IF I get a council election leaflet through the door that mentions independence or a second referendum, it’s going straight to the recycling bin.

I don’t care if the candidate is pro or anti, I’m just not interested in this context.

Some of them are at it already. Rather than engage on the issues that councils deal with they want to take a short cut to winning a vote by playing the ‘which side are you on?’ game.

Well I’m not playing. So if a candidate or canvasser chaps the door and talks about independence it will close without warning.

If on the other hand you want to talk about schools, roads, libraries, parks, care of the elderly, housing or any other council service then I’m all ears. I’m more ears than Gary Lineker sitting on an African elephant holding the European Cup.

Councils matter. In Glasgow the councillors and party that controls the City Chambers will have an annual budget of £2bn plus at its disposal.

The money is reducing but the demand for many services is increasing which makes these local government elections all the more important.

The council will need to set carefully chosen priorities and embark on a conversation over what services it should be expected to deliver.

Much of the council work is delivering on priorities handed down from Holyrood, which is another important debate, how much autonomy should councils have.

On education for example, the local authority is in danger of being cut out of much of the decision making. The curriculum is set at a national level by Scottish Government ministers and now attainment fund cash is being given directly to head teachers to spend as they see fit.

Big change is coming in health and social care with new Integrated Joint Boards. This is probably the area facing the greatest demand with a growing aging population.

More cash is coming to councils from the health budget but it has to be spent effectively and targeted in such a way as to deal with the current acute needs as well as ensuring preventative measures are not neglected.

Continuing to spend cash on services that enable people to live as independent a life for as long as possible is just as valuable.

Our roads need repaired and maintained, facilities in our communities need protected from cutbacks and invested in for young and old alike and we need proper, meaningful training for young people looking to leave school and enter the world of work.

So there is plenty to talk about, debate agree, disagree and argue about before casting your vote on May 4, without resorting to binary identity based politics.

If you want to put your points directly to those looking to control the council come along to the Evening Times hustings on Tuesday at City of Glasgow College in the city centre.

We have Frank McAveety from Labour, Susan Aitken from the SNP, Martin Bartos of the Greens Carole Ford from the LibDems and Euan Blockley of the Conservatives.

For free tickets contact Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or Lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk