Sunday 22 June 2008

OUR LEADER ON NAUTICAL HOLS?

I scoured this week's IOTG for 'Our Leader's' Weekly View' and had to settle for Smudger and Thom Morris for theirs. Nothing from 'Mowice' and nothing from 'Woger' for a Deputy Leader's View. Not only that, but IOTG seem to spell his name with an 'a' as 'Ezekial'. A source tells me that the Chinese in Hong Kong had the same problem with his name and would insist on Ezeriel as the spelling.

Rumour on the street is that hard-working 'Mowice' has disappeared for a break and clearly left no copy for Rebecca Smith over at IOTG to print.

Well I suppose his timing was good as the 'petition' incident of 12th June will soon be forgotten as will the result of the survey on Thanet's Premier Blog at www.eastcliffrichard.blogspot.com . It would seem that 87% of respondents to the question "Is Sandy fit to be leader of Thanet Council?" responded with a 'No' but the poll size was only 63. I cannot confirm the spurious allegation that 'Woger' was responsible for the 8 votes that said 'Yes' or that the Board of CGP were busily voting on ECR's poll last week. I think it is most likely that there are still some, although not many, who still really believe he is a fit leader.

I will just have to wait to see IOTG next week or even the week after for the return of 'Our Leader's' View unless ECR does some 'ghost writing' in the interim.

88 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Done Bertie

This has to be the top web site for losers that have a NEGATIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE




Backbone Biil from cliftonville

Anonymous said...

Maybe he finally has some shame for what he has done and realises he has lost the respect of the electorate, we can live in hope!

Still waiting for the tory young things to show their colours and contest the leadership, surely the National conservatives can't be approving behaviour such as marching into shops and hassling respected Labour lady politicians -not David Cameron's style at all!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comment Iris or Labour Group spokesperson. Think you are peppering all the blogsites and letters pages with your unbiased views on this issue, as always.

Anonymous said...

I see that Birchington's John Worrow has been out with Conservative Candidate Laura Sandys and County Cllr Chris Wells.. Whats going on there?.. look for yourself at www.minnisbay.com

Anonymous said...

"I see that Birchington's John Worrow has been out with Conservative Candidate Laura Sandys and County Cllr Chris Wells.. Whats going on there?.. look for yourself at www.minnisbay.com"

Thought he stood as an independent at the last local election - talk about leopards and spots changing!

Bertie Biggles said...

An NMA, 'Backbone Bill'? Sounds awfully American and not what I would expect from a fellow Tory.

The serious issues raised on this site have a lot to do with ordinary hardworking people who expect impeccable standards from those who govern them at local level. I cannot be held responsible for the erratic behaviour of 'Our Leader' and any impropriety on his part.

As a Conservative Party member, I am not happy with what I see and hear concerning the governance of TDC at the moment. This is particularly galling, when I have had the privilege of seeing just how hard many Tory, Labour and Ind councillors work on behalf of their wards and the people of Thanet in their own time and with precious little appreciation from or consultation by the 'Leadership'.

Anonymous said...

Maybe John Worrow wants to be the new leader of TDC :) but I looked at his web site and it looks more like hes going to work with Chris Wells. Tell me what you think Bertie www.minnisbay.co.uk is his site address

Anonymous said...

Just to put the record straight 1, 18.57 22 June was also a Tory until the last election - local -voted for Labour could not bear to vote for any of the tories in my ward. Will not vote for them again until they get rid of some of their representatives - nothing to do with me being a labour party member as the next comment said - just appalled at the TDC conservatives' antics and they are meant to be our representatives - when do they listen to us?
The next comment was just the kind of personal attack that they resort to and is typical of their nastiness and unprofessionalism.

Anonymous said...

Its Ramsgate's major event of the year this week, the European Water Ski Championship. What better time for the leadership of Thanet Council to be absent on leave?

Anonymous said...

"The serious issues raised on this site have a lot to do with ordinary hardworking people who expect impeccable standards from those who govern them at local level."

I think this is absolutely correct. I have increasing doubts about the integrity of a few - and suspect that they have motives other than the betterment of their local communities - in a couple of cases I know this for a fact! Having said that there are also many who work tirelessly for local people and those have my gratitude.

Bertie Biggles said...

