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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: marpleleaf on April 06, 2012, 06:29:32 PM

Title: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 06, 2012, 06:29:32 PM
The nominations have closed for the local elections in May.

The link to the Stockport Council website is here:

http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/councildemocracy/elections/localelections2012/sopn2012

Both incumbents Shan Alexander and Martin Candler are standing again for the Lib Dems. The Conservatives, Labour and UKIP are fielding candidates, as you'd expect. Many are old campaigners who've had a go before.

Marple South is a four way contest, while Marple North sees the Greens and Barry Minshall enter the fray. Barry stood as an Independent candidate most recently in 2010.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: admin on April 06, 2012, 07:34:29 PM
Here are some pdfs showing the candidates' details.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 06, 2012, 09:45:52 PM
I thought you had to live in the ward
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 06, 2012, 09:56:49 PM
Well !  I hope that  they all understand  that this term whoever gets elected will be accountable and answerable to Marple residents,  gone are the days when decisions were  made without consultation.   And before anyone votes the question needs to be asked, as to  why Shan Alexander sat as a Governour at CAMSFC and failed to give the heads up about the supermarket even AFTER she ceased being a member of the corporation.  I know what I will be asking her when she comes a knocking on my door and I would suggest you do too. The cheek of this woman never ceases to amaze me  :-\. Me thinks it's time for change ?  ::)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 06, 2012, 10:54:36 PM
I thought you had to live in the ward

Nope, But I do and to be fair so does Shan.

To stand for election you have to get 10 signatures from residents of the Ward you wish to stand in.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 06, 2012, 11:57:57 PM
I thought you had to live in the ward

Nope, But I do and to be fair so does Shan.

To stand for election you have to get 10 signatures from residents of the Ward you wish to stand in.

Jeez, there are 10 people who backed the Labour guy? Dave, Steptoe and who else is there. The place is going downhill if there are 10 of them
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 07, 2012, 12:10:48 AM
Well I would have to say that David Rowbottom impressed me at the Rally in the park, he seemed a totally honest chap who had Marple's best interests at heart   I am sorry to disappoint you Duke but I'm more of a Screaming Lord Sutch kind of  voter  :-*
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 07, 2012, 01:11:13 AM
I thought you had to live in the ward

Nope, But I do and to be fair so does Shan.

To stand for election you have to get 10 signatures from residents of the Ward you wish to stand in.

Jeez, there are 10 people who backed the Labour guy? Dave, Steptoe and who else is there. The place is going downhill if there are 10 of them

380 people voted Labour in Marple South last year, 10 can't be hard to find to sign for him :)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 07, 2012, 09:03:36 AM
I'm torn between you & Shan Carl. My main concern is if the Town Hall turns Labour. We just need to see the wasters and priorities over in Manchester to understand the harm that can be done.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 07, 2012, 09:14:17 AM
I'm torn between you & Shan Carl. My main concern is if the Town Hall turns Labour. We just need to see the wasters and priorities over in Manchester to understand the harm that can be done.

That seems to sum your world view up succinctly Duke...always anti  ;D
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: alan@marple on April 07, 2012, 09:32:01 AM
Well !  I hope that  they all understand  that this term whoever gets elected will be accountable and answerable to Marple residents,  gone are the days when decisions were  made without consultation.   And before anyone votes the question needs to be asked, as to  why Shan Alexander sat as a Governour at CAMSFC and failed to give the heads up about the supermarket even AFTER she ceased being a member of the corporation.  I know what I will be asking her when she comes a knocking on my door and I would suggest you do too. The cheek of this woman never ceases to amaze me  :-\. Me thinks it's time for change ?  ::)

Miss Marple, I could not agree more with your sentiments, I am sorry that Mrs A has decided to stand for re election, I would have thought that now was the time to quietly stand down.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 07, 2012, 01:15:39 PM
Well !  I hope that  they all understand  that this term whoever gets elected will be accountable and answerable to Marple residents,  gone are the days when decisions were  made without consultation.   And before anyone votes the question needs to be asked, as to  why Shan Alexander sat as a Governour at CAMSFC and failed to give the heads up about the supermarket even AFTER she ceased being a member of the corporation.  I know what I will be asking her when she comes a knocking on my door and I would suggest you do too. The cheek of this woman never ceases to amaze me  :-\. Me thinks it's time for change ?  ::)

Miss Marple, I could not agree more with your sentiments, I am sorry that Mrs A has decided to stand for re election, I would have thought that now was the time to quietly stand down.

