IT IS said that the first casualty of war is truth. It might also be said that the first casualty of an election campaign is logic.

I was puzzled when I saw a half page ad in last week’s paper, which was telling us how to vote, headed “Don’t let anyone tell you how to vote!” 

I was also struck by the lack of logic in Noel Maud’s letter.

At the end of his letter, he states that, “Attacking a community supported candidate such as Deb Leonard is a new low in political activity.” 

I would have thought that all the candidates standing in Monash have community support. I don’t think any candidate could run a campaign without support from one section of the community or other.

Certainly, Deb Leonard doesn’t have a monopoly on community support.

Also, to criticise the policies and behaviour of someone standing for election is not “a new low”, it’s part and parcel of our political system. Robust debate is what helps us to have a healthy political system. I don’t think Deb Leonard is beyond criticism.

Also, Noel claims that Deb Leonard is supported by a multitude of community members, not just the multi-billion-dollar renewable energy industry. Well, the same can be said for the other candidates.

I’m sure that Tully Fletcher is supported by ordinary branch members and supporters not just the powerful Union movement. Likewise, Mary Aldred is supported by local community members and supporters, not just big business. 

I urge all the candidates to listen respectfully to your critics, as well as your friends, otherwise you might find yourself in a virtue signalling bubble.

Good luck to all of you and thank you for standing.

Patrick Kelly, Wonthaggi