Spent much of the bank holiday weekend delivering my first newsletter around the ward. Quite a number of people stopped me to talk about various issues - traffic on Furrlongs, adoption of Buckbury Lane, parking on Manor Crescent, the Pan Village development plans. Seems clear to me that not many people want 800 homes on the development site. Seen as quite excessive. Advised them that I totally agree and that the new Council will be looking again at the 'masterplan'. A couple of people want a road bypass, which I am very ambivalent about - new roads lead to more traffic, which is the last thing we want in Newport.
I have written to Newport Area Forum who seem to be assuming that I will be part of it - though Parkhurst and Carisbrooke West's councillors aren't. Tony Coburn was starting to have reservations about the worth of it to Pan. Lets see what they say. They have to sell it to me !
Monday, May 30, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
DEAR TORIES - READ YOUR MANIFESTO!
After work today, went to a briefing on the planned creation of a joint Health and Adult Social Care NHS Trust. Island Labour oppose this Trust as it will be throwing good money after bad, given the local NHS's track record in financial managment over the last few years. I asked a number of questions questioning health service provision at a local level, consultation arrangments, staff fears and morale concerns (se the County Press front page today), and on financial matters - but did not get the replies I would want. A number of Tories present appeared to share my views and indeed voiced their similar concerns. Mischieviously I then pointed out that their local election manifesto commits them to supporting the Trust proposal and suggested they read the manifesto as closely as I have !
Its becoming very clear to me that their manifesto is a stranger to most of them. A good few never expected to be elected and do not appear to understand how destructive full implementation of their manifesto would be both to the Island and to their future election prospects.
The next four years are going to create many opprtunities for Deborah and I to hold them to account........
Its becoming very clear to me that their manifesto is a stranger to most of them. A good few never expected to be elected and do not appear to understand how destructive full implementation of their manifesto would be both to the Island and to their future election prospects.
The next four years are going to create many opprtunities for Deborah and I to hold them to account........
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
SCRUTINY - WHAT IS TO BE DONE
Went along to a briefing for the new single Scrutiny Committee today. Was only supposed to be for members of the committee, but as Deborah and I intend to rotate our membership each year, the Chair -Roger Mazillius, 'Leader of the Opposition' - was happy to have me along. The Committee consists of 3 independents, 3 LibDems, 1 Labour and 4 Tories. Two didn't turn up, which poses the question - why are they on it ? Lots of discussion about the role of the committee, which I think is self-evident - point out to the Cabinet the consequences and implications of their policy and budgetary policies over the next four years. Some members seem to struggle with that, and at least one Tory thinks it should be supportive of the Cabinet ! Lots of talk from Tories about keeping 'politics' out of scrutiny, which is like saying lets do away with democracy !
Off to my first Pan Partnership Board meeting this evening, to be followed by a few beers in front of the European Champions League Final tonight.
Off to my first Pan Partnership Board meeting this evening, to be followed by a few beers in front of the European Champions League Final tonight.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
OUT & ABOUT
Yesterday went to a 'thank you' party for my predecessor Tony Coburn, organised by Downside Community Association - nice gesture by Terry & Carol Gandy. All the main community people there, so was able to have some good contacts.
Today leafleted the whole of the lower estate with a thank you newsletter. Then did an interview for the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership newsletter at the Isobel Centre on what I wanted to do as the new Pan councillor. Centre was busy with lots of youngsters, which is good to see.
Today leafleted the whole of the lower estate with a thank you newsletter. Then did an interview for the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership newsletter at the Isobel Centre on what I wanted to do as the new Pan councillor. Centre was busy with lots of youngsters, which is good to see.
Friday, May 20, 2005
FINANCIAL FUZZ
After a work day yesterday spent today being further inducted in local government finance and the local improvement agenda. Mind-boggling stuff. Changed a lot from my days prior to 1997!
Looks like I will be on the Regulatory Sub-Committee (Human Resources) as well as the Care, Health & Housing Policy Commission. Staff issues are going to be massive on this Council......
