News, Local history and Thanet issues from Michael's Bookshop in Ramsgate see www.michaelsbookshop.com I publish over 200 books about the history of this area click here to look at them.
Comments, since I started writing this blog in 2007 the way the internet works has changed a lot, comments and dialogue here were once viable in an open and anonymous sense. Now if you comment here I will only allow the comment if it seems to make sense and be related to what the post is about. I link the majority of my posts to the main local Facebook groups and to my Facebook account, “Michael Child” I guess the main Ramsgate Facebook group is We Love Ramsgate. For the most part the comments and dialogue related to the posts here goes on there. As for the rest of it, well this blog handles images better than Facebook, which is why I don’t post directly to my Facebook account, although if I take a lot of photos I am so lazy that I paste them directly from my camera card to my bookshop website and put a link on this blog.
I've no inside knowledge Michael, but I would be amazed if that happened, expect a Labour/Liberal coalition to form the main opposition group.
ReplyDeleteAlso expect KCC's half hearted attempts at localism, including locality boards and members commmunity and highways grants to be ended.
David with KCC councillor’s special responsibility allowances being over half a million, a fair proportion of which I assume will be spread between a relatively few opposition councillors I guess the seven Lib Dem councillors have a considerable influence over who gets what.
DeleteI guess as they were able to form a coalition with the Conservatives at national level, them forming part of an opposition coalition at county level with UKIP, isn’t out of the question.
Michael, you are being naughty and trying to ruin poor old David's day. Labour have to find some comfort in these results when, by rights in a mid term election, they should have taken far more seats.
DeleteA dreadful mistake by UKIP. Mr. Latchford hardly covered himself in glory as a Tory councillor and I can't imagine that being one of Ezekiel's gang is something you'd highlight on your CV. I'd have preferred Trevor Shonk. Although he lacks experience of politics, I think this is what we need. What we don't need is the same old hacks spouting the same old lines.
ReplyDeleteRoger Latchford was actually a very good councillor and it is hardly his fault that one of his former colleagues should break the law or are we all guilty by association. As a former senior army officer he has leadership experience and has added a lengthy spell in local government to his CV. Trevor Shonk is a nice down to earth sort, but no experience in office and hardly inspirational leadership potential. Hence UKIP have probably made the best choice from the people they have available.
DeleteAs for how the opposition at KCC will pan out that remains to be seen, but as UKIP are unlikely to vote with Labour, I think it safe to assume that the Conservatives still have comfortable control. That, of course, could be screwed if Cameron persists in calling UKIP members silly names.
Cobblers, 10:12, Col. Latchford took the largest percentage of the vote in his division achieving a much bigger share than any candidate in any other of the Thanet divisions. You do not achieve that level of popularity if you were a useless district councillor or are you one of those that decries the democratic process when it does not go to your liking. It is not about what you think we need but what the electorate choose.
DeleteI find it interesting that very few of the people I speak to seem to think the Ezekiel verdict was particularly influential in the way people voted. The general feeling seems to be that the custodial sentence was way over the top for the crime. I get much more of a sense that people don’t get the feeling any vote in any direction will have any influence in what KCC do, or that any of the parties was offering anything much in terms of “vote for us and KCC will do more for Thanet” I am getting much more the sense that voting in the county election here in Thanet, made little or no difference to KCC but was a good way of sending a message to the national government.
DeleteHaving said that, most of or Thanet KCC councillors are UKIP councillors and I don’t see that anyone benefits from rubbing thase councillors up the wrong way.
As far as my blogging activities and pursuing Thanet issues with councillors go, my intention is to work with them.
Tomorrow's Cliftonville election will probably reflect the Ezekiel verdict more closely.
DeleteWell said, Michael, a very sensible approach, especially as Thanet interests are now largely represented at county hall by UKIP with just Will Scobie providing a link between TDC and KCC. No doubt our 'double hatter' friend would not be happy about that, but I feel such links between councils at different levels are highly desirable.
