Hyndburn Local Elections - 5th May

Ken Moss · 03-05-2011, 10:18

As you're all aware, this Thursday sees the local elections taking place across the borough. Most of you probably have a vague idea of which way I personally would prefer you to vote but I urge you all to go and cast your ballot, regardless of political persuasion.

This is the best opportunity for residents to voice their opinion - please don't waste it.

flashy · 03-05-2011, 10:52

good lad

Neil · 03-05-2011, 11:19

No voting in my ward this year except for the AV.

I think its time they aligned all the voting into one to make it easier and cheaper.

Every 4 years should be Local, County, Parish, Government and whatever I have missed elections all at the same time and voting should be compulsory like in Australia

Ken Moss · 03-05-2011, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

No voting in my ward this year except for the AV.

I think its time they aligned all the voting into one to make it easier and cheaper.

Every 4 years should be Local, County, Parish, Government and whatever I have missed elections all at the same time and voting should be compulsory like in Australia

Nice idea and it would certainly be cheaper but the problem then comes from people suddenly being hit with several candidates and it would enable badge-wearing acolytes to coast in to power even more easily.

To take Rishton as an example, we would have at least six councillor candidates, two county candidates and another nine parliamentary candidates (based on last year). Suddenly, people would be bombarded with literature which doesn't focus on the individual but the party. I find it unlikely that many voters would go to the Rishton polls and vote for Labour councillors, a Tory county councillor and a Labour MP, they'd vote all Labour or all Tory, probably without knowing much about at least one of the candidates.

A definite no from me, it would simply generate more layabout councillors.

Ken Moss · 03-05-2011, 12:23

The question that hovers for me regarding Kenweb is whether or not we'll see an influx of mysterious new Conservative posters should control of the council shift.

Roll on Friday!

Neil · 03-05-2011, 13:06

I forgot it was Friday, I hate election night at the back end of the week

steeljack · 03-05-2011, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

Nice idea and it would certainly be cheaper but the problem then comes from people suddenly being hit with several candidates and it would enable badge-wearing acolytes to coast in to power even more easily.

To take Rishton as an example, we would have at least six councillor candidates, two county candidates and another nine parliamentary candidates (based on last year). Suddenly, people would be bombarded with literature which doesn't focus on the individual but the party. I find it unlikely that many voters would go to the Rishton polls and vote for Labour councillors, a Tory county councillor and a Labour MP, they'd vote all Labour or all Tory, probably without knowing much about at least one of the candidates.

A definite no from me, it would simply generate more layabout councillors.

Here we go again , putting down the 'thick' peons ,sounds like you don't have much faith in the intelligence of the Rishton electorate

Neil · 03-05-2011, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

A definite no from me, it would simply generate more layabout councillors.

And you would have to spread your door knockers out thinner.

You might get a better turn out at the polls as well if it was just once every 4 years

Ken Moss · 03-05-2011, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by steeljack

Here we go again , putting down the 'thick' peons ,sounds like you don't have much faith in the intelligence of the Rishton electorate

Read it again, SJ. Putting three councillor candidates up in Rishton would allow a party to muddy the water about what each one actually stood for, you would essentially be putting up a team instead of making individuals personally accountable.

In three years, the Rishton electorate with either think I'm suitable to have for another term or haven't pulled my weight enough to warrant four more years at the taxpayer's expense. If I lose I'd rather they identify that I was a deadweight than think the Labour team in Hyndburn are no good which is what would be more likely if you elect three at once.

I'm hoping that I don't end the up the victim of the 'deadweight' option but you never know....

Ken Moss · 03-05-2011, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

And you would have to spread your door knockers out thinner.

That I don't follow. There'd still be the same number of doorknockers in each ward but instead of canvassing for one you'd be canvassing for several at once under the broader party banner.

Local politics really should be about individuals more than party colours, in my opinion.

jaysay · 03-05-2011, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

Nice idea and it would certainly be cheaper but the problem then comes from people suddenly being hit with several candidates and it would enable badge-wearing acolytes to coast in to power even more easily.

To take Rishton as an example, we would have at least six councillor candidates, two county candidates and another nine parliamentary candidates (based on last year). Suddenly, people would be bombarded with literature which doesn't focus on the individual but the party. I find it unlikely that many voters would go to the Rishton polls and vote for Labour councillors, a Tory county councillor and a Labour MP, they'd vote all Labour or all Tory, probably without knowing much about at least one of the candidates.

A definite no from me, it would simply generate more layabout councillors.

Seems we always agree when things are logically correct, with the currant way the council can change 3 times in 4 years, which is the best way really

jaysay · 03-05-2011, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

The question that hovers for me regarding Kenweb is whether or not we'll see an influx of mysterious new Conservative posters should control of the council shift.

Roll on Friday!

I'll still be here come rain or shine Ken, but I may just have a little more steel, depending on the outcome

Eric · 03-05-2011, 19:09

We had our general election yesterday, and the changes are so significant and complex, that to explain Canadian federal politics to a Brit would now be as difficult as explaining the rules of cricket to someone in Moose Jaw.

But Ken is right: what is important is that folks vote. If you don't cast a ballot, you should give up the privelege of bitching at whoever is elected. As to the system in Australia: I don't like it or agree with it. Sometimes, and in certain cases, a reasoned decision not to vote is a fair comment on the options available on the ballot. One could, of course, go into the booth and scribble "None of these crooked sonsabitches is worth a vote."

Neil · 03-05-2011, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

That I don't follow. There'd still be the same number of doorknockers in each ward but instead of canvassing for one you'd be canvassing for several at once under the broader party banner.

Local politics really should be about individuals more than party colours, in my opinion.

How many wards are there in Rishton?

My thoughts were that in my ward there is no election so those that normally canvass my ward can be used elsewhere. If all the wards had to be done they would be thinner on the ground

Neil · 03-05-2011, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysay

Seems we always agree when things are logically correct, with the currant way the council can change 3 times in 4 years, which is the best way really

I think its a terrible idea. Those that are in dont have enough time to put into action any longer term plans without rushing them in to try and keep in favour to stay in 12 months later.