Im sorry but I really can't see the problem you have with Shan.

If I were a councillor and the company I worked for had in it's strategy an option to expand, my first concern is to my employer and I'd not go blabbing to the local council with confidential information. I happen to be against the college plans to sell to a supermarket but it's not for the councillor to break a confidence just to suit you Mrs M.

Alan of Romily, why the downer on the councillor?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 07, 2012, 02:09:16 PM
Shan Alexander wasn't a governor of the college for any other reason than she was a councillor, elected by the people of Marple South. She forgot who put her there. She should go.

To my mind the best candidate is Carl Rydings.



Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: rotten john on April 08, 2012, 05:47:38 AM
remind yourselfs that councillors are on extreamly good wages,new laptops and phones and other percs of the job,so they will be no great rush to leave thier posts
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 08, 2012, 09:54:42 AM
Does  anyone know if Shan Alexander ever did the community hours she was sentenced to.  Given at that time she was a magistrate I doubt her peers would have sent her shovelling slack down pit ! So just what did she do to undertake her community hours  :-\. Does anyone know  ???
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 08, 2012, 10:22:39 AM
Does  anyone know if Shan Alexander ever did the community hours she was sentenced to.  Given at that time she was a magistrate I doubt her peers would have sent her shovelling slack down pit ! So just what did she do to undertake her community hours  :-\. Does anyone know  ???

Really, some of the posts on here are getting worryingly low.  Why don't you contact her and ask?

Personal remark removed from this post. Howard
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 08, 2012, 10:29:06 AM

To my mind the best candidate is Carl Rydings.


Why?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Howard on April 08, 2012, 10:50:49 AM
remind yourselfs that councillors are on extreamly good wages,new laptops and phones and other percs of the job,so they will be no great rush to leave thier posts

Local councillors don't get wages, they get expenses. Many of them have jobs outside their council positions.  Laptops and phones provided by the council are for council business only. Propagating the myth that local politicians do nothing for huge rewards does nothing for your argument.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 08, 2012, 11:26:35 AM
Does  anyone know if Shan Alexander ever did the community hours she was sentenced to.  Given at that time she was a magistrate I doubt her peers would have sent her shovelling slack down pit ! So just what did she do to undertake her community hours  :-\. Does anyone know  ???

It's irrelevant surely, afaik she had an awful accident that anyone could have had & whilst punished, I suspect shed do anything to turn back the clock.

I'm with steptoe, If you disagree with her politics, say why and present your alternative.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 08, 2012, 12:29:19 PM
I'm torn between you & Shan Carl. My main concern is if the Town Hall turns Labour.
We just need to see the wasters and priorities over in Manchester to understand the harm that can be done.

I would hate to see Stockport Council go Labour, if we win the seats we want to in May we are likely to be on par with Labour,
in terms of number of councillors. We will end up having a fair amount of power, as we have good relations with some of
the independents, I can assure you no one in our group is a waster and I believe we have the right priorities.

Everyone across the Ward will be seeing my election address over the next few weeks, as soon as I have it back from
approval, I will link to it for you all to see and comment on, I will be happy to answer any questions you have from it.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 08, 2012, 12:36:13 PM
I'm torn between you & Shan Carl. My main concern is if the Town Hall turns Labour.
We just need to see the wasters and priorities over in Manchester to understand the harm that can be done.

I would hate to see Stockport Council go Labour, if we win the seats we want to in May we are likely to be on par with Labour,
in terms of number of councillors. We will end up having a fair amount of power, as we have good relations with some of
the independents, I can assure you no one in our group is a waster and I believe we have the right priorities.

