The one day they have to listen to you

Local politics is hardly inspiring but it is very important.

Don't be duped by false promises of wannabe councillors and don't let existing members attempt to re-write history regarding the facts of their, sometimes poor, record.

Many things have happened since the last local elections some good, some bad, some ugly. At the newspaper office it is accepted that we all make mistakes and it is inevitable that running local services will, at times, bring councillors into conflict with public opinion however, when they get it wrong, they should be willing to admit it.

Local democracy has suffered here with the shameful silence that has emanated from all sides with regard to certain issues. If you'd attended a council meeting following this paper's revelations about what went on during the Blobby cock-up you'd have been staggered by the inadequate offerings of the clueless assembly.

Those who did have an idea of how things went wrong, batted on, as bold as brass, without a hint of remorse. Some officers, so vocal and critical behind the scenes, said nowt and when their actions and accountability were questioned, they still said nowt - councillors for the most part have supported the officer's actions and inquired little about how tax payers were left to pick up a £2 million bill. A limp, collective apology eventually spilled from the lips of the council leader but was soon drowned out by the petty political squabbles of who did what, when and why. The only people to attempt to find out what went on are the local press (those not in the pocket of the council) and you, the public. Those angered by such profligacy should ask their elected councillors for a full explanation - if they can't give one don't vote for them - kick 'em out.

Some claim Blobby was years ago and we should move on - absolutely! But until it is sorted out we can't move on. It is called accountability and this town hall needs to get some. How many councillors know for example, that one senior officer has decided that he and he alone will decide what public information this paper should have access to? Did they get a say in this decision? Is that what they really want? How many councillors are aware that a disciplinary case instigated by council officers could now end up with the authority being sued by former employees on either side of the argument! How much will that cost? We have been told that our area is improving greatly and to hear some talk you'd think we were living in Paris... why then are we applying for assisted area status? It may be very pleasant up at Haverbreaks but there are areas that need a lot of attention and cash - £2million could have started the ball rolling there. Does anyone know how much Salt Ayre will finally cost? Why not admit that it's more than first thought? Why did the former town clerk John Burrows literally vanish with a handsome pay off and a gagging clause? What's the big secret? Public cash is important and should be spent on areas that desperately need it. That play park for the kiddies, uncrowded swimming pools where learners can swim in comfort, investment in job creation, that market site etc - all may be possible if your cash did not go in hyped-up pensions, golden handshakes and a trail of failed legal actions.

Looking to the future, the current council hierarchy has given the go-ahead to a massive new housing estate to the south of Lancaster which will effectively urbanise the city all the way up to the university. Is this what you want to see happen? Next Thursday you can let 'em know.

Whatever your political persuasion, vote for the person you can trust to put the public interest first. Use your votes wisely and, you never know, next time hundreds of local people sign a petition to protest against the council's latest unwanted scheme - they might just hear what you have to say.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.