A RECENT Mori poll found that only 15 per cent of people think their local council does a good job.

Two thirds confessed they knew "hardly anything" or "just a little" about their council.

People will have the chance to register their satisfaction when they vote in local council elections next month. Sadly, only a third will bother to do so.

Turnout in these elections continues to be depressingly low. In 2003, it was an average of just 36 per cent.

Unless there has been a miracle of some sort, the turnout in 2007 is likely to be abysmally low and will be accompanied by the familiar round of hand-wringing by politicians asking how to engage increasingly apathetic members of the public.

Perhaps they should take their lead from 94-year-old James Graham who retires next month after representing his ward for an incredible 50 years.

Coun Graham was elected to Stanley Urban District Council in 1957. He was returned to Derwentside District Council when it was created in 1974 and has won re-election ever since.

Coun Graham's secret is simple: "I like to keep people happy and attend to all of the complaints that are given to me.

"I feel as though I have done my duty for the people I represent. It has been a pleasure to look after the needs of the old people."

What a refreshing outlook in an age of political spin and public disillusionment. Councillors of all parties planning for a long career should take note.