Whispering Smith Column published in the Littlehampton Gazette April 28th. 2016

When it comes down to national politics we are all governed by the same bulk buy system you vote for one you get up to six hundred and fifty for free. That’s the way it always goes, however, with local politicians I believe and always have, you should vote for the candidate and ignore the colour of the rosette. And so it is the same old story with the upcoming election of the Police and Crime Commissioner the same old song where, sadly, each candidate is identified with a mainline party politicising once again the whole election. I am sure that each candidate, Mr. Jones, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Doyle and Ms. Bourne, has on his or her own merit, a reasonable claim to being the right person for the job and not only because of their particular political persuasion and, as usual, I expect most voters will put their x along party lines. However to me at least most are unknowns whereas one particular candidate stands clear of the pack both in past experience and dedication to recognising both local and broader county needs. James Walsh, the local man, has always put himself out there responding to the electorate and showing a keen understanding and awareness of community needs. I have no interest whatsoever as to the colour of his tie and should he be elected PCC I for one will be delighted and certain the greater community will feel the genuine benefit of his efforts on our behalf. But, hey, this is just my personal opinion and I only have but the one cross to share!

HISTORIAN Mary Taylor will be holding open forums at the Rustington Museum on the first Tuesday of each month from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm for anyone to drop by and discuss almost every aspect of village life, the next forum being on Tuesday June 2^nd. Always a pleasure to speak with Mary, she knows a subject and, I dare say, where a lot of the bodies are buried…