23.46. Have just had a look at www.minnisbay.com and what an attractive site layout it has with links to Mowice, Woger and others. Nice picture of John (ex PFLT or was it PopularPFLT)with Chris Wells and Laura. No mention of China Gateway that will effect Birchington and the immediate countryside to its south.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps Laura has seen the light and realised not to be seen with some of the others and being with the likes of Chris Wells won't get abuse on doorsteps!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone told Ms. Sandys that Birchington is not in South Thanet? Surely Roger Gale should have been out with the canvassing group as it is in his constituency?
Ms. Sandys can't believe she's got S. Thanet sewn up yet?

Anonymous said...

no - the website note said out canvassing in Cliftonville - i can assure you that is now in her constituency - as of the next election!

Anonymous said...

Apologies, I misread the feature.

Anonymous said...

We must be the normal nice tories - we apologise to each other when we make mistakes - shame there are so few of us about!

Anonymous said...

Said tory Backbone Bill of Cliftonville

"I hate negative dudes with attitudes"

"But what annoys me more you can be sure"

"Is Irritating Rick when he takes the mick"

GEZOO

Anonymous said...

Sorry 15.51 I'm no Tory nor ever have been just someone prepared to admit I got something wrong.

Bertie Biggles said...

Nice, GEZOO! LOL, I think is the way the younger generation would describe my reaction!

A J Ovenden said...

Took a look at at minnnis bay.co.uk some interesting side bars, but overall a bit cheesy.
As for "talk Thanet up not down" we all like to do that afterall it is home but facing up to the truth is more my line.
Taking a deeper view of the Thanet Council make up, it is interesting that apart from Dane Valley Ward which they didn't expect to win but for the low turnout. The rest of the Conservative councillors represent wards that have very little in the way of real life problems people face. They do have an easy ride on TDC unlike many Labour Councillors who are up to their necks in real issues affecting working people in the more working class areas of Thanet. When it comes to a big issues Consrevative Councillors are not very good at dealing with them apart from follow the leader. A fine example is the China Gateway, Thanet has eight councillors represting rural Thanet and Birchington South under 2003 boundry changes had a extra councillor to give more representation for rural thanet as it was recognised rural Thanet was under represented, and where are they? and are the rural views being properely represented ? If any of those seats were Labour regardless or not if the council was Labour you would have heard some opinion.

A J Ovenden said...

Bertie, whatever happened to independant action and it's 90 members and spokespersons for every issue.
Political history in Thanet does have a habit of repeating itself.
There a very few councillors in the past that have been truly independant because eventually they join the conservatives because that is what most of them are, Conservatives. They normally give it a couple of years then change. The independent in Ramsgate Central harbour was truly independant according to his election address decided to skip protocol and switched sides within weeks.

Anonymous said...

Tony,

Beacon Ward that does have some problems voted out two Labour councillors in favour of two Tories. Mind you, the two Tories don't hold surgeries for ward residents, never produce a ward newsletter, one of them never seems to reply to e-mails, only one turned up for the PACT meeting. Easy number, if you ask me for those two. Labour still produces a ward newsletter that goes to every house with essential information that is of interest. Labour members out delivering the newsletter often pick up concerns and queries that they can deal with or pass on to others.

Anonymous said...

Beachcomber Beachcomber

Feed me a line

And I will deliver

In one minute of time

GEZOO

Anonymous said...

Backbone Bill of Cliftonville

And his sidekick Sandy Zeke

Such was their luck they'd had no ruck

For nigh on half a week

Cept a Geriatric or two who wrote "Jew do"

And Irish Iris with a tweak


(With apologies to Eskimo Nell)

GEZOO

Anonymous said...

I am a consevative voter but voted labour as a protest vote last time as I was just fed of this council's actions. More voter's will do the same next time!

Anonymous said...

You are a labour voter who voted labour and you wish what you are saying was true.

Bertie Biggles said...

Independent Action was perhaps a brave try but seems to have imploded, Tony. Rumours abound that Mr McCastree is not very Independent at the moment either! When we see Ken the 'Chair' having 'succession and progression'over that fine Planning Chair Cllr Hayton, one wonders if people remember that Ken was a Labour Chair of Planning in the past. Its difficult keeping up with changes in political outlook around Thanet sometimes. Personally, I just want our Councillors of whatever political bent, to do their decent hard-working best for the rest of us! That can mean stepping out of the 'mould' that Party membership can impose and be damned about the consequences. We desperately need independent mindedness no matter what the base-line in terms of political affiliation is. for example, all our Councillors need to look at this Gateway business from an independent perspective simply because the ramifications of their decision making will echo down the years to come.I wouldn't like to be in their shoes.

