Having been determined to run a positive campaign as a candidate for the Clifton ward of City of York Council, regretfully I must respond to Coun Galloway's unprovoked broadside at "non-local" candidates (Parties play the percentages, The Press, April 20).

To qualify to stand for election, a candidate must either live or hold business premises within the authority boundaries. Coun Galloway clearly implies that the latter qualification is secondary, almost a loophole in the electoral regulations.

Far from it. The rules are framed as such to give business people, many of whom make a significant contribution to the local economy, a say in how things are run.

They also give residents the opportunity to elect individuals with "real world" experience, rather than, in some cases, only having the option of being represented by career politicians.

The business I represent is one of York's largest independent employers, and has contributed many hundreds of thousands of pounds in local business rates since its establishment in 1992.

Coun Galloway's attack on the selection of candidates such as myself is all the more surprising, considering our business's faithful, financial support for local authority initiatives such as York Pride, and our contribution to many council-supported good causes.

Coun Galloway should have more faith in residents' ability to determine who is most suitable to represent them. The impression I have is that voters will make their judgment based upon one factor alone; who will be the greatest force for positive change.

My first-hand experience while out canvassing in Clifton is of an electorate that is well-informed, fair-minded and socially aware, but one that is also very hungry for change and dissatisfied with the cleanliness and safety of our streets.

Perhaps councillors past, present and future should spend more time actually rectifying these problems rather than making pointless, unseemly attacks on fellow candidates.

Kevin Hollinrake, Joint CEO, Hunters Property Group Ltd, 18 Collliergate, York.