Election time is now upon us. Like the weather men and women that live

in those little wooden houses, out they come, then back in again when it is all over, some never to be seen or heard of again until the next election.

Letters appear in the newspaper, photos of them standing in the street telling us what they are doing or going to do if they are elected, yet again for some. The election over it all goes quiet. No more letters ­– it has all been said.

Except for a few who all year long are writing to the newspapers nearly every week, speaking up for the residents of the Forest of Dean, Mike Meredith Edwards being one of those few. When I was with the Conservatives campaigning to get myself and fellow Conservatives elected I worked hard to keep Mike out of the running. I made a mistake. Mike Meredith Edwards has worked hard for the residents while he was in the district council. He is genuine and his passion for the people of the Forest of Dean is very rare indeed.

We need more people like Mike. We are not getting anywhere with many of the others. I can say this having now had the experience of being a district councillor.

Mike cares for you folk of the Dean, not for himself, nor his pocket.

When you do go and vote on June 4 please look at the candidates that care and get things done, the servants who want to serve you, not the ones who think that they are your masters and just take, take, take. – Maria Edey, Independent.