IN The Press of January 21, under the headline" Parties accused of failing York, Christian Vassie makes a valid point, that councillors need to be more responsive to the needs of the residents they were elected by, rather than towing the party line, regardless of party.

I too have stood for two different political parties in the past, the Greens and then Labour. My reasoning at the time was that the party system gave a structure to putting ideas into practice.

However, over the years my thinking changed. In 2003 I stood as an Independent candidate in Hull Road ward. After the two long-term Labour candidates were re-elected, I came second, beating the Lib Dems, the Conservatives, and the Greens.

I think this can be seen as “a result” on my part. I had no party machine, no leaflet distributors apart from a few friends and family.

Looking forward to next May, I have decided I have something to offer the residents of York, whether they take up my offer or not I will see on election day.

As yet I have not declared my candidacy as an Independent in any ward, but I will be speaking to residents in a number of areas to see what their concerns are.

I can be contaced at gordonct@gmail.com

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, Grosvenor Terrace, York.