Anonymous said...

all sadly true - in the majority of cases only Labour can be said to properly represent their constituents at TDC but maybe it is because they are in opposition and have more time on their hands?
although i believe most Labour councillors are there because they are in it for the benefit of their communities and for no other reason, shame same cannot be said of all only some of the Conservative councillors

Anonymous said...

I am doubly blessed being a resident of Birchington North - two councillors who have little regard for their constituents. When it comes to elections however, no one stands against them and they are elected back in. How can things change when there is no alternative and not very nice Tories are elected by default.

Anonymous said...

think several of us bloggers need to get together and form the thanet independant party - it has been suggested that i stand but i think an independant on their own stands little chance of changing any mindset although it seems that Tom King is making a valiant effort!
bertie maybe that is something to think about?

Anonymous said...

Tom King is a good bloke. I am a labour voter and would like to see Tom as the leader of the Labour group. Tom is Labour at heart and votes with us every time in council. Truth be known all Independents vote for a party in general elections, and I would be pleased to vote for an INDEPENDENT LABOUR SUPPORTER such as Cllr Tom King.

Well done to Tom who puts Westgate first

Anonymous said...

Bertie, maybe with John in the Conservatives and Tom in Labour we are about to see the nice Cllrs making changes from within

Anonymous said...

While on the matter of Birchington councillors has anybody ever heard anything raised by Cllr Simon Day?

He must take the biscuit for Quiet Councillor Award. He has never commented on any issue since he was elected as far as I know. Would be grateful if somebody could verify oone way or another.
Does he have any views I think we should be told.

He is clearly a propery developer of some sort. For the last two years he has been slowly building a hideous bungalow cum house in Berkeley Road, Birchington. This started out as a bungalow with a cellar and has since been modified to have an upper storey as well!

It is still far from complete so perhaps his money has run out. If he has free time, we should hear about what he is doing to improve the life of his constituents, rather than melting into the wallpaper and hoping he won't be noticed.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to interrupt the flow of informed opinion but

GEZOO error message

"In ditty in fastest Milkman in the West cum Eskimo Nell style" error detected.

Detail: Following "Irish Iris" there occurred an inappropriate insertion cite "With a tweak".

Fault line does not rhyme with "Jewdo previous line"

Suggest amendement as follows

Remove "With a tweak" and insert (Choose) one of the follwoing three syllable rhyming ends which the error programme has given suitability scores out of ten:

Scooby doo (0 points)

Not a clue (Populist ad hominen
fallacy 4 points)

Kangaroo (Animal always jumping
no relevance 0 point)

Cuckoo flu (mad but infectious ?
only half correct
10 points)

wrong size shoe (phallic symbolism
smutty
inappropriate 10
points)

GEZOO (PS I have been asked to laureate including the characters "Claim jumpin Pete" ... who apparently recently asked Backbone Bill and Sandy Zeke down to the Northdown Spread to hold up a coach. "Big Wheeel Willie" whose branding iron upside down is the Double "M" whose baroness if Mighty Madge who has the mortgage on Big Wheel Willie's" spread. And Honky Tonk Mick the Mayor also mortgaged to the Double M.

Gezoo does not know these people.

GEZOO

Anonymous said...

Simon Day is in good company with virtually all the current Tory lot who seem to have lost the power of speech at least as far as media utterances are concerned. Apart from Cameron and Moores I don't think I've read anything from the backbenchers.

My own two councillors seem to be anonymous as far as the ward is concerned and I doubt if more than two or three residents could even name Crispin Crotty and David Lawson as their councillors. i hope they are working quietly behind the scenes for the ward.

Anonymous said...

Yes we can live in hope, certainly our ward councillors - un-named ward don't do anything but side with their mates when it comes to hammering local businesses unnecessarily.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps there's an embargo on all but the inner circle (Ezekiel and co.) and no one else is allowed to speak to the press except Ezekiel, Latchford, Cameron and Moores.

Anonymous said...

An interesting - and almost certainly an accurate - perspective, Anon 15.12.

Equally interesting is the fact that since the February debacle, I don't think Cllr Cameron has been on any local blogs openly, any more than has Cllr Moores (in fact he has appeared once or twice). Their restraint is remarkable, but also indicative of the very tight control TDC Tories are seeking to have on communications and public relations.

