James Plaskitt will get my vote

I have followed the debate conducted on your letter pages regarding the desirability of 
electing a police commissioner who is a declared member of a specific political party.

Let me make it clear from the very start that I am writing in support of the candidate James Plaskitt.

Whilst understanding that citizens maybe reluctant to appoint a former politician to this very important post, from letters I have read two very valid points have been made that in my view go a long way towards addressing this concern.

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Firstly that policing at the highest level is always and probably always has been a very political issue with subsequent governments pushing their pet ideas.

Secondly a candidate for the post who declares a political affiliation is also telling the electorate what his values are.

An elected commissioner with political experience would have the know how to protect the force from unnecessary tampering by ministers allowing the Chief Constable to get on with what the public demand and expect from it’s police force, that is the protection of people and property and the detection of crime.

Some candidates are making a big thing of their so called independence but on closer examination they either used to be, wanted to be or might have been political party members, in some cases more than one party. What does that tell you about them? Confused at the very least.

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James Plaskitt is openly a member of the Labour Party so that tells us he believes in fairness and equality for all.

So with that in mind I would respectfully suggest that when a candidate asks for your vote in this campaign for police commissioner or in next year’s local elections please ask what they stand for, what they believe in and what they intend to do for you.

Most important of all do vote otherwise you may have to put up with someone you do not want in charge of your affairs for several years. An election in November may be influenced by the weather so why not consider a postal vote, it could make all the difference. - Roger Smith, Warwick Branch Labour Party, Hanworth Road, Warwick.