Everyone across the Ward will be seeing my election address over the next few weeks, as soon as I have it back from
approval, I will link to it for you all to see and comment on, I will be happy to answer any questions you have from it.

Carl, I don't think your lot will waste our council tax, the lib dems seem to be fairly steady. It's the Labour lot that have the track record of wastefulness and profligate spending.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 08, 2012, 12:49:49 PM
Does  anyone know if Shan Alexander ever did the community hours she was sentenced to.  Given at that time she was a magistrate I doubt her peers would have sent her shovelling slack down pit ! So just what did she do to undertake her community hours  :-\. Does anyone know  ???

It's irrelevant surely, afaik she had an awful accident that anyone could have had & whilst punished, I suspect shed do anything to turn back the clock.

I'm with steptoe, If you disagree with her politics, say why and present your alternative.
Hey there but for the grace go I !  It's not about the crime which must be awful for anyone to live with.  It's about the punishment and was it served ? 
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 08, 2012, 02:12:11 PM
Whatever happened to that faintly ludicrous Annesley Abercorn guy with his London Bus? Haven't seen him shopping in Marple recently....although I might have missed him in Greggs last week... ;D
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: admin on April 08, 2012, 02:33:58 PM
Whatever happened to that faintly ludicrous Annesley Abercorn guy with his London Bus? Haven't seen him shopping in Marple recently....although I might have missed him in Greggs last week... ;D

I imagine he may tell you as he keeps an eye on the forum. If not, why don't you PM him and ask? Perhaps start with an apology for the "faintly ludicrous" remark?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 08, 2012, 02:58:18 PM
Thanks for the advice!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 08, 2012, 07:24:06 PM
Whatever happened to that faintly ludicrous Annesley Abercorn guy with his London Bus? Haven't seen him shopping in Marple recently....although I might have missed him in Greggs last week... ;D

He is up here on a regular basis, he helps out with our local campaigns.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 08, 2012, 07:31:10 PM
remind yourselfs that councillors are on extreamly good wages,new laptops and phones and other percs of the job,so they will be no great rush to leave thier posts

The basic councillor allowance for 2010/11 was £9,554.52, alot of
our councillors after May 2011 have taken a 10% reduction (as I will).

Anything on top of that is for 'Special Responsibility' such as being the chair of a committee, or if you are
an executive councillor for a specific department like Environment, Children & Young People, Finance, etc.

Any laptops or phones are for council use only.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 08, 2012, 09:33:20 PM
remind yourselfs that councillors are on extreamly good wages,new laptops and phones and other percs of the job,so they will be no great rush to leave thier posts

The basic councillor allowance for 2010/11 was £9,554.52, alot of
our councillors after May 2011 have taken a 10% reduction (as I will).

Anything on top of that is for 'Special Responsibility' such as being the chair of a committee, or if you are
an executive councillor for a specific department like Environment, Children & Young People, Finance, etc.

Any laptops or phones are for council use only.

Is this just Stockport, I ask because Labour's Dickie Leese seems to enjoy a rather more generous allowance. Does our council tax (as greater Manchester) contribute to this disgraceful selfish waste no doubt essential council spending?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 08, 2012, 10:44:48 PM
Have you seen the latest leaflet from the Lib Dems?

I've blogged on it here, but won't waste this forum's space with it in full -

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/make-shan-history.html

To call it "Shan's campaign against a supermarket on Hibbert Lane" is a disgrace. It is an insult to all the people in Marple who have given up their time to organise and get 1000 people marching in the streets, putting up posters, filling a rally at Memorial Park and collecting signatures on petitions.

I would be equally as disgusted if ANY candidate claimed the "NO to a supermarket on Hibbert Lane" campaign as their own, but frankly I would be surprised. Not so with this candidate or her campaign team.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 08, 2012, 11:21:32 PM
Does  anyone know if Shan Alexander ever did the community hours she was sentenced to.  Given at that time she was a magistrate I doubt her peers would have sent her shovelling slack down pit ! So just what did she do to undertake her community hours  :-\. Does anyone know  ???

