| I think this is a combination of things Keith, at the risk of being boring one of the major flaws is this 'cabinet' sytem of governance in local politics, this gives too much power to too few chosen people. Going back to the committee system that involved ALL councillors to a much greater degree and provided much more oversight and scrutiny, although probably needing more staff to administrate might be a big help. There is also the issue of complacency, we have such politically entrenched areas around the borough and indeed the country as a whole. We should perhaps really think about teaching civic studies - call it what you will - so that people really understand the system we live by, and the way it works and the effect it has on our daily lives and the places where we live. For too many of us taking an interest maybe an exercise once every four/five years, yet think of the issues we have just in this borough. The appalling development in Brentford, ditto the threats of further development in Isleworth from the Northumberland Estate, these road closures and cycle lanes all over the borough. The massive proposed development of Tesco at Osterley. The intransigent attitude at times from Hounslow council to actively and meaningfully engage with local people. From time to time people get really upset and het up - why on earth groups that are particularly concerned don't consider organising and campaigning together and putting up their own candidates at local elections is a mystery. It can, and has been done, there are some local councils in this country run by resident's/ratepayer's representatives. Most of all the people who currently stand for election for whichever party they belong to, perhaps should- once elected - question why they want to do the job, personal gratification, a desire to improve their local area, the imposition of a political ideology, or to actually represent the electorate and their wishes? |