DeleteNo doubt that insidious anon who has waged an endless campaign of venom against Roger Latchford will continue, but I think the more reasonable amongst us should accept the will of the electorate.
You forget Zita Wiltshire is the only triple-hatter as she's on KCC, TDC and Broadstairs Town Council, having left the Tories to be Independent then joining Ukip.
DeleteThanks for pointing that out, Anon 1:27, but I have no problem with multiple hatted councillors. Meetings are planned not to clash and the numbers involved should not make it difficult for a councillor serving on more than one level to attend all regularly. It is how they perform that matters, not how many councils they are on.
DeleteOn double hatters William why would you fund the same person to vote the same way on separate councils? That's both expensive, wasteful/pointless and undemocratic isn't it?
DeleteLatchford was an appalling councillor as Deputy Leader at TDC hence resigning before his term was up over Chinagate etc.
An army officer hardly means leadership skills in itself, although the Wermacht did rather well for several years, and the Kolonel may well have taken lessons there given his extreme rightwing views.
But like yourself his age means he's hardly the future of Kent and KCC.
A factual correction, Roger Lachford finished his term as a District Councillor right up to the 2011 election, and as a Cabinet Member until that date.
DeleteNot sure about that Chris: definitely resigned before ousted hence Bayford taking over and Sandy clinging on until jailed.
DeleteP.28 of todays Independent carries an article on Roger and his racist references to Muslims etc that were part of his demise.
Again we have councillors dragging Ramsgate into the mud. We can do without them, indeed Buchanan seems to be running things.
With illegal overflights again today by KLM and Cargolux and missing monitors the sooner the police are involved the better.
Witness statements and court proceedings should see a few more jailed.
Perthaps you might venture from behind your cloak and be one of the witnesses, 12:50? Thought not for you are just mouth and no substance and a liar to boot. Cllr Latchford did not stand for re-election in 2011, but completed his term in office up to that point. That is indisputable fact easily checked from the council and electoral records.
DeleteFurthermore, there will be no arrests for over flights by KLM or Cargolux because no law has been broken. If you think missing monitors is a police matter why not try phoning them. You are just a sad joke with your pathetic allegations.
Eh? Anonymous accuses anonymous of being anonymous? Why were both Latchford and Ezekiel ousted/sidelined and replaced by Bayford as leader then?
DeleteUnfortunately your grasp of law is equally flimsy: negligence and duty of care would be relevant. Both monitors and overflights are specified in the airport operating guidelines. A pub without fire extinguishers and opening past 11pm would face fines and jail as would an airport.
You're rude and stupid and wrong.
Latchford stood down at the end of his term of office, Ezekiel resigned as leader pending his trial and Bayford was elected in his place. Simples that even a meerkat could understand, but, seemingly, not you.
DeleteI have a degree in criminal law and was a police officer. What is your qualification to claim such expertise. All I asked was if you think a crime has been committed why do you not report it to the police. By the way, breeches of airport operating guidlines do not constitute a criminal offence.
I am not anonymous, 5:39, so can I ask the question. Are you going to offer to be a witness when all the offences you claim have been committed are brought to court? Also, for the umpteenth time, why do you not go to the police with these allegations?
DeleteUnfortunately Anon 5:50 your degree in law may be substandard and you may have been a rather incompetent police officer.
DeleteThe law isn't just for lawyers or police officers is it?
The police have been informed and clearly you can see the councillors and civil servants scurry around.
And breaches of the airport guidelines do become a criminal offence with negligence etc - I made the loose analogy of a pub's fire extinguishers etc.
I thought Bayford took over after the BAWC and ChinaGate and missing monitors farce rather than your series of harmless coincidences?
Epps' points are dull.
He who recourses to insults loses the argument and, 6:25, you have still not told us your qualifications. There are no arrests linked to overflights, or monitors, or pollution, or Chinagate and nobody is scurrying around. It is all a figment of your imagination.