Have asked for a briefing on the proposed health and social case trust and where it is at.
Weekend won't be as free as I would have liked it to be. Couple of community things to do tomorrow, plus start to get my newsletter out on Sunday
Looks like I will be on the Regulatory Sub-Committee (Human Resources) as well as the Care, Health & Housing Policy Commission. Staff issues are going to be massive on this Council......
Have asked for a briefing on the proposed health and social case trust and where it is at.
Weekend won't be as free as I would have liked it to be. Couple of community things to do tomorrow, plus start to get my newsletter out on Sunday
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
FIRST COUNCIL
On union business on the mainland all day yesterday, and then Downside in evening.
First meeting of the new IW Council today. All predictable in terms of decisions about how this Council will operate. Lots of debate about when meetings will be held as the Tories have a manifesto commitment for evening meetings. Although that suits me best, Deborah made comments about including some members of the public, but excluding others - parents, carers, etc - but they were ignored. All in all Deborah was the star of the minority parties with lots of valid interventions and objections. The Independent leader was all supportive of the leadership and the LibDem leader relatively quiet. I was quiet today preferring to get my bearings at my first meeting (as usual), but this is not a forum that holds any fear for me.
Tory Cabinet members made announcements like - they have abandoned the move to a two-tier school system - for now - while they try to get school rtesults to the national average (such aspiration!), they want more efficiency savings than even central government expects from the Gershon review, they have suspended all discretionary spending, Council Tax rise next year WILL be in line with inflation, they are urgently reviewing the social housing waiting list points system to favour locals, they have restored funding to the Law Centre. Some good stuff, but lots very scary !
Had a conversation with another Cabinet member who wants to look again at the masterplan for the development on Pan. Said they would include me in any discussions. I am happy to revisit this as I know many on Pan aren't happy.
Labour Group meeting later today with the party Chair and two liaison officers to discuss how we are going to handle this administration.
First meeting of the new IW Council today. All predictable in terms of decisions about how this Council will operate. Lots of debate about when meetings will be held as the Tories have a manifesto commitment for evening meetings. Although that suits me best, Deborah made comments about including some members of the public, but excluding others - parents, carers, etc - but they were ignored. All in all Deborah was the star of the minority parties with lots of valid interventions and objections. The Independent leader was all supportive of the leadership and the LibDem leader relatively quiet. I was quiet today preferring to get my bearings at my first meeting (as usual), but this is not a forum that holds any fear for me.
Tory Cabinet members made announcements like - they have abandoned the move to a two-tier school system - for now - while they try to get school rtesults to the national average (such aspiration!), they want more efficiency savings than even central government expects from the Gershon review, they have suspended all discretionary spending, Council Tax rise next year WILL be in line with inflation, they are urgently reviewing the social housing waiting list points system to favour locals, they have restored funding to the Law Centre. Some good stuff, but lots very scary !
Had a conversation with another Cabinet member who wants to look again at the masterplan for the development on Pan. Said they would include me in any discussions. I am happy to revisit this as I know many on Pan aren't happy.
Labour Group meeting later today with the party Chair and two liaison officers to discuss how we are going to handle this administration.
Monday, May 16, 2005
HIGHWAYS REVISITED
Contacted Highways today to get a number of Pan estate traffic issues looked into - issues that were raised with me during my campaign. Things like the inadequate new speed ramps on Furrlongs, traffic speeds on Robin Hood St, heavy goods traffic in Green St and heavy traffic in Home Meade. Got a commitment from them that these will be looked into as quickly as possible and responded to - set myself a reminder to chase in a month's time.
