WHILE I agree with York council chief executive David Atkinson's comments about personal criticism/abuse directed towards council officers (Letters, May 28), it should be considered how such dedicated employees are increasingly used in the political process.

It would appear the days when appointed officers were selected for their expertise and unbiased advice are gone, and have been replaced by the whims of political party head offices and their associated producers of sound bites.

This situation is reflected in the number of people who choose not to vote and is a sad reflection on our whole democratic system nationally and locally.

The re-introduction of unbiased, uncontrolled and knowledgeable council officers would perhaps be the way forward.

Claire Pletts,

Middlecroft Grove,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 10:09 Tuesday, June 01, 2004