Really, some of the posts on here are getting worryingly low.  Why don't you contact her and ask?

Personal remark removed from this post. Howard

Howard, I'm a touch confused about this particular piece of moderation.  I can assure all forum members that I didn't post a personal attack.  What I did want to highlight was the implication that Mrs Alexander's position as a magistrate was somehow influential in her sentencing.  My point was that if Miss Marple was so concerned about the sentence, she should contact Shan Alexander. Rather than doing that and reporting the outcome, Miss Marple went on to infer something potentially serious which, by extension, amounts to a attempted smear. I genuinely don't see that as a personal attack.  
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 09, 2012, 12:04:13 AM
Miss Marple does intend to contact Ms Alexander especially now she has seen her election address.  For the record Steptoe !   I invited Ms Alexander to  the first ever MIA meeting held at the Crown In July 2011 at that time I was not aware that she knew anything about the supermarket,  I was to find that out months later.  Ms Alexander sat throughout  that  meeting and blatantly denied any knowledge of a supermarket so can you really blame me for feeling aggrieved ?  And to think that she now has the audacity to use the campaign against a supermarket for her own election address makes my blood boil ! 
MIA was started round my kitchen table with 10 concerned residents printing and folding  3,000 leaflets of my printer and then hand delivering them up till 12-30 am in the morning.  MIA have worked hard and have spent hours researching what Ms Alexander already knew!  So yes I am well and truly miffed off and I WILL be asking her how she has the cheek to say she has done anything against the supermarket indeed I intend to go one better and campaign against her !  How can we ever trust her again it's beyond me !
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 09, 2012, 07:41:24 AM
Miss Marple does intend to contact Ms Alexander especially now she has seen her election address.  For the record Steptoe !   I invited Ms Alexander to  the first ever MIA meeting held at the Crown In July 2011 at that time I was not aware that she knew anything about the supermarket,  I was to find that out months later.  Ms Alexander sat throughout  that  meeting and blatantly denied any knowledge of a supermarket so can you really blame me for feeling aggrieved ?  And to think that she now has the audacity to use the campaign against a supermarket for her own election address makes my blood boil ! 
MIA was started round my kitchen table with 10 concerned residents printing and folding  3,000 leaflets of my printer and then hand delivering them up till 12-30 am in the morning.  MIA have worked hard and have spent hours researching what Ms Alexander already knew!  So yes I am well and truly miffed off and I WILL be asking her how she has the cheek to say she has done anything against the supermarket indeed I intend to go one better and campaign against her !  How can we ever trust her again it's beyond me !

Whether you feel aggrieved or not is irrelevant to me and my point, and your original post, had nothing at all to do with the supermarket issue, so attempting to make a link is disingenuous. If your research capabilities are so good, then surely you could have found out about Shan Alexander's sentence etc rather than using an internet forum to infer wrongdoing.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 09, 2012, 09:10:21 AM
Don't you think we have tried to gain the information !  And Steptoe it is important that justice is seen to be done , more importantly in Ms Alexander's case who has to ensure as her role as a councillor a commitment to those  she serves and a true belief in the British judicial system ! So far I see none of those requirements in Ms Alexander who to date has not displayed a commitment to those she serves with regard to the supermarket issue.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Bowden Guy on April 09, 2012, 10:09:40 AM
Miss M - you say you are going to campaign "against" Shan Alexander. Does that mean you are just encouraging people not to vote for her or will you be endorsing another candidate?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Howard on April 09, 2012, 10:29:45 AM
Howard, I'm a touch confused about this particular piece of moderation.