Will Thanet Life ever be resuscitated?

Anonymous said...

Senior officers at Thanet Council are coming around to the idea of developing a new "Master Plan" for Ramsgate.
Oh No you cry, look what they've done to Margate!
I have some sympathy for this view, nobody proposes a master plan for Broadstairs and that seems to me the most contented of our towns.
However, there are some decisions to be made about Ramsgate's future and so a Master Plan framework is probably the best way to focus on the conflicting problems and opportunities.
The first thing I would wish to say is that I would wish to plan primarily for residents and short term visitors, whether these are second home owners, friends and relatives visiting, day or weekend trippers, students of English, or boat owners visiting the Marina.
In terms of the retail sector, his means working with the trend of what is already happening with the growth of good and varied bars and restaurants, and specialist shopping together with good local butchers, bakers, fruit and veg, grocers and fishmongers. Any plan should support the market, encouraging more variety. There should be greater focus on cleanliness, less clutter, and good security. Traffic management and parking are obviously important factors.
More thoughts later on the Seafront, Port and the town itself.

Anonymous said...

11:36 Simon Day - builder\developer - is now Vice Chair of the Planning Committee - possibly hoping to get permission for more horrible tin roofed dwellings on tiny plots of green belt.

Now he is a far from nice tory and I have heard he drove the woman whose house he is building behind to a near nervous breakdown with threats and intimidation (only hearsay of course). She is known to an acquaintance of mine who has been trying to support her for the past 6 months and says she is still far from well and on antidepressants.

Anonymous said...

I guess simon has done nothing wrong in the eyes of the law and nothing will change EVER

Anonymous said...

How many homes does Iris Johnston have, and who built them?

Are you out there Cllr Johnston?

Anonymous said...

I think people should be able to build where ever they like if they have the money to buy

leave Simon alone he has a right to make money

A J Ovenden said...

Bertie, I always believe that no elected councillor sets out to do a bad job but I think many have a problem with allegance.Some also like it for the power and the allowances which have probably have gone up considerably from the £69 a month (taxed) Labour councillors got when they took control in 95.
But the underlying problem parties have at TDC is that when the political pendulum is pointing in their favour they attract those who jump on the bandwagon. The past two years have seen this happen to the Conservatives. It is a bit like football in the 80's, every other person was a liverpool supporter now it is man u.
Labour on the other hand has really got a lot on its plate at the moment, so therefore the structure localy is a lean machine because its remaining members are there because they believe in the core values of the party making a more of a fine tuned unified outfit locally and are representing people well.
But I admit it was different for labour in 95 to 99 and people jumping on the bandwagon did cause problems.
The conservatives on the otherhand are falling back into the trap that cost them power in 95 and are really setting themselves up for a fall allowing people into their ranks who are not really conservative , with the only obligation is to follow the leader.

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of a greengrocer I knew who was invited to stand as a Tory councillor way back when. No more a Tory than I was but it did give him a little bit of empire when he got elected. i was never convinced he was a Tory at heart. He just went along for the ride and enjoyed the wee bit of power he got from it.

Anonymous said...

Tony

Would you care to explain this then ?

Bertie has set himself an impossible task. To attack the Tory Old Guard without acknowledging their faults or sins or crimes.

I thought my hold up a coach quip was one you, as an historian of coach houses and rights acquired thereby, might enjoy

GEZOO

Anonymous said...

I remember back in the days of Thanetlife, an independant minded Simon Moores being urged by some of his bloggers to stand as a Thanet Life Independent.

He chose to go Tory, and Thanetlife suffered till it's demise with it beoming a Tory talk shop, and not the independent forum it used to be.

All credit to Tom King. Lets have more Independents who want to do there best for Thanet, rather than follow a mindless party agenda, and follow bullying leadership from people who should be replaced.

Anonymous said...

Total nonsense, Tom King always votes with Labour.

Anonymous said...

All independents that vote at general elections vote for a political party, unless an independent candidate chooses to waste their time and money to stand.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A REAL INDEPENDENT.
example, Cllr Tom King votes with Labour

Bertie Biggles said...

Geezo, possibly too clever in your 12.19 post for most readers to follow. I accept the point you are making but its today's problems,Rick, we must address although one in particular stretches back to 1986 and has been ongoing since!

