THE EDITOR: Do local government representatives, more so the Opposition’s, have any robust say/input in national administrative decisions, as compared to Members of Parliament of both sides?

If not, does it mean that their (local government representatives) dependence for financial provision for the maintenance of their county, borough or city rests totally on the cordiality of the central government?

Here we are once again engaging in what is labelled as local government elections, but given the elected local government representatives’ limited influence in contrast to the central government’s final say in the quantity of funds disbursed, isn’t this process (the elections) realistically a charade?

Whichever political party is in power, through its five-year reign it has an annual national budget that determines where finances would be distributed. And that includes finances that go to each city, borough and regional corporation.

Of course, in exceptional situations (eg flooding, social programmes, major road repairs, etc) where additional funds are needed, who decides how much, if any at all, should be further disbursed?

The central government of course.

And this is where all citizens should give this matter a little thought.

Wouldn’t the political party in power be more inclined to provide additional funds without much ado if its local government representatives request those funds?

However, if it's the opposition representatives (whoever they are at any given time) requesting the funds, wouldn’t that possibly necessitate the protesting crowds, the blocking of roads, the burning of tyres, etc for much-needed funds?

Practically, as far as where acquiring surplus finances for a community’s maintenance/improvement is concerned, isn’t it putting the neighbourhood at a disadvantage if an opposition representative is elected in local government elections?

LLOYD RAGOO

Chaguanas

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