I have PM'd you. Howard
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 09, 2012, 12:15:07 PM
I am 100% sure that it is not a coincidence that plans for the supermarket have not as yet been submitted. I may not be the brightest button in the box but even I can see it is being delayed until after the elections and that must be a concern to all people who will be effected by a supermarket on Hibbert Lane.   This is why it is important that all elected members are accountable to the very people that put them in the privileged positions they hold and they should NEVER be allowed to  forget who put them there.
As for endorsing another candidate I think we should wait and see what their election addresses are   Six elected members from the same party representing the best interests of the people of Marple is not healthy as the past months have proved.  It is my belief that until the supermarket issue raised it head some of our elected members felt that they no longer needed to consult on issues with the people they serve, such was their inflated opinion of themselves.  But times have changed and we must remind our elected members that they are to be more accountable now than ever.  Marple has had it's wake up call and will not be caught out again. :-\

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 09, 2012, 01:17:11 PM
Don't you think we have tried to gain the information !  And Steptoe it is important that justice is seen to be done , more importantly in Ms Alexander's case who has to ensure as her role as a councillor a commitment to those  she serves and a true belief in the British judicial system ! So far I see none of those requirements in Ms Alexander who to date has not displayed a commitment to those she serves with regard to the supermarket issue.

Again, you are willfully trying to link the supermarket issue to your original inference of wrongdoing regarding the sentencing.  You're going for the moral high ground regarding the judicial system when, basically, you want to try and sentence her via an internet forum and see Shan Alexander in the stocks in Memorial Park.  I'm against the supermarket but these tactics do the campaign far more damage than good.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 09, 2012, 05:08:21 PM
Miss Marple - why don't you merely stand for election? Seems you have an armchair passion which is wasted in being channelled into tapping into a keyboard rather than putting yourself on the stand? Have you not thought to put yourself up as an Independent on a single issue campaign?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Belly on April 09, 2012, 05:26:26 PM
I am 100% sure that it is not a coincidence that plans for the supermarket have not as yet been submitted......  But times have changed and we must remind our elected members that they are to be more accountable now than ever.  

You are correct, but please don't sniff out conspiracy again. This is absolutely standard practice for developments of a resaonable size. What developer would want his scheme to be used as a local political football? Despite planning having nothing to do with politics, it doesn't stop local Councillors trying to get elected off the back of tub-thumping, when in reality they have little influence in the long run. And neither does it stop pressure groups trying to bully Councillors in the same manner.

Your second point that I have highlighted above is an interesting one. Short of a referendum how do we actually know what the majority of Marple want? Is it a case of whoever shouts the loudest must be right? Again, politics has no part in planning decisions, other than to get them wrong (which then gets corrected at public inquiry at tax-payers expense).

If, for the sake of argument, MIA were to field a candidate and win then I'm not entirely sure what good it would do in the long run - given that the Council are going to refuse any retail application at Hibbert Lane anyway on policy grounds, and there is no way that any MIA Councillor would be allowed onto the local planning committe to vote on such a subject, due to their stated bias. After this initial Council decision any Councillor wouild have little or no influence on any later planning appeal stages anyway. I suspect this is why MIA haven't gone down such a route.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 09, 2012, 07:49:15 PM
Belly is quite right, it makes no tactical sense for a single issue campaign to stand a candidate in this election.

However, how candidates behave in relation to the issues - like a major development on Hibbert Lane - is how you assess their fitness to serve as our representatives.

For me, Shan Alexander has failed in her duties, and it is time to give someone else a chance.

For all the reasons Miss Marple has said.

As for the matter of her criminal conviction, well, it doesn't help.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: sgk on April 09, 2012, 08:10:45 PM
For me, Shan Alexander has failed in her duties, and it is time to give someone else a chance.

For all the reasons Miss Marple has said.

As for the matter of her criminal conviction, well, it doesn't help.

For anyone unaware of the details of the tragic crash, details were reported here: http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/s/1185487_exmayor_pleads_guilty_over_crash (http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/s/1185487_exmayor_pleads_guilty_over_crash) and later here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8428524.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8428524.stm).

The same Manchester Evening News site has an interesting league table showing how much our locally elected representatives claimed in allowances and expenses. http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/politics/s/1240689_934000__the_price_of_civic_duty_in_stockport (http://menmedia.co.uk/stockportexpress/news/politics/s/1240689_934000__the_price_of_civic_duty_in_stockport).

