Comment on Essex County Council elections from pages 24 & 25
THE work of a county councillor can sometimes seem a bit of a mystery.
What do they do? What power do they have? Do they really have an impact on our life?
However, the successful candidates in next month's Essex County Council elections will be responsible for a £2 billion budget, and decide on everything from social services to education to highways. So the answer is yes, they do and will affect our daily lives.
That's why all people of voting age should find the time to visit their local polling station on May 2 to choose the candidate that will best represent them.
To make that decision a little easier, the Chronicle has set out clearly the priorities of all the major parties so that residents can be sure they are making an informed choice.
As hopefuls campaign in the coming weeks, they should be challenged by locals on the issues that matter. Let us not make it too easy for people to be elected into such an important role.