I had a very enjoyable afternoon at the Salford Garden Party. It was an excellent event - fortunately after the horrendous weather overnight it stayed dry and at times the sun even managed to appear.
Along with a number of other Councillors I was interviewed by Salford City Radio for broadcast at a later date - I’ll post further details about the show when I find out myself. I also deputised for Cllr Karen Garrido at the Big Ask debate, which I thought was a robust and interesting debate - I hope that the local residents present felt that it was useful.
Thanks to all the events staff who did all the organising and to the officers and community representations who manned the stalls and helped with the activities.
Agreed a great day, something i have to add iain,what was the question why are people not voting? here was a chance to ask questions to our local councillors at the big ask, i felt it was to short poeple where there and i felt it went really well. yet you only had chance to amswer a few questions. Cllr Merry was there for the public to ask serious questions and no one really used the chance. Another point why do we not look at using the fromt of the town hall more often. Invest and make it purpose built for events like this.Take out large sections and make it fit for purpose hard standing with seats features who knows. any comments?
Glad to see the weather was there for us. I felt the ‘big ask’ was of a better format than the previous year with at least some audience participation allowed. Regards the debate I felt dispondant over some issues discussed.
When asked about promoting voting the tone seemed to be that it was in the 30% percentile range in the 60’s and its the same now so thats not to bad. I personally feel that our democracy is in a sorry state when only over a quarter of the electorate vote.
We need to look at the council itself, we need a more diverse chamber, a greater balance of youth and experience, a greater mix of diverse cultures races and genders, because at the moment I dont believe we have this. This is what turns people off voting. The fact the council seems to operate a 9 till 5 policy where panels and such meet when people are in work and education. We need a more open and inclusive way of making decisions, I am glad to see the community committees working towards these goals, I believe this should be extended to examine whether the council could include the public more on decisions which affect them. For when people see that they can effect change through participation then they will come out to vote.
One other issue was one of partisan politics, I walked round the event yesterday for four hours, one thing for Tom to perhaps digest was that apart from himself and one member there was a distinct lack of will from the rulling group to embrace their Liberal counterparts even in cordial conversation.
On a more pleasant not I would though love to see more debates being held in Salford and bring in more people and audience participation.
Well, it was nice to meet you both in person. Indeed, it costs nothing to be polite, regardless of differences.
Bizarre as this may sound to a group as small and close-knit (!) as the Salford Lib Dems but sometimes councillors/members from the other parties may not know who you are.
Honestly that’s not meant as an insult, but if Cllr Lindley hadn’t been around I must admit I wouldn’t have recognised either of you to speak to. Many of the larger groups on Councils of all hues don’t often know what new councillors in their own parties look like even after they’re elected.
There are quite a number of Labour councillors who will chat to anyone from any party. They don’t bite - but don’t expect the conversation to be entirely cordial either!