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 09, 2012, 09:00:58 PM
The only benefit of a single-issue candidate in relation to the tired supermarket issue is that it gives all of us the chance to either elect such a candidate or relegate them to a position which puts the matter where it belongs - at the end of the queue, at the head of which is a proper planning process. Somewhere in the midst of the queue are all the armchair naysayers who, in reality, speak for no-one but themselves and a few likeminded 'activists'. All rather silly.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 09, 2012, 09:18:28 PM
Heritage - I don't understand you. On a forum like this we're all "armchair naysayers" and "keyboard warriors" or any other insult you wish to throw up - you included.

You are right in the sense that the issue belongs in the planning process - and that's precisely why no-one from Marple In Action is standing. It's a total non-argument. Silly is creating an argument against a non existent election campaign just because you don't like a few people involved in it.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: jethroh65 on April 09, 2012, 10:31:05 PM
I am of the belief that all Councillors will follow the the party line rather than the concerns of the people
they are supposed to represent.
With regards to the Supermarket on Hibbert Lane, obviously the councillors feel the majority
of "voters" are against the proposed plans so they follow suit with the up & coming elections.

With regards to Shan Alexander, I have e-mailed on 3 separate occasions in the past and not received a reply or even acknowledgement. I have in the passed received a personnel letter in response to a e-mail from our MP.
From a personnel perspective I have a negative view of our elected representative.



Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: jethroh65 on April 09, 2012, 10:33:27 PM
remind yourselfs that councillors are on extreamly good wages,new laptops and phones and other percs of the job,so they will be no great rush to leave thier posts

The basic councillor allowance for 2010/11 was £9,554.52, alot of
our councillors after May 2011 have taken a 10% reduction (as I will).

Anything on top of that is for 'Special Responsibility' such as being the chair of a committee, or if you are
an executive councillor for a specific department like Environment, Children & Young People, Finance, etc.

Any laptops or phones are for council use only.
What is the £9,554.52 allowance supposed to cover?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 09, 2012, 10:44:32 PM
I'm not saying we're not armchair naysayers etc - just that some of the postings suggest a level of anger/ ire/ energy which would better be channelled into actually getting 'out there' and mobilising opinion, rather than re-circulating the same arguments amongst forum members who, let's be honest, are a tiny proportion of the population. It's not a matter of whether anyone is 'liked' - the forum isn't people, it's just statements. All I was saying was that those who feel energised to the level of 'Miss Marple' would better spend their time and energy doing something more positive with that energy and time than writing yet more posts about stuff they seem to factually know very little about!! No insults - just an observation!!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marveld on April 09, 2012, 10:58:04 PM
With regards to Shan Alexander, I have e-mailed on 3 separate occasions in the past and not received a reply or even acknowledgement.

I emailed Shan once about 6 months ago and got nothing! Not that I make contact very often, but Craig Wright and Andrew Bispham have always responded.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 09, 2012, 10:58:31 PM
Oh Heritage where have you been since June 2011  ??? Lol  :-*
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 10, 2012, 12:11:13 AM
Oh Heritage where have you been since June 2011  ??? Lol  :-*

I have to say miss m, the supermarket non-issue is not the most important issue for everyone.

I want to know what prospective councillors are going to do to reduce costs and cut council tax.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: alan@marple on April 10, 2012, 12:46:03 AM
Admin

Would you please consider posting the election address of all the Marple Councillors who are seeking re election?

A photo of them all would be most helpful
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 10, 2012, 06:34:16 AM
This thread threatens to descend into another alleged supermarket non-issue topic....but in answer to your question, Miss Marple, about where I have been since 2011....well...I've been reading your posts on the forum....which is precisely why I made my comment! At least you provide a chuckle!!  ;D
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: admin on April 10, 2012, 07:01:20 AM
Admin

Would you please consider posting the election address of all the Marple Councillors who are seeking re election?

