First town council meeting of the new year, not much on the agenda except an item introduced by Judith Picthall regarding climate change. Not really a contentious issue you would think, I mean we're all so aware these days and 99% of scientists agree that we are adding to climate change. She proposed we look at ways the council could take a lead in demonstrating our commitment to saving energy.
So it came as some surprise when a few conservative councillors seem to poo poo the whole notion, whilst others thought we shouldn't tell people how to run their businesses. Whatever we do would be inconsequential so we should do nothing. WHAT!
Really you should have been there, when our mayor quipped that he thought Gordan Brown had already saved the world, well I had to let out an audible hiss.
Judith wanted us to cut our immisions by 10%, a very laudable target and one that the council should have wholeheartedly got behind, but no, the debate dribbled to a very unsatisfactory conclusion where the mayor, deputy mayor and town clerk would have a conversation to see if there was anything we could do to lower our energy consumption. This will result in nothing being done, believe me. With the attitude of your conservative weighted council who we will carry on blindly ignoring the warnings, and believe that the big countries of china,India and America have to act first before we do anything, before Ulverston can make a difference. Well I disagree.
Well done.
ReplyDeleteMind you I'm finding a 10% cut is difficult when you've already done everything you can think of already!
Heat pumps and Solar panels are the next option.
Once again Ulverston Councillors are dragging their feet. Can't those that are convinced actually do something. Come up with a list of proposals where the Town Council could save energy.
And on a parellel tack, how about launching a project whereby local residents can grow veg in public places - lead by example as has been done in Brighton and more recently:
"The idea taking shape in Clitheroe is to replace flowers with edible vegetables and offer a modest "pick-your-own" service of plantings to anyone passing by."
How about a commitment from Phil Lister, Labour, to do something a bit different when he is Mayor next year?
Why do we always have to feel that Ulverston is 30 years behind the times. I agree that Conservative Councillors don't inspire but then neither do Labour!
Don't bother with Phil Lister, he's a party animal.
ReplyDeleteI wrote to Norman the Mayor three days ago. Over the years I have written to my town councillor, Mr Hodgson, on various occasions. From neither Norman nor Mr H do I get a reply.
Is it the policy of Town councillors not to reply to emails?
I really would like a reply to this!
Ian L
Hey there Mr bloggy, I can't speak for the other councillors on this no reply to emails stuff, and as far as I know there certainly isn't a policy, but you never know. However they're all getting on a bit and may not be up to speed on electronic mail. NBR often tells us that his computer has broken down, mmmmmmmmm, maybe.
ReplyDeleteI've only found one person to consistently reply to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's James Airey.
I suspect that they are scared stiff of having their statements examined.
I finally got a chirrup out of NBR the other day - the first time ever!
And then again Brian Wilkinson can be downright abusive!
Be interesting whether there's a change by the time of the next election when many more people will hopefully be asking for answers . .
They are still operating on the principle of "Least said, soonest mended" - which gives me an idea for a posting on my blog!
What a depressing insight into 'leadership'. Are they there to boost egos or work for the betterment of life within the community? I'll be asking questions at the next election.
ReplyDelete