While so far uninspired with the level of dialogue around this year's local body elections, I am hoping it's early days and things will improve as all candidates move into campaign mode.
What is interesting is some of the language being used and I am hoping it is just a case of political rhetoric rather than an actual belief.
In particular, statements such as "managing the council" or "running the council" surprise me because I was under the impression that management roles involve submitting a job application rather than standing as a ward councillor to fill a role which is, or should be, about providing strategic direction and community representation on a governance body.
Businesspeople and just about everyone else want the place where they live, work and play to be the best possible.
They want a city or town with a future and for their council to state what it looks like and how it is going to make it happen.