Public must attend to watch their councillors (From Bucks Free Press)

Public must attend to watch their councillors

12:00am Tuesday 7th August 2012 in Your Letters

RE: The recent changes at Beaconsfield Town Council which includes the creation of a leader by the Conservative majority.

ROY Gibbons asked some interesting questions about the position of council leader in last week’s paper. I have been trying to get answers to many of these questions in the past six months.

The new schedules of committees and leadership were presented to the whole town council in May 2011. There was no open debate; all discussion had taken place prior to the meeting by the Conservative councillors. There is no job description for the post of leader. The standing orders of the council were not amended until April 2012.

It is possibly a good idea to have a council leader who provides leadership and stability to the whole council. This post should not be a party political appointment and should encourage trust and good communication between all councillors. Councillors should be empowered to use their skills and work as a team for our town.

Currently one third of councillors have been disenfranchised and have no input into decision making.

There is little opportunity for good debate in council meetings. Too much time is wasted on petty argument about procedure.

This is not the best way to run a local council.

The ultimate answer to these issues is in the hands of the residents of Beaconsfield. Council meetings are held in public and yet the public rarely attend. Residents happily vote for candidates by the colour of their badge, without challenging their behaviour. Please attend your local council meetings. An audience will encourage all councillors to improve behaviour and thus make good and fair decisions for Beaconsfield.

Deborah Sanders, Seeleys Close, Beaconsfield

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