I WAS saddened to read that Coun Anna Semlyen has clashed with the strict rules surrounding what elected representatives can and cannot do (The Press, June 10).

I have known Anna for nearly 20 years. Over the past few, I have been working with her alongside others to help their local communities rise to the challenge of peak oil and climate change. Anna has been central to several successful events York In Transition has held, not only her open-house days.

In all of these, she has been completely open about the money side of things and has never attempted to make a profit as far as I know. She has kept records of the spending and the donations and has raised substantial sums for our charity. The event in question was planned long before she considered standing as a councillor.

I think Anna will be a good councillor and will push for a healthier environment and a fairer society.

And no, I’m not one of her party political cronies – I support a different party, but still wish her well.

John Cossham, Hull Road, York.