Post in City council elections, 1 May

May 02 09:41 UTC

Chris

I have steadfastly remained a lurker on this forum as I am usually far
too busy to get involved in long drawn-out posts, but I'm afraid you
have touched a nerve that is extremely raw.

I live in Quarry and my preferred candidate would be representing the
Conservatives. My candidate on this occasion (Tia MacGregor) had been
elected as a Lib Dem in previous elections and mid way through the term
opted to become a Tory. this is a course of action that is not IMHO
compatible with democracy.

Having gladly utilised the resources and goodwill of a political
organisation, a candidate if elected should serve the electorate within
the framework of the political party that they represent. If, for some
reason, they feel the need to distance themselves from that political
party, they should either resign or go (AND REMAIN) independent until
the electorate next have the opportunity to have their say.

I suffered this problem in a previous life when I was living in Witney.
My duly elected Conservative candidate (Shawn Woodward) suddenly became
a labour MP overnight! Perhaps you can tell me how that is supposed to
make me feel a part of this wonderful political democracy that,
apparently, I so 'pathetically' take for granted?

How dare you accuse local electors of apathy and describe their actions
as pathetic? Who gives you the right to judge our actions? I have no
respect for my allotted Conservative candidate. Something I have told
Tory canvassers on the doorstep on several occasions, and indeed would
have told her to her face if I'd  not been at work when she called last
night!

My decision not to vote in these elections was borne out of frustration
and not apathy. Have you ever stopped to consider how many other people
around Oxford feel the same way? I suspect not, you are too busy telling
us how pathetic we are for having standards and scruples that wont be
lowered at the drop of a hat.

Best Regards.

Mick

Chris Brewer wrote:
> We don't really deserve good government in this city, do we?
>
> Turn out was 32.59% - around two thirds of people simply can't be bothered.
It's pathetic.
>
> In my ward of Headington Hill and Northway three of the parties fought
energetic campaigns - and were rewarded with 31.17% turn out.
>
> Chris Brewer
>
> Info about Chris Brewer: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/chrisbrewer
>
> This topic's messages may be viewed at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1OxoPsyTt1yPgkTDTzu0js