We don't need an education program to convince us what we don't want is what in fact we do want. We know what we want and don't want and no amount of paternalism will convince us otherwise.

With Council elections looming, now is the time to make sure that at least one level of government takes notice of what its constituents want and hear what they say.

Now is the time to be proactive, to attend meetings, talk to candidates or write to them, spell out what you expect from four years of local government in their hands.

Use key words like WHY, WHEN and HOW and keep using them till you get clear answers.

Voters have power and it’s time people use it for the betterment of our Valley, in both urban and rural environments.

I am glad there is a commitment to the repair of our roads. Let's ensure that this is substantial, not a patch and pitch affair in the towns and a bit of a scrape on graveled roads.

The current Council has recently replaced the ancient and eroded causeway on Lucernvale Road.

Let this be the standard of repair in the future and get all would-be Councillors to commit to this.

Ask those standing their position on the issue of development versus the rural character of the Valley.

Developers tell us bigger means more customers, more jobs more prosperity.

We, not only in Yass but in the broader LGA, are bigger than we were twenty years ago and our dam wall has been raised ensuring water for the next thirty years, but we no longer have:

Rampant development gives us dormitory suburbs for Canberra where people work and spend their money, coming back to the Valley just to sleep. Make sure of your candidates' stance on this issue.

Stand up and roar!

Webs Weeds and Wisdom by Jane Baker.