Public Involvement in Local Politics Options

[Simon Kirby]

We talk at times about the public involvement in local politics and the lack of engagement from our local politicos, but for all my interest in local politics I've never been to a WBC committee meeting. My feeling is that the lack of an active public presence at council meetings allows our politicos to evade accountability. If we're not seeing first-hand how they perform and how lame their reasoning and debate is, then we're neglecting our democratic responsibilities.

So how about we go together to observe a council meeting one evening. We can wash up the evening with a Newt in a local hostelry after observing our local politics in action for an hour.

Thoughts?

[Andy Capp]

We talk at times about the public involvement in local politics and the lack of engagement from our local politicos, but for all my interest in local politics I've never been to a WBC committee meeting. My feeling is that the lack of an active public presence at council meetings allows our politicos to evade accountability. If we're not seeing first-hand how they perform and how lame their reasoning and debate is, then we're neglecting our democratic responsibilities.

So how about we go together to observe a council meeting one evening. We can wash up the evening with a Newt in a local hostelry after observing our local politics in action for an hour.

Thoughts?

You might want to do that before the event, to be honest. I went to one once and it was tedious and rather confusing.

[On the edge]

We talk at times about the public involvement in local politics and the lack of engagement from our local politicos, but for all my interest in local politics I've never been to a WBC committee meeting. My feeling is that the lack of an active public presence at council meetings allows our politicos to evade accountability. If we're not seeing first-hand how they perform and how lame their reasoning and debate is, then we're neglecting our democratic responsibilities.

So how about we go together to observe a council meeting one evening. We can wash up the evening with a Newt in a local hostelry after observing our local politics in action for an hour.

Thoughts?

I've been to a good few simply as a 'rate payer'. Some can be very good, some quite dreadful. You've made a great suggestion which I'd certainly support.

We used to have Forums in West Berkshire, which were reasonably well attended by the. Public when there were specific contentions on the agenda. Regrettably, the Executive would 'smother debate' by eating into the time available with presentations from patsy worthy local organisations.

At one time, 'local interest' was maintained by running it alongside other necessary activities, generally pub focused! That is, collection of subs. from Union members, paying into the Tontine, collecting the quarterly divi from the Coop. There may be some mileage in this, particularly if modernised; after all credit unions (mutualism) is back and how long before we need the HSA or Hearts of Oak to supplement the NHS?

[Michael]

So how about we go together to observe a council meeting one evening. We can wash up the evening with a Newt in a local hostelry after observing our local politics in action for an hour.
Thoughts?

Interested in joining, if it fits in with my work hours, please keep me posted.

[Strafin]

I'm up for it, I've been to a few at WBC most were interesting.

[motormad]

I'd go Simon
I'd try not get an infection and get taken to hospital at late notice this time

When and where.

[Simon Kirby]

I'd go Simon
I'd try not get an infection and get taken to hospital at late notice this time

When and where.

I'll have a think, unless anyone has a suggestion. My feeling is sometime in the new year, and if we can find an interesting meeting so much the better.

[Andy Capp]

I'd organise it by PM so as not to give 'them' any notice!

[On the edge]

Any particular Council in sight?.

[Andy Capp]

Any particular Council in sight?.

That's a part of the subterfuge!

[Simon Kirby]

I'd organise it by PM so as not to give 'them' any notice!

I did wonder about that, but I don't think we have anything to hide.

[Simon Kirby]

Any particular Council in sight?.

WBC I think. NTC is more my personal struggle, unless there was some merit in starting small.

[Andy Capp]

I did wonder about that, but I don't think we have anything to hide.

It is not about hiding anything; it's about keeping them on their toes. The next thing you'll know is vexatious observers will be banned!

[Andy Capp]

We should start a Constituency Association - CONTS for short! We could randomly watch our masters and servants at work!

[Nothing Much]

Go on. Go on, start with a committee to decide on a consultation to decide on a venue
Newbury Action Group...s
ce

[On the edge]

It is not about hiding anything; it's about keeping them on their toes. The next thing you'll know is vexatious observers will be banned!

Great idea Andy! We could liven things up, I'll stand a bottle of Scotch for the first of the group thrown out.

[On the edge]

Go on. Go on, start with a committee to decide on a consultation to decide on a venue
Newbury Action Group...s
ce

Come on CE, that wasn't even subtle!!! You'll be expecting some 'restorative' meetings soon.

[Exhausted]

Planning meetings at WBC are the favourite in my opinion. Pop along and listen to the inane questions and points put by some of the councillors which go to show that they have patently not read the documentation provided. Afterwards, watch the show of hands as the herd instinct kicks in and the vote goes, usually, the way the planners told them.

Don't waste your time with Town Council planning, blind leading the blind even though some of them serve on WBC planning but they remain totally unbiased of course.

[Exhausted]

Great idea Andy! We could liven things up, I'll stand a bottle of Scotch for the first of the group thrown out.

Not allowed to speak unless a question is sent in before the meeting. However, once a question is answered, the there is an opportunity to place a supplementary question but you can be silenced by the chair I believe.

[Andy Capp]

Great idea Andy! We could liven things up, I'll stand a bottle of Scotch for the first of the group thrown out.

Don't forget the disguises!