This is from my occasional correspondent slot in the weekly Herald Express newspaper...
Thursday, September 01, 2011 Herald Express
IT'S VERY easy to take a spiteful pop at local councillors and, of course, any elected mayor. Nick Bye can tell you that and, whether you agreed with him or did not, the public rhetoric too often was both hurtful and, indeed, viciously spiteful.
Gordon Oliver is now in the firing line and getting many of the same hurtful, spiteful attacks.
ATTACKED: Nick Bye, left, and current mayor Gordon Oliver have been in the firing line for hurtful, spiteful attacks
.You see, we all have the right to comment but we don't have the right to be rudely insulting, especially when the nastiness is hidden behind some silly pseudonym.
The other evening I was allowed, with two friends, the privilege of speaking for five minutes at a council committee meeting.
It was to push for a change in the proposed 100 per cent increase in school transport cost to parents and guardians.
That sort of increase was draconian, way ahead of any ruthless utility company price hikes and hitting many families already struggling to keep their heads above water.
I quite like public speaking — how sad is that? — but my two friends do not and it took courage to face our elected members in the ballroom at Oldway Mansion.
They did so very well and I felt that our councillors understood their bravery in speaking publicly about something they felt strongly about.
Looking around the ballroom while they were speaking and thinking about how intimidating it all seemed, I wondered again about public gatherings in venues for local folk that might prove a little more user friendly.
Nick Bye used to encourage folk to have a say before council cabinet meetings and other councillor events, which was fine for those happy enough to stand and speak.
Nick also had his monthly caravan engagement sessions at assorted places in Torbay.
But I think these things need to be a little wider in application, hence the suggestion that we use the Riviera Centre for monthly mayor meetings.
The format could be inclusive and user friendly. Gordon?
Here is another little point that is worth considering.
Often a mayor or councillor has to punt an idea that has been promoted by council officers rather than politicians.
Poor old Nick certainly took many custard pies when others were able to duck out of sight.
Let me give you an example. The chain and concrete barrier around Paignton Green is seen by many as the fault of councillors but the suggestion and energy came from an officer of the council rather than a councillor.
These things too often get lost in the rhetoric and drift into history. But hey, you doubtless know all this.
Talking about Paignton Green, I happened to be wandering in the sun at the start of this week and came across something I have not seen for a while.
The green was packed from end to end with folk sunbathing, families picnicking, children playing and people just generally having a good time.
Sunshine makes all the difference and, after five bad summers in a row, our tourism figures dip.
Despite the hard work of our new English Riviera Tourism Company, bad weather just doesn't bring a smile to the face of an aspirant tourist.
Not helped either if large sectors of the local community seem intent in walking around with a face like a slapped kipper.
As I write, the sun is out and so the prospect of a swim in the sea beckons.
Come and try it – the water's fine!
Gordon Oliver is now in the firing line and getting many of the same hurtful, spiteful attacks.
ATTACKED: Nick Bye, left, and current mayor Gordon Oliver have been in the firing line for hurtful, spiteful attacks
.You see, we all have the right to comment but we don't have the right to be rudely insulting, especially when the nastiness is hidden behind some silly pseudonym.
The other evening I was allowed, with two friends, the privilege of speaking for five minutes at a council committee meeting.
It was to push for a change in the proposed 100 per cent increase in school transport cost to parents and guardians.
That sort of increase was draconian, way ahead of any ruthless utility company price hikes and hitting many families already struggling to keep their heads above water.
I quite like public speaking — how sad is that? — but my two friends do not and it took courage to face our elected members in the ballroom at Oldway Mansion.
They did so very well and I felt that our councillors understood their bravery in speaking publicly about something they felt strongly about.
Looking around the ballroom while they were speaking and thinking about how intimidating it all seemed, I wondered again about public gatherings in venues for local folk that might prove a little more user friendly.
Nick Bye used to encourage folk to have a say before council cabinet meetings and other councillor events, which was fine for those happy enough to stand and speak.
Nick also had his monthly caravan engagement sessions at assorted places in Torbay.
But I think these things need to be a little wider in application, hence the suggestion that we use the Riviera Centre for monthly mayor meetings.
The format could be inclusive and user friendly. Gordon?
Here is another little point that is worth considering.
Often a mayor or councillor has to punt an idea that has been promoted by council officers rather than politicians.
Poor old Nick certainly took many custard pies when others were able to duck out of sight.
Let me give you an example. The chain and concrete barrier around Paignton Green is seen by many as the fault of councillors but the suggestion and energy came from an officer of the council rather than a councillor.
These things too often get lost in the rhetoric and drift into history. But hey, you doubtless know all this.
Talking about Paignton Green, I happened to be wandering in the sun at the start of this week and came across something I have not seen for a while.
The green was packed from end to end with folk sunbathing, families picnicking, children playing and people just generally having a good time.
Sunshine makes all the difference and, after five bad summers in a row, our tourism figures dip.
Despite the hard work of our new English Riviera Tourism Company, bad weather just doesn't bring a smile to the face of an aspirant tourist.
Not helped either if large sectors of the local community seem intent in walking around with a face like a slapped kipper.
As I write, the sun is out and so the prospect of a swim in the sea beckons.
Come and try it – the water's fine!
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