Some might argue those issues have never quite disappeared in the 16 years since.
Here then are 21 retro photos of folk in and around Hartlepool having their say on local issues.
Unfortunately our digital archive has not recorded their names.
Missing our last nostalgic gallery of people speaking their minds? Click here.
1. Having his say...............
.........on rising car parking charges in 2007. Photo: FLR
2. Having her say...................
.....................on wind turbines in 2007. Photo: LH
3. Having his say................
.........on rising car parking charges in 2007. Photo: FLR
4. Voicing her opinion..................
.........on rising street permit charges in 2007. Photo: LH
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