It is my understanding all candidates have nominated and stood for election for local council, not for state or federal parliament.

The article “Toeing line ‘a must’” (The Border Mail, August 11) clearly indicates our major political parties like to believe they control our local council, not the elected councillors.

As a member of the Labor Party, I am aware of the policies and views of the Australian Labor Party, it is why I joined.

I am also aware we live in a democratic society and if elected to council, I will vote on issues based on the merit of the issue.

For the alleged Labor Party source to say Labor Party members elected to council must follow the party policy is almost laughable.

Yes, as party members we should not criticise our party or bring that party into disrepute.

But I would like to think any candidate elected to Albury Council — whether Liberal, Labor or any other party — would vote on the merits of the issue and not on the beliefs of a political party.

Isn’t this what the citizens of Albury expect?

My candidature as an independent at the upcoming council elections was based on the fact I believe state and federal party politics should not play a role in local council decision-making.

I was asked to run on an endorsed Labor ticket, however, I declined based on my belief local council is local council, not state or federal politics.

I am committed to providing Albury citizens with an independent and objective approach to decision-making, as I am hoping the rest of the elected councillors will be committed to providing.

— CRAIG TAYLOR,

(Albury Council candidate),

East Albury