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we live in a free society where freedom of speech is possible; and where
political hues range as through a prism.
To those who are politically minded, the election, much as it is,
to the Urban Council forms an element of democracy they have nurtured
elsewhere, and that they wish to see take root here. Some people I know
vote only for this principle. Others vote for the fruitions of electioneering
promises. Still others vote for the magic of a well-nigh perfect Hong
Kong which they see only possible if it is directed by their kind.
Why do you vote, or perhaps more pertinently, why do you not
vote?
The electoral roll is open to you
www.
Hong Kong like any modern
city needs men of proven ability and integrity Hong Kong needs you.
Find out about us, and about the Urban Council. We may be a
poor thing, but we are all you have.
If you wish to see the Urban Council a living concern you must
find out if it is dead; if you consider us abject failures be the
successful councillor you know someone, even yourself might be.
Let us not pretend that there is much enthusiasm about voting or
registering as voters for the Urban Council. The figures speak for
themselves. Only about 8% of the 400,000 or so eligible voters registered
in previous years, of these only a mere 2.5% actually voted in 1971. May we
as reasonable citizens at least ask ourselves why we do not appear to care?
Some would say it's because the Urban Council is a joke, neither fish nor
fowl.
Others would say the powers are not wide enough.
Just this once would you think about it and bring your mind to
bear on the role of the Urban Council do you think it should be
functional or political? Nobody is agreed, and much time is spent on this
point alone when the Urban Council is under examination. With either role,
or a bit of both, there is room for the rotarian who is ready to take on
more community work. Indubitably, citizens of Hong Kong must decide the
sort of local government they want.
/May
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