Did you know that on the 7th April 2011, a full month before "voting day" on the 5th May, nearly 380 Councillors were declared as being elected.
That is because the number of validated nominations either matched or were less than the number of seats available. In 56 parishes it was declared as "no contest".
This represents over 60% of Councillors and Parishes.
Hello Mr Mason,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading through the posts on your blog and I must say that whilst I do not agree with all that you have said I cannot deny that you have obviously put a lot of work in and the site is well worth a look for anyone who takes an interest in our town.
Allow me to make a point. On the heading of the blog you state that: "I am also trying to highlight subjects that your elected representatives would rather you did not ask questions about" and follow that contentious statement by saying: " I do my best not to comment or express my personal opinion on the blog". Well I hope you can spot the irony with the former and latter statements.
My point is that I do not know of a single town councillor or Central Bedfordshire member who avoids answering questions from the public.
Attendance at council meetings by members of the public is sadly quite poor, but we will answer any question put to us or find the relevent information.
I intend to ask the clerk to the town council to put members contact details on the website to make this easier.
My personal pledge is that I am happy to be contacted at any time by members of the public and during my first four-year term I had many conversations with townspeople on various subjects regarding the town.
I find it extremely humbling that people would give me their vote and have no intention of taking this support for granted.
Regards,
Cllr Steven Watkins (Cons)
Stratton Ward
Biggleswade Town Council