As it happens I did apply to become a governor of a local school shortly after I was first elected to the council in 1998. The school was then contacted by persons unknown and told that I was a fascist and a racist and not the kind of person they would like on their board. Who might have said such a thing, I wonder?A bit of a cheek therefore, under the circumstances, to suggest that I am "not interested", wouldn't you agree?I note that in spite of my earlier comments you still persist with the falsehood that I am suggesting parents and other non-politicals who give up their time to become school governors are all involved in some kind of conspiracy. It is this kind of dishonesty, which seems to come so naturally to you and yours, which makes it difficult for people to take anything else you say at face value.I would urge any neutral party who is interested enough to ask the London Borough of Hounslow for a copy of the borough's list of governors and to take a look at the distribution of names for themselves. Your claim that "councillors were encouraged" does not ring true when one considers how many ex-councillors and other members of the party faithful have assumed key positions on the various boards around the borough. Evidence of their caring nature and commitment to community service, or a watching brief?Your preparedness and that of others around you to take your bitterness towards me out on others perceived to be associated with me is a matter of record. One recalls the abuse heaped upon residents concerned with the activities of Stanley Smith's and those on Worton and the Woodlands, not only because they disagreed with you but also because they were, allegedly, "Friends of Phil". One remembers the nature of the 'phone calls to local businesses who had the temerity to advertise in Village News. All of these incidents, which I concede are long in the past but which have never been publicly regretted nor apologised for, considered alongside the more recent "fire" and the various scurrilous leaflets, lead me to the view that I am dealing with people of a wholly different mindset to most normal people and that there could be adverse consequences for my children if they were ever in a position where their fate was in the hands of a teacher or governor from such circles. If this is unreasonable or over-the-top then I am sorry, but I am a logical kind of person given to deduce that one's conduct in a particular scenario, unless there is any good evidence to the contrary, is more likely than not to manifest itself in a similar scenario elsewhere.My children mean more to me than politics, or anything else. I have committed myself to making a sacrifice that I cannot afford to ensure that they do not suffer as a result of my activities in the community, activities which were not of their choice. I continue to support state education through my taxes, I have simply chosen not to claim a payback on my own investment.The fact that my children are the subject of so much of your interest through this thread, and that their absence from a state school within this borough is a cause of such concern to you, only serves to confirm to me the wisdom of my choice.
Phil Andrews ● 6242d