I've been to meet Llanbrynmair Community Council tonight to discuss issues of importance to that part of West Montgomeryshire. (No doubt, this will cause the usual comments asking why the Council should waste time talking to me.) It was great practice for my Welsh because Llanbrynmair is one of the rare Councils which conducts its business in the language of the gods. Anyway, one of the main issues of concern is inadequate investment in the roads of Montgomeryshire. And then I checked my emails and, lo and behold, this afternoon I'd received copy of a press release from Conservative Shadow Minister for Economic Development, David Melding informing me how displeased he is that there are now 200,000 potholes in Wales. My first reaction on being told of this dire position, was "How on earth does he know ?" Who's been out there counting them, and has he included the 8 potholes on the minor road to my mother-in-law's bungalow?
I don't think there is any denying that there are more potholes about than there used to be. Local authorities claim this is because they do not have enough money to fill them all in. There is now one pothole for every 15 people in Wales. and it leads to much inconvenience and cost. Only today, I had to replace a wrecked tyre on my car - probably caused by one of Montgomeryshire's potholes. And with my extra wide wheels, its not cheap. Perhaps there would be less potholes if shovels were bought for all those people who have been out there counting them. Potholes will be one of the issues which will feature in next weeks discusions amongst the 9 Conservative candidates from Montgomeryshire, who have put their names forward as candidates for next months Powys County Council elections.
6 comments:
"I've been to meet Llanbrynmair Community Council tonight to discuss issues of importance to that part of West Montgomeryshire. (No doubt, this will cause the usual comments asking why the Council should waste time talking to me.) "
Like it or lump it, it's true.
They are elected, they have well paid officers, you are surplus to need.
You just like showing up to be seen.
leo - wrong on most counts. The Council does not have any paid staff, unless you count the clerk, who I may have a small allowance. The meeting was arranged by the Council, who must see some value in meeting me. And there was no-one there to see, except for the Coucillors themselves. You don't seem to know much about the Coucil.
Our political system is overwhelmingly geared towards the 'incumbant', but I really don't see why I should go along with it. I'm going to try to win Montgomeryshire at the next General Election, and those who don't like it are going to have to 'lump it'.
"The Council does not have any paid staff, unless you count the clerk"
I thought you meant the county type council.
God you must be bored at home to go to the council that has no pull!
The only council that does have any weight would be the county, I take it you could only go there as an observer.
I think if you may still have to lump it glyn, not least by your own party.
Leo - You don't really understand the concept of public service. I do meet officers and councillors of the County Council on various issues and quite often - and I'm currently working with 9 candidates from Montgomeryshire who are standing in next months Powys County Council elections. If we are successful, and it would be a first for us in Montg.. And we will have the first elected members of our team, which will please you and us. I'll post on this on May 2nd.
I enjoy meeting Community Councils. Usually there are about 10 Councillors, and a part-time clerk who care very much about their community - and so do I. Last night was special for me because it was conducted only in the Welsh Language, which is still a challenge for me. I'm not interested in politics for some personal advancement - bit past all that. I simply enjoy helping Montgomeryshire communities look after their communities - which would probably bore many people, but not me. I'm pleased that you comment on my blog, and I'm happy to discuss politics, but it would be easier if you adopted a less contempuous attitude.
Out of interest Glyn, how imprtant do you think the votes of y "Faldwyn Gymraeg" could be? I'm guessing here, but I suspect that West Montgomery has historically voted either Liberal or Plaid given the pattern in the adjoining parts of Merionnydd and Ceredigion. Do you think you might have a chance of reversing the equation given your own views on cultural and constitional issues?
anon - Don't know. But that was not why I learned to speak Welsh. I did it because I wanted to. Becoming bilingual has changed me, and my attitudes towards Wales. For exampl, its made me obsessively keen to see devolution be a success. When I speak to councils in 'Welsh' Wales, I feel totally at home. But don't know whether it will make any difference to the way they vote.
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