PaulRogan

Was last weeks vote really about local issues or a judgment on the performance of local Councillors?

It seems there was only one factor on the electorate's radar. Add more Blue to get less Brown.

Waste collection, education, libraries, public services and facilities, even Country were minor considerations, if considered at all.

It was not only the ‘Brown' Party which suffered. Smaller Parties and Independents have all taken the hit too. What seems most unfair to many, from Livingston down to all the hard working Councillors is that they have to carry the can for the man who is getting off Scot-free.

BBC NEWS | Politics | English party plays the long game

One small step nearer an English Parliament.

Many feel that, with only a third of seats in local authorities up for election not really much can change. There could be a big change in London and also in those Metro areas where elections are all out. Good reasons in my view to keep pressing for directly elected executives and all out elections for councils every 4 years.

Surely, isn't that the reason for elections? Either to change completely that which you don't want or to endorse fully that which you do.

However, in the present situation, if local electors support smaller Parties on May 1^st, instead of just voting for the ‘Big Two', it may not change the price of bread on May 2^nd but it could certainly change the future policies of both Labour and Tories before the next General Election. Surely that is a change which must be worth your vote.

Paul Rogan, Chairman Bradford & Calderdale English Democrats.

After I had written the above, I read Colin Drury's Courier Opinion last Friday and felt many of the sentiments he expressed could easily have been my own. Had it not been during an election period, I would have put a comment on the Courier website pointing readers (and Colin) to the EDP website, manifesto and policy statements. Opinion link:- http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/colin-drury/A-mayor-would-get-my.4020667.jp

Published & promoted by Cllr Paul Rogan on behalf of The B&C English Democrats, both at 363 Stainland Rd, Stainland, HX4 9HF.

Calderdale is hoping to be rescued from the doldrums by having the sparkle and tourist attraction of Robin Hood's grave at Clifton open to the public.

The memory of that great Englishman stirs us still and takes us back to a time before the Scots had come down to rule over us and long before the ‘Developer Barons' had concreted over our green and pleasant land. Oh what glorious memories, like when Labour was the Party of the People. These days they rob the poor to pay their expenses and salaries in Westminster. Oh yes Robin, your idea was better, please come and save us all!

Paul Rogan, Chairman English Democrats Party, Bradford & Calderdale

Published & promoted by Cllr Paul Rogan on behalf of The B&C English Democrats, both at 363 Stainland Rd, Stainland, HX4 9HF.

Perhaps it is because of the high media coverage over Gordon's abolition of the 10p tax band that so many people approached me today, raising old but not forgotten frustrations and anger over Councillor's salaries.

The complaints came fast and furious. 40% salary increases! Free laptop computers! Free holidays! And still they don't fill in their time sheets!

I was able to say, about the 43% pay increase, this Councillor at least refused to accept it until the issue went before the electorate and the ballot box in the ‘all-out' election.

I campaigned and voted against Councillors being given free laptops.

I haven't had a holiday, freebee or otherwise in over 6 years, (more fool me).

The English Democrats believe Councillors should not be paid a fixed salary. Community work and activities are the most important duties of a ward Councillor.

I was delivering leaflets in the Field Lane area and decided I must take these views of the man in the street on board.

I have now encapsulated today's popular view into a leaflet: -

English Democrats keep hearing your concerns about Councillors free laptops, 43% pay increases and incomplete time sheets? We hear when you say, ‘when Councillors weren't paid, we seemed to see more of them'. We agree! But did you know your two Rastrick Tory Councillors get nearly £60,000 a year? This excludes ‘freebees' like trips to South Africa. It all comes out of your money? Do you think you get value for money from your Tory Councillors?

Isn't it time for a change from all the old ways?