I was amazed at Geoff Frost’s taking of the moral high ground during the recent council election period, accusing the Greens of politicising the process. I believe the Greens were free to run as a party if they chose, and electors were free not to vote for them if they did not like it. It is that simple.

Mr Frost, having made that criticism, then went on to do more to politicise the election than anyone else, making public attacks on the Greens and their policies. The most recent occurred in last Wednesday’s Tribune. His letter contained nothing that could not have been said a month earlier. Mr Frost left it for the last Wednesday before the election, thus seriously inhibiting the Greens’ right of reply. Some of the assertions he made were nearly as ridiculous as those contained in the anonymous letter circulated the week prior to the elections, though I do not believe he was responsible for that letter.

While Mr Frost admitted membership of the National Party, he chose to run for council as an Independent. This has apparently been traditional practice in our council elections. However, in that position I would be very sure to distance myself from the party whilst campaigning. In contrast, Mr Frost was endorsed by ‘Katrina Hodgkinson, Member for Burrinjuck’ (‘Katrina’s Choice’ Yass Tribune September 12). On polling day, Ms Hodgkinson handed out how-to-vote cards for Geoff Frost and Bernie Johnson. She had the right to do this as a private individual, but to do so whilst wearing a badge reading ‘Katrina Hodgkinson MP, Member for Burrinjuck’ was a completely inappropriate way to influence electors, particularly in light of her comment that ‘it is crucial that political parties stand at arms length from local government’. As someone who has always admired Ms Hodgkinson, I am deeply disappointed. I understand that, when challenged by Nic Carmody, she apologised and removed her badge. Is she going to apologise to all candidates who may have been disadvantaged by her actions?