramount if Letters to the Editor are to have credibility and a Councillor should recognise things like ‘conflict of interest’ as something to pay special attention to.

A councillor obviously has every right to write and say whatever is their passion but a three part editorial on how great Council is and what a great job they are doing by, ”Ann Daniel, Emeritus Professor, Yass”, does not inform the reader of her status in Yass.

Disguising oneself as an informed reader hardly gives the reader a chance to be informed that the writer sits in Council, has inside knowledge, has been part of a process that has determined, by vote, some of what is spoken about and is a Councillor.

I agree with Councillor Daniel that “misinformation, mischief and petulance” can diminish things and feel that any Letters to the Editor written by a representative of Council about Council, without disclosure, certainly fit this description.

I look forward to Councillor Daniel’s third letter as I enjoy the read and continually amused by the irony.

Touie Smith Snr

Yass

Editor’s Note: Ann Daniel specifically asked not to have her role as councillor disclosed in her two previous letters.