A photo of them all would be most helpful

The names and election addresses of candidates are in this post (attached pdfs).

http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=4272.msg23303#msg23303

Don't have photos of all candidates, so can't do that Alan.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 10, 2012, 08:08:29 AM
Miss M writes 'how candidates behave in relation to the issues - like a major development on Hibbert Lane - is how you assess their fitness to serve as our representatives.'
I think that's absolutely right, and more important in local elections than party politics. That's why I will not be voting for any anti-supermarket candidate this time.  I expect my elected representatives to have the guts to stand up for education and other vital public services,  not to cave in weakly to noisy minority pressure groups.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 10, 2012, 09:47:59 AM
Heritage - I'm a huge fan of Private Eye's From the Messageboards, so I understand where you are coming from.

Dukey - you say there are other important issues - I agree - which is why it's important to scrutinise the character and quality of the candidates.

As much as some people are "bored" of the supermarket issue it is very important to the future of Marple, whatever conclusion you come to.

I have some sympathy with the "get off your arse" view - but these things are all a matter of degree. Expressing an opinion on a forum or in a pub or school gate is one step on a very, very long tail of community awareness and participation. Standing for office and serving as a councillor is another. But so is getting involved in local sports clubs as I do, as Howard does, and so is organising the festivals which have been hugely important to Marple's self confidence and self image.

This campaign is an opportunity to look beyond it and have an important public discussion about what kind of town we live in - what the civic society have put together is inspiring - the Portas Pilot bid was uplifting - but you can't view them in isolation.

You also have to weigh up the local political angles. The Lib Dems are fighting tooth and nail for Marple because it is highly likely they will drop seats in other parts of Stockport making a "coalition council" all the more likely. That's why this election is important.



Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 10, 2012, 12:20:26 PM
Heritage - I'm a huge fan of Private Eye's From the Messageboards, so I understand where you are coming from.

Dukey - you say there are other important issues - I agree - which is why it's important to scrutinise the character and quality of the candidates.

As much as some people are "bored" of the supermarket issue it is very important to the future of Marple, whatever conclusion you come to.

I have some sympathy with the "get off your arse" view - but these things are all a matter of degree. Expressing an opinion on a forum or in a pub or school gate is one step on a very, very long tail of community awareness and participation. Standing for office and serving as a councillor is another. But so is getting involved in local sports clubs as I do, as Howard does, and so is organising the festivals which have been hugely important to Marple's self confidence and self image.

This campaign is an opportunity to look beyond it and have an important public discussion about what kind of town we live in - what the civic society have put together is inspiring - the Portas Pilot bid was uplifting - but you can't view them in isolation.

You also have to weigh up the local political angles. The Lib Dems are fighting tooth and nail for Marple because it is highly likely they will drop seats in other parts of Stockport making a "coalition council" all the more likely. That's why this election is important.






I agree, it's one of many issues. I don't mind a coalition town hall as long as Labour are no part of it.

I'd be interested in Shan's take on what she should have divulged when the reality is the thing is hot air at the moment.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: bluebelly on April 10, 2012, 12:58:25 PM
whats up with labour ?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Howard on April 10, 2012, 03:57:57 PM
whats up with labour ?

