John Ellis’s name does not appear on the list of candidates for this year’s clections to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Nonetheless, he presumes (Letters, April 21) to remark upon those who are not doing so for a second or third time.

His letter is of a piece with much that appears in your columns: he tells others how to lead their lives.

Naturally, this could make one ask whether Mr Ellis is pleased when he reflects upon the course of his own life.

Any life is one of continual decisions. Those are for individuals to make without being obliged to consult Mr Ellis.

Reasons for continuing upon or leaving the council are more various than Mr Ellis’s reductionism.

As Annie Dillard remarked: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Life is but 28,000 days if you’re lucky/careful.

Rather than waste the life force sneering, Mr Ellis should be glad some people gave 1,561 days to Brighton and Hove in hairy times.

Local government is not a cabaret but Fred Ebb’s lyrics are true: “Start by admitting from cradle to tomb / Isn’t that long a stay.”

As I see it, each day is one of new discovery and possibilities. That is the spirit in which to steer towards the open sea rather than be mired in Mr Ellis’s negativity.

Christopher Hawtree
Green candidate, Hove and Portslade
Westbourne Gardens, Hove