It is with some alarm I read we are not having democratic elections returned to Tauranga in the immediate future.

No matter how capable the present regime is painted as; I, as a ratepayer would prefer to be part of the democratic process.

A true democracy means one person one vote. Our present system in Tauranga does not allow for this. All representatives of the people need to be voted into office. A democracy is defined as government by the majority.

There were at least 5000 people, the required number, who voted for a referendum on Maori Wards. These people were summarily dismissed. This is not democracy, this is a dictatorship.

J Peters, Papamoa.