I was agreeing with your post until I got to the last sentence, when it comes to running councils I'd say there's not much to choose between the parties. Of course it should be civic duty first and foremost, and that was always the way. Unfortunately once money rears its ugly head then it is the first casualty in local politics. You would be right to question the motives and behaviour of some of the current bunch, just read Private Eye now and again. But to be fair lots of these things are up to us, we need to challenge where necessary, ask the awkward questions, attend local meetings like the Area Forums and refuse to be fobbed off. I have noticed that some councillors go remarkably quiet when you challenge some of their more bizarre comments, and even when faced with evidence they are wrong via an FoI submission they simply clam up.
Vanessa Smith ● 515d