No. I don't believe that are all like that. But sadly far too many are.There are good councillors out there and there are good MPs out there, in all parties. Just not enough. Politics is a dirty game. You have to be very tough. But you have also to be able to listen, comprehend and never forget who you represent.The system makes it very hard to do that. It does need reform top to bottom.What we do see is good people with good honourable intentions, getting tainted and consumed either by power, greed, or corruption.Others get bullied, manipulated and used.And some, consumed by the whole lot.We've seen it here. Just look at the sad episode of the Keens and what they became. Alan was never like that in the early years. Let's hope the same does not happen to Ruth Cadbury.We're seeing it again with the current leadership and deputy and the cronyism and bullying that exists in both major parties. It's Wheeler Dealers V Power Rangers in a rather unholy alliance.New Councillors like Guy are what we really need, but will he become like the others? Will he get manipulated and absorbed into the collective? Will he be effective? Will he stand up for residents and his electorate even if his peers don't?I really hope so.One thing stood out in his welcome regular online missives. The amount of invited events that seem to be for politicians only. Who pays for all that?On the plus side, the amount of light and local events that he attends as a local councillor.It does underline that a ceremonial representative of the local town who is connected to the running of it is a good thing.Maybe we ought to have a ceremonial Mayor of Hounslow, But also Town Mayors for each town within the Borough and maybe a return to Aldermen and women who are not necessarily political, but do their bit for their towns.
Raymond Havelock ● 3528d