Through the Freedom of Information Act and the Taxpayers’ Alliance we have learnt Essex County Council’s chief executive Joanna Killian is paid a salary up to £270,000 (Gazette, Apr 1).

We have also learnt there are no less than 28 senior staff on £100,000 or over.

Councils are defending these salaries by claiming: “We must have the best people.”

This raises the question of the best people for who?

Are these the best people for the public or for local government?

Consider in Colchester two areas where we the public have personal experience – the highways and education departments.

What is worrying is these departments should have a better public profile.

Colchester taxpayers are dissatisfied with Essex County Council’s highways and education services.

The public have learnt last year just how many questionable activities are going on in national politics in relation to MPs expenses.

The public have every right to be very concerned about how their taxes are being spent. Are we getting value for money?

Our council tax bills tell us just what proportion of our taxes go where, but is this now enough?

Shouldn’t we now be entitled to demand, more detailed consultation, explanation and accountability of where councils spend our money.

It would seem in the past the public trusted politicians and councils too much.

As public trust has been so abused, it seems we need more transparency and accountability on all public spending.

Furthermore, members of the public who make their opinions known at council meetings should not be jeered and shouted down by councillors for expressing their public spirited concerns.

Or is there a reason for this undemocratic behaviour?

All politicians and councillors need to remember they are elected to represent not their own interests, but the public and spend taxes wisely.

Perhaps all Colchester voters may like to give their full consideration to what we have learnt and experienced, and vote accordingly.

Allan Hewitt
Bluebell Way
Colchester