Tony, a balanced and interesting post that I agree with strongly. The remuneration for active men and women is not an issue but must be so for those who are retired; the 'old guard'. It is those with many talents to offer TDC and who are prepared to sacrifice a great deal of time, after a hard day's work, on behalf of their ward and Thanet as a whole, who I have real sympathy for. It just strikes me as odd that real expertise and talent is squashed or ignored just because they 'haven't served their time yet'!

Just a thought, but rumours are very strong that Cllr Dean McCastree, whose independence I was extolling on a previous posting, has now joined the Conservative Group. This may have some serious implications for the composition of our Planning Committee? Will he have an independent outlook still or will he become 'lobby fodder' for 'Our Leader'? As well as 'Mowice' being in low profile at the mo, local 'word-smiths' tell me that they cannot track down a certain Ken Wills for comment on CGP issues. Has he developed nautical interests as well to avoid any 'flak'?

Anonymous said...

all the tales about Simon Day and his mate "wodger" mirror the treatment other councillors have metered out to those they don't hold the same opinion of - Mr Nasty tactics and i've heard as well as doing such things to the general electorate they have been known to do it to those who agree to hold office in their local party. We've been told of abusive phone calls etc to one poor conservative who tried to help them by holding office. He soon resigned. Where do they come from and who do they think they are?

Anonymous said...

24 June 2008 12:25 I have heard from a reputable source - who has it from the horses mouth - that Mr Day only stood for election to obtain a seat on the Planning Committee - this could be why he is so quiet - his mission is accomplished.

As a nice Tory I abhore this sort of opportunism.

Anonymous said...

another example of present tory meanness/bad manners an acquaintance of mine shared a taxi with one councillor in a senior position, said councillor got out first - "you'll stand my shout won't you mate! "luckily acquaintance knew of his form and expected nothing better so wasn't surprised- just speechless!

Anonymous said...

the greengrocer was not the first labour man to think he'd do better with the tories.Our new chairman of planning- one time fireman and labour man, is another.
His fireman collegues recall the occasion that he was in charge of their social fund which unfortunately "went up in smoke" !!!there was a mystery fire in one corner of his kitchen destroying all the funds and all the accounts - how unfortunate!
tee-total parties followed for many a month afterwards

Anonymous said...

"I think people should be able to build where ever they like if they have the money to buy"

After the Planning Bill vote, they will be able to. I hope that tower block is in your backyard.

Anonymous said...

The Labour party are destroying our way of life and all you can do is blame a property devloper Simon Day for being vice chair of planning and making money through his chosen job. shame on you.. Would you not want to make money?

Anonymous said...

last 2 comments must come from a Mr./Mrs. Nasty - materialism and wealth arent everything, caring about your peers and serving the community is what a councillor should be about not lining his own pocket by being on a council committee - how morally wrong is that?

Anonymous said...

on a positive nature there must be some tories who do serve their electorate well - any suggestions. None from Cliftonville west or east (none in west anyway!)any ideas - Birchington and Beacon ward suffer from the same malaise -where are there good tories?

James Maskell said...

Re some of the comments about Cllr Day, unless there is actual evidence for what is being accused, its probably best to keep it off the blogs...

Independents tend to lean to a political side in any case, such is the polarisation of politics on our Isle. Its pretty much one or the other. As has been commented by others in the past, the LDs just cant get a word in edgeways anymore.

Bertie Biggles said...

James, there is no accusation of impropriety concerning Cllr Day is there? A comment suggesting he has achieved his desire to serve the Community by specialising in an area he has some knowledge of, ie. planning is just that. I would hope those Cllrs with particular expertise in certain fields, would tend to use that expertise in the service of their community. There is sometimes a great deal to be said for having a poacher turned gamekeeper around the place.

Anonymous said...

One new Tory councillor I know has been working hard supporting disability groups within Thanet - Michael Jarvis. Hope his good work doesn't go unrecognised.

A J Ovenden said...

Annon 19:13 you do have a point and it really hurts me to agree with you that some tories do work for their communties well.
But what I cannot get my head around is why the Conservative party take on people that have been rejected by the strict Labour Party selection process after they change their name. Dean McCastree was once Bert Williams, Edwin Watt-Ruffel was once Ted Rufell.Perhaps the dark side of the force has really taken over in Thanet.

I was wondering if I changed my name to Roger Daylight would they take me on, but then I haven't been rejected by the Labour Party.

Anonymous said...