DeleteI have a GCSE in criminal woodwork and a PHD in policing nincompoops like you. If you reread the post it details how qualifications are not required.
DeleteYour other points on arrests for overflights, ChinaGate etc etc make me wonder why you wouldn't want arrests for corruption, pollution etc?
Are you a councillor or civil servant as then selfinterest would explain it?
Possibly you blog from John O'Groats so Thanet corruption or pollution would be of little relevance. Or you could just be a nincompoop.
I suspect the latter.
7:14, just read back through what you have just written and then explain why anyone should take you seriously.
DeletePhD is shown thus, not the way the poor sap above does.
DeleteYou haven't answered the points therein 7:20 on corruption etc. Answering a separate question without doing so negates the debate.
DeleteI thought criminal woodwork was quite funny. Certainly funnier than the Keith L Manston chap.
DeleteActually it was Keith L Mason and that was far funnier than criminal woodwork GCSE. Old KLM certainly had you going for a bit you thicko, 7:30.
DeleteKeith L. Manston and Michael Epps are recent mistakes by you know who. What do they say when you start to get names confused? Time to toddle along to the doc and get your dementia test for the years or all that bottled water could be taking its toll.
DeleteThey say you're spending too much time with twits like Epps and drab nitpicking when they've forgotten to explain substantive points like the 0%salaries fraud? Remember?
DeleteI do like how old thicko above then explains Keith L Mason is KLM. Incredible. But it was Kidney L Manston wasn't it? As in kidneys and Manston?
Will the lawyer-policeman be answering the point about why they wouldn't want arrests for corruption and pollution?
DeleteI didn't get Keith L Mason but I do now. I sort of get Kidneys Manston as a pun on Keith and Manston and kidneys. Neither are particulalry funny.
DeleteI don't get Michael Epps at all. And does William Epps have a safari suit?
The point about doublehatters being wasteful and undemocratic was quite interesting but never got answered either Mr Epps. We are not 1950's Malayans to be bossed about and shot you know.
DeleteWhose is we?
DeleteThe anonymous Aquifer buffoon is posting as several anons, agreeing with himself, attacking the opposition and getting delightfully confused in the process. Must be something in the water. In many ways I pity him.
DeleteJohn, in his rambling much about him becomes obvious.
DeleteHe is clearly eaten up over certain issues ranging from the aquifer and pollution to politicians and bungs, not to forget, of course, 0% salaries. However, he has little or nothing to substantiate his claims, does not debate and insults those who seek further clarification.
You are right that he even confuses himself and although other bloggers leave bits of information which he seizes on, time and again he gets places, times and names wrong. This coupled with his ageist insults at others suggests a certain senility and an inability to come to terms with his own advancing years.
Clearly he must live in a very isolated spot, or he is a hermit, for if he had neighbours one or more would certainly have decked him by now he is so obnoxious.
I still think we should ignore him and just watch him engage with himself until his confused and simplistic mind implodes.
William 9:12 am,
DeleteI take your point. I am concerned that some of my comments to him might have bordered on bullying. Having said that, I am convinced that he achieves pleasure and satisfaction by insulting people. Perhaps, many years ago, as child he would hide behind a hedge and toss snowballs at passing elderly gentlemen. In his dotage he enjoys insulting all and sundry on blogs.
I have been ignoring his aquifer and political arguments. Instead I have retorted with such accusations of him tossing bread crumbs to helicopters. Which is a jibe that he often quotes as an example of my "thuggish" approach.
I know that the obvious approach is to ignore him. I have done this the past. He then posts a gratuitous insult about me in, I believe, a ploy to draw me out. Could be that he enjoys our exchanges? At the very least it gains him the attention that he craves and, more importantly, needs.
Peter 10:28 am,
DeleteBet they wouldn't.
Another vacuous comment from Mr Epps. Although that should be Councillor Epps shouldn't it of BTC and TDC Tories?
