Local Councillors

[Barmaid]

For the third time in recent weeks it has been suggested I stand in the local elections as a councillor. I am still thinking about it - I am committed to this area.

What do you want from a local councillor (city, rather than parish).

[bellazella]

Dont know how you find the time

[Barmaid]

Ask a busy person.......

[ummmm]

What will it entail?

I wouldn't have a clue what I'd expect.

[lardhelmet]

I wouldn't bother if I were you. The residents'll give you constant earache & the council officers will think you're a pain in the ar*e

[sandyRoe]

A local councillor came to a small meeting concerning a planning application that a few neighbours had objected to. He listened to what we had to say. That's a good thing in a councillor, I'd say.
You should stand.

[Barmaid]

Formal requirements are for 9 council meetings per annum. Plus parish council meetings, plus local community association meetings, plus surgeries. I can give the time - that's not a problem. I want to know what is expected of a councillor from the general public.

[starone]

I would expect a councillor to be fighting my side and not the council's. As lardy says constant earache from your constituents and pain in the arse from the council. However, you are certainly clever enough and could be heading for Parliament if you play your cards right. What party would you represent?

[Barmaid]

I'd be independant Starbuckone. I don't represent any party. I want stuff done in this area, I am will be buggered if I am constrained by the whip.

[Stevee]

What everyone wants is someone who looks after the their interests and if they come to you effective communication. You can't cure all ills but coherent replies and a decent attitude are what I want.

This is totally irrespective of party politics. I don't often go to see my Councillors, but I have never been happy with their reactions or reply's, not because the outcome is not what I wanted, but because it isn't explained why the decision was made

[China Doll]

Honestly I can't think of anything I would want from my local councillor, really can't imagine ever needing or wanting their help. But then I'm in London and so there's no threats to conservation areas (none near me!) or local shops or buses being closed or stopped which might effect a rural community which I imagine is the sort of thing a local councillor would get involved with and lead campaignes and such things. There's plenty of GP's and dentists, and the crime rate is not so bad.

I guess there is always the thing that when people feel they have been particularly ill treated in some way by a public sector body they get ask the local councillor to help them, so I guess in that sense you'd want someone who was articulate and fair but who could also sort out the bull from the brown stuff, (some people are very odd and unreasonable in their complaints).

For what it's worth, you sound like the sort of person that would be good at this sort of thing... especially given your occupation as well.

[Barmaid]

Thanks for your answers so far. Particularly Stevee. Sounds to me that what is wanted that someone who will listen and fight their corner if appropriate. Seems to me that communication is key.

[lardhelmet]

If you really think you can make a difference Barmaid, then perhaps you should go for it . Good luck!

[starone]

It is not only about conservation etc. it is also about personal things, like why can't I get a council house, I've got five kids and we're living in a cardboard box - OK I'm exaggerating a bit but just to give you an idea of the kind of things you might get asked. Or the neighbours keep parking their car in front of the drive and the police won't do anything about it. Sounds like trivia I know, but to the person who is complaining it is important and you will be expected to treat it as such even if you think what the hell are they talking about.

[Barmaid]

Thanks China, very nice of you to say. And I can I just say that your latest CL shoes are very fetching!!! lol

Yes Starbuck, I kind of guessed that. My job involves dealing with what others would view as "little things" but which I know become "big things". I litigate over "principles", so I suppose I do have an understanding of how people think.

I'll think about it. I always dismissed it, but perhaps the ward I have been asked to stand in needs someone with some balls.

[Barmaid]

Anything additional anyone can add about what they want from a councillor though, I'd be grateful of...... seems listening is key though (OK, I'd reached that my conclusion myself, but I just wanted to ask peeps what they WANT)

[beegeebee]

Proof that you have done what was asked and the result of your efforrts on behalf of the injured(?) party. No pussyfooting-Just tell it as it is, straight and honest.

[TWR]

As long as you do what you have been elected to do & do it well Barmaid, good luck to you, I'm afraid I would get kicked out in the first meeting as I'm very outspoken & will fight for any one's rights, a lot of these councillors go into it to see what they can get out of it.

[Barmaid]

Some more good views. But TWR, I am not in it to get something out of it, if (and it's a big "if" right now) I am going into it to show the current administration that they can't run rough shod over people's views. I would not be popular on the council. I'm looking for popularity, I'm looking to see what little I can put back. I'm not great on committees - the last two I was on where I became chair I mangaged to abolish because I thought they were talking botox and achieved naff all.

Anyway, never mind me, I am more concerned with "you".

[Barmaid]

Knickers. I said this "I'm looking for popularity, I'm looking to see what little I can put back"

and I meant to say this "I'm NOT looking for popularity, I'm looking to see what little I can put back"

For Funks Sake, perhaps the inability to type after 8pm should disqualify me.

[Wharton]

When's the election?