Where you and I differ sean is in your belief that councils and politicians are civic minded in the 21st century compared to say an avergae motorist...they by and large are not. they seek power and money, largely through party mechanisms and intrigue and largely disregard the public apart from at elections. Unfortunately the phrase "those that seek power are the least suitable to wield it" it rings true in both my personal encounters with politicians (even at student level)and on the national stage. Your ongoing trust in them is admirable but for me I can absolutely understand the growing disengagement with politics.....and this, like MM, has led me to Libeterianism, I think that I am best suited to decide how to conduct my life and spend my money not some 'professional' politician. maybe, sad for someomeone who was once an idealist but they aways disaapoint on amssive scale with their vanity, sleaziness, petty corruption, 'intrigue' and incompetence.