DeleteNo wonder the insults are being hurled at aquifer man and others in an attempt to dissemble around 0% salaries. Could you address that point Cllr Epps as it seems to be fraud. I would hope the public don't deck you for helping hide the theft of their council funds.
A view on the Manston monitors and council secrecy as a councillor would be of interest too. You seem to be actively living down to TDC's awful reputation.
Mr Holyer waffles about being accused of thuggish which is simply not so. The accusation on helicopter jokes was one of dullness. This seems correct as several people have mentioned whether anonymouse or not.
By all means comment on the pollution and prove otherwise but the comments are detailed and you've provided nothing except insult and your own subjective views based on nothing. Or at best Cllr Epps' ganging up with you.
Anon 3:37,
DeleteAquifer here you are again in one of your guises. You will later appear as another anonymouse squeaking up in support of yourself. No wonder you get confused.
Furthermore you are a mendacious little scallywag. You have frequently accused me of being thuggish.
John, for God's sake and the future of Thanet blogging, please ignore the pillock.
DeleteYou most certainly are not thuggish John. Definitely a dullard and twit though, with no explanation for the Manston pollution and corruption. No doubt if my football of opinions goes into your garden again you'll try and burst it.
DeleteIt's refreshing to see Ren pop up again as UKIP's suburban Eva Braun. Farage is your MEP remember. One day we'll hear something interesting or at least only semi-idiotic from her.
This is the Aquifer Man. Accept no substitutes, nor pollution.
I am amused by the Lefties in their continuing lamebrain stance that anyone who worked with Sandy Ezekiel is tainted with his guilt by association. The Left purport to be the party of fair play. However the reverse is true. This demonstrates once again that it's always those who preach 'diversity and equality' loudest who are the most vindictive and intolerant bigots imaginable.
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:50, you say that tomorrow's Cliftonville election will more reflect the Ezekiel situation. Be interested to know your prediction of how. Will the electorate flock to Labour because of the nasty bent Tory or will it be yet another surge to UKIP more reflecting the rest of the Thanet trend than anything else.
ReplyDeleteI would go for a UKIP victory with Labour no better than third, possibly even fourth if Louise Oldfield splits the left wing vote.
John, as you are well aware I am not a Leftie, but would you trust someone who is deeply involved in the Pleasurama development?
DeleteReadit,
DeleteI apologise for calling you, erroneously, a leftie. It was just the case that I always find guilt by association reprehensible. This would also include judging someone as a baddie for no other reason than that were connected in some way with the Pleasurama project. Albeit that there are baddies in there. The Pleasurama debacle will not be brought down by glib accusations. It needs hard evidence.
John, You may say that, I could not possibly comment.
DeleteLo and behold, William Epps appears and is suddenly across every blog with his venomous opinions; asserting that all anonymous contributions are from the Manston aquifer man (as if there's only one person in Thanet who is concerned about the quality of our drinking water).. Does William exist or is this a pseudonym? I think we should be told.
ReplyDeleteHe is real, because he told us.
DeleteNah anon the aquifer never reads what the post he comments on is about, usually leaves a comment totally out of context with every other comment there and often replies to himself also as anon about 10 mins later.
DeleteLike so many spammers he hasn’t grasped the point that blogs are about dialogue between people.
Well, Anon 5:21, where on this thread have I mentioned the aquifer man. I have not because it is about Roger Latchford becoming the UKIP leader and the election. I also commented on Thanet Life, also about the election, and the only place the aquifer man was mentioned was on Margate 35mm in aq post about Manston and, evenm then, no anonymous contributor was accused of being him.
DeleteIf anywhere I have said anything venomous I think I have a right to know so perhaps you could direct me. As to who I am, well, since I use my real name there is not a lot more I can do, but why you think you should have a right to know when you are anonymous escapes me. Anyway, I thought you were leaving because Michael permits chit chat between bloggers.
Anon 5:31 pm
DeleteDo you exist or is your tag 'anonymous' a pseudonym for twit.