Went to another induction workshop tonight to be briefed on how to engage in debate at Wednesday's first Full Council meeting. Mary thought I was being overly keen, given my track record within the labour movement ! At the workshop didn't like to mention that when it comes to debating procedure I have been schooled by Kenn Pearson's dedication to some chap called Walter Citrine...all good fun though. Interesting that of the 35 strong Tory group only 2 came to this evening session, the vast majority having preferred the daytime session. Thought this was going to be a Council that did more in the evening? Cllr Margaret Webster, East Cowes North, and I seem to be mainstays of evening sessions.
Heard that the 6 strong Independent Scrutiny Group is already down to 5.......how can you have a group of independents ????? Its a contradiction in terms......
Went to another induction workshop tonight to be briefed on how to engage in debate at Wednesday's first Full Council meeting. Mary thought I was being overly keen, given my track record within the labour movement ! At the workshop didn't like to mention that when it comes to debating procedure I have been schooled by Kenn Pearson's dedication to some chap called Walter Citrine...all good fun though. Interesting that of the 35 strong Tory group only 2 came to this evening session, the vast majority having preferred the daytime session. Thought this was going to be a Council that did more in the evening? Cllr Margaret Webster, East Cowes North, and I seem to be mainstays of evening sessions.
Heard that the 6 strong Independent Scrutiny Group is already down to 5.......how can you have a group of independents ????? Its a contradiction in terms......
Friday, May 13, 2005
I'D RATHER BE IN PAN THAN COUNTY HALL
Went to the Isobel Centre this morning to meet with Pan Can people. Agreed that I will run my monthly surgery from there - 3rd Saturday of each month, between 11-12, starting 18 June. Opportunity for residents to consult with me and me to consult with them. They agreed to publicise on their noticeboard and in their future newsletters. Had a very useful exchange of ideas for the future
Finished off my first newsletter, which is more of a 'thank you' really. Newport Labour comrades will help me to get it out over next 2/3 weeks. Will return to our usual political style in late summer
Spent afternoon at County Hall being further inducted and clearing out the Labour Group room.
Agreed with Deborah that she will go on the new, single Scrutiny Committee for the first year and that I will do the Care, Health & Housing Policy Commission. We also have a place on the Regulatory Committee (Planning, etc), which we will sort out next week. I don't really want my hands tied on that committee with so much planned for Pan.........
At last the weekend.
Finished off my first newsletter, which is more of a 'thank you' really. Newport Labour comrades will help me to get it out over next 2/3 weeks. Will return to our usual political style in late summer
Spent afternoon at County Hall being further inducted and clearing out the Labour Group room.
Agreed with Deborah that she will go on the new, single Scrutiny Committee for the first year and that I will do the Care, Health & Housing Policy Commission. We also have a place on the Regulatory Committee (Planning, etc), which we will sort out next week. I don't really want my hands tied on that committee with so much planned for Pan.........
At last the weekend.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
BULL OF DOLD
Got my usual post election head cold. All that unaccustomed fresh air catches up with you and then strikes when you relax. Having a day off - already ! Catching up with the numerous things I have to do.
Pan Neighbourhood Partnership Board have advised me I am now a full voting member. As I went to their last meeting, I know what to expect and am looking forward to getting involved.
Pan Neighbourhood Partnership Board have advised me I am now a full voting member. As I went to their last meeting, I know what to expect and am looking forward to getting involved.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
SCRUTINY, WHAT SCRUTINY ?
Learnt today that the Tories are going to reduce the previous six Scrutiny (Select) Committees to one ! Probably to be Chaired by Roger Mazillius - leader of the new independent group. So thats even less scrutiny than last time ! Though with the sort of majority the Tories have, scrutiny was always going to be very difficult. Seems an impossible task with only one committee.
Went to another induction workshop this evening. Only opposition member there. Feeling very isolated at times. Tories are all very civilised, but I feel like an alien at times. What's new !
Went to another induction workshop this evening. Only opposition member there. Feeling very isolated at times. Tories are all very civilised, but I feel like an alien at times. What's new !
