The Janus Columns
Observing the past and looking ahead.
Letters to Janus:
Janus:20110423
A new parish mandate...
...a new era?
On 5th May 2011 the parish will have its first election for councillors in many decades. This is not because there has been no opportunity but because there have never been enough volunteers to necessitate an election.
The office of parish councillor is an unpaid vocational one disciplined by both in-house rules, national guidelines, and the many laws of the country. There are few courses to learn the trade of a councillor and most knowledge is gained by time and the guidance of a good parish clerk, but the councillor can find it as rewarding as it is frustrating.
In the ideal world the balance of opinions amongst councillors should be wide and represent the broad wishes of the electors in all matters. In practice this can, and has in the past, become a source of friction leading to disunity as councillors coalesce into factions.
Wise chairmanship can and must recognise these latent coalitions and remain aloof from them by guiding a debate to its democratic conclusion. A parish council which descends into internal party politics is failing its electors.
Whilst the forthcoming elections provide the opportunity, at last, to elect and give mandate to new councillors there have been no new faces volunteering.
The sixteen candidates for twelve seats have all been councillors in recent years and sadly have coalesced into two factions already, both producing leaflets which suggest a new era with a fresh start to be difficult if not impossible.
The electorate will be voting for their preferences but also hoping that, once elected, all councillors will unite under the banner of a new era with strong leadership.
At the AGM it will be a wise forum that elects to its chairman a councillor who can be seen to be above the recent factionalisms and have the respect and support of all councillors.
Only then will there be a new era with a united and vigorous parish council.
(J)