Tony - I was just trying to be fair and point out that tory does not necessarily mean - well - the dark side of the force - however, unfortunately from my experience, those that float to the top do seem to have more than a modicum of inflated ego and self serving about them to the detriment of the people they are meant to represent. TDC at the moment is governed and led by such people and we all suffer as a consequence.

Anonymous said...

Addendum to above post. Now that it has been mentioned I keep getting a picture in my head of the two Birchington North councillors as the evil emperor and Darth Vader - it is cracking me up!

Anonymous said...

Margate is now a mess and is decling further, and who is responsable for this? Even people whose views are consevative, are also now putting the blame squarely at Tdc with it's policies. There is nothing left to bring people to the town. The atempt to bring art in the old M&S building etc did not generate any additional benefit to the town. I went to Cantabury College, there was art displayed that was interesting and catered for all tastes, here in Margate we forced to see art which simply does not interest the general public. Ramsgate also now seems to be going downhill as Margate, with an increase in empty shops, expensive parking etc.

Anonymous said...

Why not support those small businesses that are here instead of always going after the big fish - Westwood cross destroyed the small shop businesses in Ramsgate and Margate. China gateway and Thanet earth destroying the countryside. From small beginnings --- come larger things as they say (i think!)
Cultivate and nurture indigenous stock first. That is what TDC should be doing.
Stel rad and Grupo Anton came here for the grants and cheap initial rents - here today gone to Poland tomorrow. China gateway might well end up the same way and what have they destroyed to line a few developers' pockets... it just doesnt make sense.
Trouble is none of the tories are rooted in local business well enough to talk to them to find out what makes them tick.

Anonymous said...

think answer to Tony Beachcombers comments about why tories take on labour's rejects is that they are SO desperate for mugs to stand for the council that they will take any willing candidate.
In another case a candidate who had previously left the party to form another party was allowed to stand for the tories again - although in a ward where he didnt get in! Imagine re-electing someone for your party who had previously divided the party to form another!Electoral suicide and Playing into the oppositions hand.
they must have been desparate for candidates!No-one wants to join the Nasty club!

Anonymous said...

I agree that councillors should go on committees where they have a particular knowledge; why therefore are we bossed by a bully who can measure you up for a carpet!

There again, we have education specialists who can tell you the best place to go and buy a degree or whatever!!

Does anyone trust any of our elected reps to do their best for us and Thanet, and not just play at minature gravy trains at our expence!

Anonymous said...

Anyone checked the connection between Simon Day and Ellis Builders

Mike Harrison said...

An awful lot of anonymous comments on this thread but just to put the record straight on some matters of FACT,

Tom King does vote with the Labour Group sometimes he also votes with the Tories sometimes, that’s what being Independent is about! unlike Bert who’s 100% behind the Tories no matter how outrageous the proposition is.

The other Independent Member hasn’t been seen for months and is apparently quite unwell although she has been seen on several occasions in Tesco’s and around the Town.

As far as I know Iris Johnston has only one house bought and paid for by her and her Husbands hard work.

A certain greengrocer was NEVER a Labour Man, it is true that he stood and was elected at different times as an Independent and Tory, his brother was a staunch Labour supporter and his Father was in fact a member of the Communist Party.

Several of the Tory Members mentioned have yet to voice opinions at a Council meeting as indeed has that formerly outspoken blogger Simon Moores, Brian Sullivan finally broke his duck at the last Council meeting after several years as a Councillor.

On the question of silent invisible Councillors who is Simon Day?

Somewhere among the comments is something about Councillors ‘lining their pockets’ unless I am misinformed a certain Ramsgate First Councillor changed sides a few weeks after the election “to get on more Committee’s and earn more “of course the fact that he was once the Chairman of Westcliff branch Tories is irrelevant, having incidentally left the Tory Party for UKIP as “the Tories were not right wing enough for me”.

I could also go on at length about ‘Independents’ who have got elected and promptly changed sides and publish a list of shame if needed.

I am also puzzled about the selection process for Tory Councillors, as I understand it Tory local Grandees identify someone who they think would be good Tory voting fodder then approach them about being a Councillor and if they are agreeable Hey Presto they are ‘selected’, then it’s a good idea but not obligatory to actually join the Tory Party.
Labour Candidates on the other hand have to demonstrate a commitment to Labours values by being a Member for at least a year before they are even considered.

Whilst your respondents are getting their knickers in a twist about these things an example of what is happening locally can be seen HERE
http://www2.canterbury.gov.uk/committee/ieListDocuments.asp?CId=303&MId=5767&Ver=4 I would suggest a quick browse to see how the local Tory Leadership are blindly leading us all into another unwanted and unelected tier of Government.

