THE EDITOR, Sir:

On the matter of state-funded electioneering, the bulk of campaign funds is typically spent on:

1. Rent-a-crowd expenses to prove that "our side can draw bigger crowds" - crowds that come to hear empty promises repeated.

2. Direct payments to reward our loyal supporters, woo supporters of the other party or to woo the non-committed.

3. Empty slogan-type messages via the media. Is this what my tax dollar is to support when state funds are used for political campaigning?

Let us rather, give our support to the candidate who can answer our hard questions.

1. Why were you hardly ever available when we needed you, our representative?

2. How do you, as a newcomer, plan to succeed where the incumbent failed?

3. What is your vision for our constituency in particular, and for Jamaica in general?

These questions can be answered in a community centre, schoolroom or church hall. We should demand this kind of electioneering.

No mega bucks from taxpayers to squander on foolishness, please. Bring up the matter when Jamaica has earned a reputation for transparency.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL H. ELLIOTT

Mango Valley, St. Mary