Hyndburn Council

vitty · 25-10-2005, 21:27

I have discovered why journalists have difficulties scrutinising council officers.

At least one publication has a policy of ensuring all reporters make any council query, or ask for any council comment via one press officer.

They are not allowed to contact council officers directly for comments.

The press officer deals with queries by asking porfolio holders (elected councillors, who speak in an expenses-only role, rather than a full-time job).

She would only ask questions of council workers if it is a technical query i.e. something you are not likely to scrutinise them on.

SPUGGIE J · 25-10-2005, 21:48

Sounds like the council does not trust its own members to give the partyline answer.

vitty · 25-10-2005, 21:49

The official line is: Council officers aren't trained to deal with the media.

Yet in the majority of cases, they earn more - if not double (and in the case of heads of service treble) - reporters do.

My, the irony.

cashman · 25-10-2005, 23:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitty

The official line is: Council officers aren't trained to deal with the media.

Yet in the majority of cases, they earn more - if not double (and in the case of heads of service treble) - reporters do.

My, the irony.

"official crap", most folk aren't trained to deal with the media,but at times ordinary folk have to and do, so i don't see what the problem is with our councillors,or do i ?

SPUGGIE J · 25-10-2005, 23:06

Only you can answer that cashy.

cashman · 25-10-2005, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

Only you can answer that cashy.

i know spug but i would probably be sued.

SPUGGIE J · 25-10-2005, 23:11

They always hate the truth. The bunch of .......................

Tinkerbelle · 25-10-2005, 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

The bunch of .......................

of what? .......... lol

SPUGGIE J · 25-10-2005, 23:15

I dont want sued just yet but it is crude rude and out of order wording

chav1 · 26-10-2005, 01:47

i thought you could only be sued if it wasnt true and i think they would be hard pressed to prove they wernt

Acrylic-bob · 26-10-2005, 03:29

The First Comandment of Local Government; Thou shalt never explain and thou shalt never apologise.

The Second Comandment; Thou shalt not criticise.

chav1 · 26-10-2005, 04:53

third comandment - local government is never wrong

fourth comandment - if the local government is wrong refer to the third comandment

Gayle · 26-10-2005, 07:44

Vitty, feel free to contact me whenever you want, for a quote. Mervyn has my number, as does everyone else in the Acc Obs office.

SPUGGIE J · 26-10-2005, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by chav1

third comandment - local government is never wrong

fourth comandment - if the local government is wrong refer to the third comandment

Now were are the other 6 commandments?

dillon · 26-10-2005, 12:21

By the way Gayle, despite what I might have posted before, I think it's great you're standing against Peter in the elections. It should inject some life back into politics!
Councillor's shouldn't have it easy, and a bit of lively public debate is just what the doctor ordered!