I see the aquifer man is suffering delusions of grandeur suggesting that folk are commenting about him all round the blogs. He should be more into withdrawal symptons as people increasingly ignore his repetitive drivel.
DeleteAnother intelligent contribution from John Holyer.
DeleteDid we find out if Michael Epps exists? And what about this Keith L. Mason? Moves to a new area and immediately starts posting about local issues on the blogs.
Would you say your contribution is intelligent, 7:47, who is Michael Epps, or should you have gone to Specsavers, and why shouldn't someone moving into the area start following the blogs? Quite a good way to find out something about the area you have moved into. Then again, perhaps you think you are the only person who should be allowed to comment? Hope your meal on wheels was OK.
DeleteAnonymous 7:47pm
DeleteI ask you again, do you exist or are you just a figment of your own imagination?
I have not been following the blogs locally long, having only recently moved to Ramsgate to work at Manston, but I am fascinated by the frequent references to the aquifer man. Is he this person who pops up every once in a while twittering on about pollution, 0% salaries, China Gate bungs and double hatters all of which is complete double dutch to me as a newcomer. If he really wanted to drum up support for his cause wouldn't it be best to qualify his allegations with some substance rather than just the same old throw away lines.
ReplyDeleteWell said Keith although as a newbie you'll need to put the effort in to get upto speed rather than be spoon fed? But only of course if the drinking water and Manston monitoring is a concern to you. What do you do at manston?
DeleteI'm a water tester!
DeleteThanks for the interest 8:09 and in response I land and take off as well as fly over my own house some days. Not sure about your spoon fed remark as I am not asking for lessons. I will just pick things up as I go.
DeleteThe person at 8:12 was not me and the only water I am interested in is that which has been brewed with hops and put in a barrell. The other stuff rots your kidneys.
DeleteKeith you need to get a blogger or google id and make sure you are signed on to your account when commenting, your comment will then appear in blue andyou will also have the facility to delete it if you make a mistake, this will prevent people from impersonating you and will have no effect on your privacy.
Deletethankks michhel, buti thiink im to drunk!!1
DeleteLet's hope Keith or his children don't bathe, wash his beer glasses or indeed drink beer made from Manston or water. Although it's perfectly safe anyway isn't it? Our councillors and civil servants say so. What could go wrong.
DeleteAnonymous 9:25 pm
DeleteWhy do you not go on a diet of Manston water and publish the results.
Mr Holyer, you would be my choice as guinea pig for Manston water - it is safe yes? Peter Checkfield's comment is both foolish and incorrect - he should look in the mirror to see the obvious ravages. He seems to forget that a child or baby may suffer even more adverse effects. That's why Thor was banned and Manston supposedly monitored.
DeleteAbsolute cobblers, 5:10, our tap water is up to EA standards and you are just scare mongering. By the way, Peter is quite well preserved for his age without ravages though I doubt we could say the same about you. Think about it, Nigella Lawson eats rich food and drinks alcohol whilst looking georgeous. That health kick woman who eats all organic stuff and no alcohol, that I am too much of a gent to name, looks like a wizened crone.
DeleteSurely it is down to personal choice. There are plenty of centurions who have put their longevity down to a pipe of tobacco a day and a pint of best scrumpy. There are also plenty of joggers who have had throat grippers in mid life. If you want to avoid the water be our guest but please don't bore the pants of the rest of us with your rubbish.
Allan same old twaddle from aquifer man, suggesting the tap water is contaminated and detracting from the real issue that KIA won't comply with the EA and make the modifications to obtain an environmental permit.
DeleteCome off it Mallinson - an airport on the water supply and there's no pollution you say? Even the Environment Agency says there is, hence issuing cleanup notices that Infratil and TDC ignore.
DeleteWhat proof do you have? Check out the Save Thanet's Water Supply or the MOD chemicals/fires for details. Your other comments are inane and your blog double act with Holyer embarrassing.
