An "Elected" Mayor. - Page 2

Margaret Pilkington · 31-01-2005, 14:53

You would certainly be better than the crew we have now.........and you would bring some sense to a nonsensical pantomime. Think about it A-B!

WillowTheWhisp · 31-01-2005, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acrylic-bob

Errmmm, quite a few people did.

A fact which never ceases to amaze me as anyone I talk to about him seems to have the same opinion as put forth on here. Usually with the accompaniment of "Oh 'im!"

JohnW · 31-01-2005, 15:14

I agree that a mayoral position of some power and accountability is a good thing. It does work quite well here in America and usually local, successful business people are the ones to win the race. However, I do not agree that the chief of police and firechief should be elected offices. They are far better left to career policeman/firemen and the positions filled by persons of considerable, relevant experience.

Acrylic-bob · 31-01-2005, 15:26

Here is a bit more info...

http://www.cles.org.uk/document_stor...8BAD54B%7D.pdf

park381 · 01-02-2005, 08:19

What level of payment would you offer for an "elected mayor"

WillowTheWhisp · 01-02-2005, 08:26

One thing which struck me from that article and which sadly I have to agree with is that the turn out at local elections is pityful and for those that do vote they do so as a sort of comment on whoever is in power in Central Government regardless of policies of the local candidates.

Apathy.

We on AccyWeb are interested in our borough and what goes on here (or fails to go on here as the case may be) but how do you motivate others to take enough of an interest to actually want a shake up and something DONE?

park381 · 01-02-2005, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

Apathy.

We on AccyWeb are interested in our borough and what goes on here (or fails to go on here as the case may be) but how do you motivate others to take enough of an interest to actually want a shake up and something DONE?

That is a good point, you only need to look at the "General Community Talk" section and see there is a lack of interest in local areas i.e. Church, Ossy, and so on. There are also the local council meetings, where people could ask questions, and get involved.
From past experience, yes it's very difficult to "get people to stand up and be counted"

Margaret Pilkington · 01-02-2005, 16:14

In the last local elections I did not see any of the candidates coming round and canvassing for support......and although they all sent flyers, it would have been nice for them to come around so that you could ask them questions face to face.
Maybe the apathy is because folks feel that whatever party they vote for it won't make much of a difference.

park381 · 01-02-2005, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

In the last local elections I did not see any of the candidates coming round and canvassing for support......

That is very true, I live in Ossy, our leader's ward,............the only time I see him is when he's goin in Con club, never seen him canvassing

Margaret Pilkington · 01-02-2005, 16:29

If these folk don't canvas, then how do they know what the feelings of the local electorate are? how do they define the issues that are causing concern?
I may have the old cynical head on, but it seems to me that they claim money under flase pretences. I think if you are going to be alocal councillor then you should not get paid. OK expenses that are incurred should be claimed, but they should be audited and that is all the councillor should get.

park381 · 01-02-2005, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

If these folk don't canvas, then how do they know what the feelings of the local electorate are? how do they define the issues that are causing concern?
I may have the old cynical head on, but it seems to me that they claim money under flase pretences. I think if you are going to be alocal councillor then you should not get paid. OK expenses that are incurred should be claimed, but they should be audited and that is all the councillor should get.

I agree 100% with that, some of the cllr's are retired people, we even have a husband & wife pair up Ossy.
I think that goes for serving on any committee, if you feel strong enough about a subject, you should'nt want paying, as you say reasonable expenses only

Margaret Pilkington · 01-02-2005, 21:39

You never see a poor(£) politician do you?

park381 · 01-02-2005, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

You never see a poor(£) politician do you?

Yep, it's no wonder you see the same names on different committees, some of the local cllr's are makin a good livin out of it, just tops up their pensions. Such public spirited citizens

Margaret Pilkington · 01-02-2005, 22:48

I think maybe I need to get into something along those lines to top up my pension.
I'm certainly gobby enough!

Margaret Pilkington · 01-02-2005, 22:49

I know...... I will volunteer to be PA to A-B when he is elected Mayor!