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
THE TIES THAT DIVIDE
Went back to work today and did a whole day, so not much to say, other than:
Was sent by a staff member a member/officer 'protocol' issued by the ruling group that tells staff they must NOT call me 'Geoff' and that I must wear a collar and tie at meetings. Predictably not very happy, especially since this has been issued to staff without me being aware. Sent off a stern email to the Leader, disassociating myself from it, for what good it will do me. Probably get reported to the Standards Committee ......Even the Prime Minister says 'call me Tony' !
Spent early evening at Downside Middle preparing new Headteacher advert, etc.
Was sent by a staff member a member/officer 'protocol' issued by the ruling group that tells staff they must NOT call me 'Geoff' and that I must wear a collar and tie at meetings. Predictably not very happy, especially since this has been issued to staff without me being aware. Sent off a stern email to the Leader, disassociating myself from it, for what good it will do me. Probably get reported to the Standards Committee ......Even the Prime Minister says 'call me Tony' !
Spent early evening at Downside Middle preparing new Headteacher advert, etc.
Monday, May 09, 2005
FIRST DAY
Well its all official now. Signed on with the Chief Executive, had my photo taken, got my access card.
Spent the morning at a 'welcome' meeting. Old hands there together with the 26 new councillors, of which I am the only one not a Tory ! New Council Leader Andy Sutton talked about wanting an inclusive Council and giving scrutiny back to minority parties - hear, hear ! That's what we said in our party submission some three plus years ago. Also talked about letting senior officers manage the authority within explicit policy parameters. Seems like the days of LibDem interference in how many loo-rolls to purchase are over. About time.
In the afternoon spent time with the IT people to find out how they can help me make my life easier. They can, and how ! A pleasure to be advised by them. What an excellent team.
Left County Hall at 3.45 and detoured via Downside and then the Pan community 'Isobel Centre' on the way home- the latter to check their opening hours for the monthly surgery I am planning. Wasn't open so will call back later in the week to set that up.
Now got to complete the form to declare the vast business interests that I have .........
Spent the morning at a 'welcome' meeting. Old hands there together with the 26 new councillors, of which I am the only one not a Tory ! New Council Leader Andy Sutton talked about wanting an inclusive Council and giving scrutiny back to minority parties - hear, hear ! That's what we said in our party submission some three plus years ago. Also talked about letting senior officers manage the authority within explicit policy parameters. Seems like the days of LibDem interference in how many loo-rolls to purchase are over. About time.
In the afternoon spent time with the IT people to find out how they can help me make my life easier. They can, and how ! A pleasure to be advised by them. What an excellent team.
Left County Hall at 3.45 and detoured via Downside and then the Pan community 'Isobel Centre' on the way home- the latter to check their opening hours for the monthly surgery I am planning. Wasn't open so will call back later in the week to set that up.
Now got to complete the form to declare the vast business interests that I have .........
Sunday, May 08, 2005
WELCOME
Well here I am - an elected member of the Isle of Wight Council from tomorrow, and wondering nervously what I have let myself in for ! Of course, I am pleased and a little humbled that the people of Pan have put their trust in me. I will try not to let them down.
I have now recovered from lack of sleep and am finding time to consider the specific things I want to try to do over the next four years. Communication with the people who have elected me is one area I am very committed to - hence this weblog. Naturally I will also use more traditional methods, such as regular newsletters and surgeries.
I plan to widely publicise this blog and update it most days to let people know what it is like being a Labour councillor in a newly dominated Conservative administration.
I hope it will be useful, and your emails and comments are very welcome. Just click on the word 'comments' below, or the email icon also below
I have now recovered from lack of sleep and am finding time to consider the specific things I want to try to do over the next four years. Communication with the people who have elected me is one area I am very committed to - hence this weblog. Naturally I will also use more traditional methods, such as regular newsletters and surgeries.
I plan to widely publicise this blog and update it most days to let people know what it is like being a Labour councillor in a newly dominated Conservative administration.
I hope it will be useful, and your emails and comments are very welcome. Just click on the word 'comments' below, or the email icon also below
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