Standing for local council

[whole diary]

[grahame]

On a different note, "Beanacre" and "Berryfield" – do you live in "The Shire"?  :

Ooh arrr, aye, we does!   Note also Sandridge, Blackmore and Woodrow, Bowerhill and Cow's Lip Mews. 

[eightf48544]

Trustee of a charity is also onerous, but the one public post that's changed and is still not paid ism school governor. You know have to take on lots of financial and legal responsibility.

[kevb8ll]

I think it's important for people to get involved in their local community. Whether that is as a trustee, governor, councillor or whatever.

I am an elected member and despite the frustrations of shrinking budgets, really enjoy the role. You meet some incredible people.

[grahame]

I think it's important for people to get involved in their local community. Whether that is as a trustee, governor, councillor or whatever.

Welcome to the forum!

I very much agree - but that may be getting involved as "x" OR "y" OR "z" and not as "x" AND "y" AND "Z".

My personal decision is that I don't know enough, or have enough interest or time, to be involved in a wide range of local issues to my own satisfaction, so I choose to do fewer things and try and do them (or attempt to) to a satisfactory level.

I will confess to being very disappointed indeed in some of our new local councillors and on first indications feel that I could have done a better job ... jumping in with 2 feet with limited knowledge; two look like bulls in china shops.  Some of the others seem really rather good.

[kevb8ll]

The thing is, you rarely know much about things before getting involved. In my opinion that shouldn't preclude you from standing. Having an interest in a subject / cause / area will help, but I have learnt loads in my time as a councillor (about 8 years now on different authorities).

[grahame]

The thing is, you rarely know much about things before getting involved. In my opinion that shouldn't preclude you from standing. Having an interest in a subject / cause / area will help, but I have learnt loads in my time as a councillor (about 8 years now on different authorities).

I would agree with you - great if you have the time, and desire and inclination to learn.   Personally my "spare" time goes on very specific technical stuff in one particular area.   

I admire those who do stand and say "I don't know yet - I'm learning". But frankly, I resent those who don't know but pretend they do  - especially where (two examples I have just seen) they apply that pretence to creating a fuss, getting facts wrong, then head off on 4 weeks holiday (shorter in the other case) leaving a message to say they'll consider replying when they get back.