ONE day in 1980 a young Labour hopeful knocked on my door in Holgate Road and asked for my vote.

I asked him to come in and tell me why I should vote for him. He convinced me he was worthy of my vote, that he was genuinely interested in helping people and would be a credit to the electorate of York.

That young man was Dave Merrett, and over 20 years later he has always given help when help was needed.

I see also that Viv Kind will be his deputy leader. What a team! They will see that the people of York always get fair play regardless of who they are and I pray that the full council on July 15 confirms both their appointments.

I feel sad that Dave and Viv have been promoted under such circumstances and would remind the people of York that Rodney Hills is innocent until proved guilty.

The Evening Press has dealt with this subject sensitively and responsibly as it does with all of us and is to be applauded unlike the national morning papers.

The difference is the nationals are out to sell papers whatever but our local paper cares about each of us as day by day it keeps us informed of local news without fear or favour.

Brian Rowan,

Fourth Avenue,

York.

Updated: 11:30 Thursday, June 20, 2002