The recent investigative reports by the Echo news team deserve to be praised and highlighted.

In particular, its determination to use the Freedom of Information Act to uncover some worrying data about the way our elected representatives spend our money is the one of the most effective ways that journalism can serve the public.

How does the man and women in the street know how much councillors or MPs claim for "expenses"?

How can we be sure that trips abroad or weekends away at smart hotels are really about bringing more business and jobs to the local community? They won't tell us, but the Echo can by using the Freedom of Information Act.

No amount of spin or explanation can convince me and many others that it made sense for the leader of Essex County Council and 14 councillors and officers to spend time in America last year boosting the profile of Essex. It didn't.

There have been no tangible benefits. It was a jaunt that went wildly over budget and would have been kept quiet, but for some persistent questioning from newspapers.

Next month is when we vote for local councillors. Think as you stand there waiting to put your X against one of the names. Are they doing a good job? Do we know enough about them? Are their motives what they claim to be on the election hand-outs? Will they tell us the reason for authorising yet another £100,00 "survey" on some obscure issue?

You should vote. That is what democracy is all about. We hope the names on the ballot paper understand what being honest and open means - and that is where some of us have doubts.

So my vote goes to the journalists who are giving us the facts. Keep it up.

David Williams
Hadleigh Road
Leigh