| I'm not sure that things were anymore difficult for my cohort of councillors, we too had our problems - for one big one Thatcher and her merry band to cope with. But, we also had very experienced councillors who knew why they were elected and understood local government- not forgetting the much missed committee system. Whatever any of those who have to live with this 'cabinet model' nonsense may think, the committee system allowed a far more democratic and equal way of running things, and allowed much more oversight across the council's services. Also, I think we were all probably more involved with our local CLPs so did not lose sight of Labour principles and member's views. And I'm sorry, but whatever the drawbacks, when in the middle of a crisis affecting people's everyday lives you leave no stone unturned in your efforts to resolve matters. EDMO may not be perfect, but 'half-hearted' attempts are not acceptable while we continue to leave any properties empty, and what sort of a housing dept. have we landed ourselves with when they 'resist' any effort to address the problems there are? And where are members when this is going on? Why aren't cabinet members on top of these things? They are elected, NOT the blasted officers, and they need to be telling them what to do not sitting back and allowing them to do as they like, why else are they employed if not to carry out the policies of the majority group? |