And you, 5:33, are incredibly boring, very short of IQ and unable to sustain a proper debate. I said our tap water is safe and if you dispute that then prove otherwise. As for the double act, I thought you said that was the two ex RAF types, John Holyer and William Epps, so how did I suddenly get in the frame. Perhaps your powers of observation and retention are also in decline. Must be all that bottled water!
DeleteYou're forgetful or foolish Michael - here's your own "Something nasty in the water" post amongst several others: http://thanetonline.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/something-nasty-in-water.html
DeleteYou simply do not know nor are qualified to advise on the drinking water - it certainly needs rigorous investigation given the pattern of deceit and incompetence around TDC etc etc.
While Infratil's refusals to cleanup are criminal negligence.
Now he calls the blog administrator foolish in some sort of lesson on how to win friends and influence people.
DeleteMichael, how dare you have an opinion when you are not qaualified to advise on drinking water. Stand by to be sued if I come out in purple spots or grow green webbed feet after following your advice.
Name-calling, Mallinson. Naughty. Let me remind you of the protocol for the double act: Holyer posts then Epps then you. Then Holyer twice. Then Epps. Then on a different blog, then you. Do keep up.
DeleteCheck out the "Something nasty in the water" above and you - beyond your stupid opinions - prove otherwise. Next you'll be telling us you've fond memories of working/being stationed at RAF Manston/it's a great cargo airport/banned aircraft what banned aircraft etc etc.
Run along you foolish old man.
Holyer should pipe up now to maintain the double act protocol. I hope there's his breadcrumbs and helicopter joke soon.
Well said Epps although partially incorrect as always. The comment was forgetful or foolish. Your view is foolish. As it were.
DeleteAnd you now threaten Michael with being sued when he's pointed out there is something nasty in the water? With friends like you.
Isn't there your own blog you can post your elderly musings of Malaya in the 1950's, RAF etc etc, and be ignored?
Allan Mallinson's health tips for "centurions": booze and cigarettes. How could the NHS get it so wrong for so long. Where would we be without him.
DeleteSome people like 6:06 and 6:11 would not recognise a bit of humour if it was staring them in the face. What sad folk they must be.
DeleteWell said: we need Holyer's jokes to brighten up these dull blogs - or will he ignore us later!?
DeleteHe'll live to be a centurion with his jolly outlook.
I'm sure you're lovely Peter and the Thor water won't rot you from the inside out. Mallinson says it's safe.
DeleteThe EA say our tap water is safe. End of!
DeleteToo right 7:12 well said. Prove it.
DeleteAnd explain Michael's something nasty post water.
And the missing monitors at Manston that apparently are still being used.
Or the beach sewage pollution incident that was actually six incidents.
Or the banned aircraft that flew into Manston.
I think you have no proof at all save your vacuous opinion. I wouldn't bet my kidneys on you. I don't think you should bet yours on your opinions either.
Round objects, 7:21.
DeleteThey may rot too 7:25. You're a twit. Go away.
DeletePleasure if you go as well 7:33 for you are a boring old fart.
Deleteyou're being childish 7:45 and haven't answered the sewage etc points at 7:21
DeleteStand to attention! Mallinson tells us the water is safe at 5:42. Wait for it, wait for it, at ease! Phew, glad he's disproved all the problems raised by the Environment Agency, Southern Water, TDC and so on. How does he do it.
DeleteWhat a weirdo you are, 8:37.
DeleteWhat is weird about some joshing in response to Mr Mallinson's nastiness and random views, Councillor Epps? We are not Malaysians to be insulted and bullied and shot you know.
DeleteWhat a shame because if anyone needs shooting it has to be you, 3.40.
DeleteCllr Epps or is it Just William now? Can answer for himself nasty 3-40. You would no doubt Cllr Epps in his attacks on the public.
DeleteYou must be bloody old to remember the Just William books, 8:38, for my grandmother used to have some in her bookcase donkeys years ago. Does that make you a duffer I wonder?
