The recent election of Donald Trump to the highest office in the United States offers up some interesting points, many have been discussed on social media and at dinner parties across Australia and indeed in Glen Innes.

Trump appealed to the lowest common denominator and got elected, pure and simple. 

But here is what will be interesting to watch.

He has “softened” or outright changed his policy stance on a number of key points that he strongly campaigned on.

Everyone thinks Clinton's supporters are upset. Watch as the so-called disaffected, unheard citizen who voted for Trump get angry when they realise he lied his way into the White House.

Now, how does this possibly have any relevance for us here in Glen Innes?

“Politicians lie all the time,” was the refrain I have been hearing. But should we accept that?

On a local level we have a council that is two months old and so far they have shown on at least one level, that truth matters.

Our council is full of the so-called “people politicians”, meaning people that are everyday people that are not in it for a career but to try and make a difference.

People politicians or those that campaign on an “anti-politician” platform have been getting elected lately, think Derryn Hinch and Pauline Hanson.

Our “people politicians” said before the election they wanted to be more transparent, let the public know why they are making decisions and indeed include local ratepayers in the decision-making process.

Our page one story today shows us that our new mayor is actually doing what all councillors promised before the election. Locals have been surveyed and asked for their opinion on what is good and bad about our council and he says they have listened and our opinions will form a part of the council’s ten-year plan.

We can only take him at his word and hold our new council up as an example of politicians who have listened to the concerns of the electorate and followed through.

Glen Innes voters voted for change and a council that said they would listen, as did the American’s. The American public may have been hoodwinked, time will tell. Alternatively, our council may have gotten the message and listened. Time will tell.