Cllr. Mike Harrison.

Mike Harrison said...

the link should look like this HERE

Anonymous said...

The greengrocer I referred to was a Broadstairs one. I think Mike Harrison may be referring to a Ramsgate one. I know someone approached personally by Cllr. Ezekiel to stand as a Tory TDC candidate who, unbeknown to him, was actually a member of the Labour Party. He was told where to put his nomination papers!!

I have heard of low morale at TDC among the workers employed by this lot. Hardly surprising they get demotivated.

Anonymous said...

we've heard mowice is known as the prick amongst the staff - quite an apt name!
of course morale will be low if they have no respect for those in authority and who would?

Anonymous said...

maybe it will benefit us if we join up with other councils perhaps they are better run than ours?

Anonymous said...

All this hot air expended on an obscure little website website will change nothing. Sandy and co must be rubbing their hands with glee if this is the best the opposition can do.

Anonymous said...

THIS BLOG SUCKS!

A J Ovenden said...

Annon 20:01 I couldn't give a monkees what Sandy and Co think. Anyway why do you regard debate you do not agree with as opposition.
Are you paranoid or something,after all it is only people expressing a point of veiw.

Anonymous said...

"On the question of silent invisible Councillors who is Simon Day?"

Councillor Harrison please keep up. Simon Day is Darth Vader to 'wodger's' Evil Emperor. May the planning committee not be with him.

Anonymous said...

Leave day alone - might want to buy your neighbours garden

coming soon to a garden close to you

Anonymous said...

Is it against the law to just be elected to be on a planning committee and be unknown by the people that live in your ward?

No its not, so shut up, or put up

Have a nice day!

Anonymous said...

Tom King has a Labour history, including unions... he votes with Labour most of the time.

Cllr Mike H you do like to tell porkies

Anonymous said...

Interesting to read that the normally very vocal and opinionated Simon Moores is silent at Council meetings!

Is there any record that the public can see as to which councillors are making their opinions felt at council meetings?

I am sure that there are a lot of Westgate voters who will be astounded at Simon Moores apathetic approach and will feel very let down. We were not happy at the way that the Tory party got rid of Annie Chater and forced Moores onto us in the first place!

Bertie Biggles said...

I am afraid that I am not experienced enough in this blogging business to keep up with so many comments and the flurry of arguments; please forgive me if I miss some very good points.

My first thought 20.58, is why does this blog suck? Please free to elaborate.

I am surprised that Cllr Mike Harrison's comments about this new set-up between Canterbury, Dover,Shepway and Thanet, that appears to be arranged by KCC and is called EKJAC (sounds rather rude) but stands for East Kent (Joint Arrangements) Committee, has not elicited comment. Could it be that there is as much interest in this 'arrangement' in Thanet as appears to be from the participating councils? I say this because it was to be effective from June and at the meeting yesterday, they did not even reach a 'quorum'. Their set up states 5 must be there but only 4 members attended with 1 observer and 6 absences were noted with Mowice and Wodger from TDC noticeable by their absence! So much for interest in EKJAC then? Is Wodger in low profile as well as Mowice? I cannot believe 'Our Leader' and his 'Deputy' are so closely conjoined that Mowice has Wodger along as a member of his crew to swab the decks or serve pink gins properly? I can't resist the thought of the Jolly Wodger being flown from the main mast!

Anonymous said...

Pity they cant be attacked by the Jolly Rodger and both strung up - their rightful place.
Where's the 3rd member of the trio in this, is he left at home to earn an honest crust. Train driving must be very tedious!

Anonymous said...

The Silent Cllr Day - I recall looking at his attendance record for meetings over a year ago. I had not heard of him. It was, I recall, not a good attendance record. I would check this again, only the TDC website is being updated following the May 2007 elections. Well it is only June 2008 !

Anonymous said...

I do hope you are just a wind up merchant 26 June 2008 22:28 and what you put is tongue in cheek. If you are serious I really hope that you have no influence with or sit on the planning committee.

A J Ovenden said...

Bertie considering that this item started with accusations that we are losers and have a negative mental attitude.
There been some very good opinions.

Bertie Biggles said...

Absolutely right, Tony! Good to see a lively exchange of ideas and opinions for a bunch of losers without the right mental attitude!