DeleteBet 8:38 scweams and scweams and scweams when nasty bloggers extract the urine from his infantile comments.
DeleteAquifer, you dim wit, you do realise that you are engaging in an exchange with someone with the initials KLM or doesn't that ring any bells with you. They are winding you up old fellow and you are falling for it hook, line and sinker.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:31 Why does a KLM initial pose problems? You're Anon too. Keith though is interested in the water and whether it rots your kidneys or not. Good for him. What's your view?
ReplyDeleteI am appalled at Keith L Mason's elaborate jape on Manston and the water supply.
ReplyDeleteKidneys Like Manston (aka Charles Charlie spoon Buchanan)
Having spent a family evening away from my PC, I was highly amused this morning to find some of you have been engaging in an exchange with at least two other people using the initials KLM, one of whom lands and takes off from Manston. Good old aquifer, true to form, thinks he has found a convertee to the cause because KLM prefers beer to water. Probably Dutch beer at that.
DeleteMethinks you have been victims of a wind up, folks, but good for a laugh anyway. Well done KLM whoever you are or have you already taken off this morning.
Anyway back to KCC and the UKIP leader. I cant see that the Libdems and Labour at KCC will allow UKIP to be the opposition. Both parties have been the opposition in the past and enjoy the limelight and the extra allowances that come with being the opposition. So expect a coalition to be announced. They wont allow UKIP to enjoy these perks and the limelight.
ReplyDeletemanofkent,
DeleteYou paint a depressing picture. It seems it's all about pygmy politicians grabbing allowances and perks, and preventing any new kids from joining in on them. Even sadder is the fact that I believe you.
Not all bad news, John, for let Labour have the pleasure of a coalition with the Lib/Dems for a change and see how they enjoy getting into bed with those who change their minds more frequently than their underwear and repeatedly go back on things that were already agreed. I probably agree with manokent on the allowances bit, for have we not seen Worrow and Driver at TDC sell their souls for chairman allowances, but it is a close call at county hall with the Lib/Lab pact, if it happens, having 20 seats and the UKIP & others totalling 19. A couple of sickies, and there are some old codgers in the ranks, and it could all change.
DeleteWhat is depressing is that such pygmy politicians at local level actually think they need cabinets and shadows.
William,
DeletePicking up on your final sentence: this is redolent of my schooldays when at election time we were required to form political parties, campaign, have our own elections etc. Great fun
Local politicians desire all the trappings of Westminster, except it seems high quality unedited live transmissions of council meetings, in particular TDC. They may find a way to fund this by cutting allowances?
And another thing, he cries, what ever happened to the 'Town Clerk'?
John, the Town Clerk has simply replicated if Ramsgate Town Council is anything to go by. There seems to be about five of them all doing nothing. My favourite minute about a month ago was "Clerk to oil squeaking door" or thereabouts. You couldn't make it up.
DeleteOn a more serious point why is the call always to cut councillor allowances? Surely civil servant salaries and pensions and expenses and office space would yield greater returns, and are more secretive?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYesterday on TV I saw Will Scobie for the first time. Apparently he is only 23. But he looks to be in his late 30s. What a waste of one's youth being groomed to be a professional politician, with no experience of the outside world. A world that he will be compelled to view through the blinkered vision of tribal politics. There is much out there that he will never know or experience, including many good things.
DeleteIn the words of the Rod Stewart song, "Youth's a mask and it don't last/so live it long and live it fast". Still, if Will is happy with his lot then I wish him well.
John, left you a message about aircraft over on Margate 35mm. Meantime agree wholeheartedly about the self styled grandeur of local politics and some of the massive egos. As for town clerks, well Broadstairs & St Peters town council still has one and it is a system that works well. Modern day district councils seem to feel that an army of officers is necessary, probably to inflate their own self importance.
DeleteWilliam,
DeleteI have posted a reply about aircraft over on Margate 35mm.