You're new here aren't you? Duke has an aversion to all things Labour.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 10, 2012, 04:12:49 PM
Whatever happened to that faintly ludicrous Annesley Abercorn guy with his London Bus? Haven't seen him shopping in Marple recently....although I might have missed him in Greggs last week... ;D
Well as it happens I met him canvassing with Annette Finny along Stockport Rd last week.  To be honest I found them both to be very knowledgeable on issues such as the proposed supermarket on Hibbert Lane, Connect 2 and the Rose Hill super school.  
Both felt that our current elected  members failed to consult on major issues and gave assurances that they fully understood the need to keep people informed.  
I remain  convinced that the reason our current elected members fail to consult on major issues is because we have allowed them too, the  same way as we have allowed them to have total autonomy on major changes in Marple. But hopefully  that's all going to change, because if the supermarket issue has done anything it has hopefully made elected members remember and reflect on the fact that the community put them there to serve in our best interests  and to also remind them all, that they are accountable and that it's no longer a safe position to be in.
And just for the record I have not made my mind up where my cross is going, let's see their election addresses to see if they are worthy of representing Marple  :o
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 10, 2012, 04:42:45 PM
.....but you don't feel sufficiently passionate to stand for election yourself, though? You seem to have the altruism and zeal often said to be lacking in political  candidates, coupled with an astute awareness of the weaknesses often found in them. Why not put your skills to the test and let us vote for you?  :P
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 10, 2012, 04:50:11 PM
Heritage believe me when I say that Marple is honestly not ready for me yet.   ;)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 10, 2012, 06:33:49 PM
Miss M repeatedly states that she wants councillors to 'consult' us on specific issues.  Is this a campaign for repeated referendums to be held on every issue? If so, who is going to pay for it? And if not, how is this consultation supposed to be organised? 
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 10, 2012, 07:16:23 PM
What do you suggest Dave ? Do you honestly think our elected members can continue to make ill thought out decisions on our behalf.   Consultation does not cost anything albeit a possible addition to their newsletter which could alert the community that an issue of importance will be discussed at Area Committee on such and such a date, then those with an interest could attend.   It's not flipping rocket science is it ?  :-\.    My God, Dave old boy ,   I have missed my way in life if that was supposed to be a Mensa  test  :-*
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 10, 2012, 09:16:08 PM
I see. So 'consultation' means a show of hands among a random group of people who happen to be free when the Area Committee takes place, and have the time, independent mobility  and motivation to attend. Sounds like a recipe for the tyranny of the pressure group to me!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 10, 2012, 10:15:26 PM
Seems clear to me just reading these threads, Miss M, that beneath all the bluff and bluster you're not really properly engaged with community issues in any meaningful way. To assert that a community isn't "ready for you yet" just makes you seem silly and, well, irrelevant. At the risk of having my post removed for inappropriate content, the sense I get is that you enjoy idle keyboard banter but have no real awareness of how to make a difference on the ground. The posts you put up seem actually to belittle proper issues by reducing them to would-be witty quips which just sound desperate. Why not actually try and change the status quo, emerge from behind your PC, and get out there and show everyone what a real force-for-change you are? Or is that....too hard really....
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Miss Marple on April 10, 2012, 10:49:00 PM
MIA have decided not to put forward a candidate this year so it is not possible for me to get out there    Also for me to stand could be seen as a conflict of interests in my current employment role, but that maybe  due to change very soon   When you say I am not in touch with the community, I can not tell you how much in touch I really am on a daily basis  and that's why I possibly make would be witty quips at some people on this forum who are so far removed from reality it's frightening.   That  also goes for some of our elected members who since the supermarket issue raised it's head  I have been observing whilst  attending  Area Committee Meetings.  I have  witnessed some elected members speaking  to people who raise issues as if they were beneath them and appear to take pride in belittling the issues raised    
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 10, 2012, 11:52:08 PM
whats up with labour ?

Vermin Fawlty!

Seriously, 13 years of national cock up is a start.  Locally, you just have to look over to manc to see how they prioritise their spending. Awful awful people who must never be let near the public purse ever again.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 11, 2012, 07:35:38 AM
Contrary to what you believe, Duke, I haven't voted Labour for about 30 years. However, I am thinking of doing so on 3 May. What do the spending priorites of Manchester City Council tell us about what might happen if a Labour council were elected in Stockport? Oh, and please, we don't want to hear any more about Sir Richard Leese ;-)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 11, 2012, 10:08:00 AM
Can the Conservative candidate let us know his standpoint regarding the supermarket on Hibbert Lane?
 
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 11, 2012, 10:13:26 AM
whats up with labour ?

Vermin Fawlty!

Seriously, 13 years of national cock up is a start.  Locally, you just have to look over to manc to see how they prioritise their spending. Awful awful people who must never be let near the public purse ever again.

Vermin, a trifle harsh even in jest...the way you speak about them you'd think they were all accountants, lawyers, or bankers.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 11, 2012, 10:29:09 AM
Contrary to what you believe, Duke, I haven't voted Labour for about 30 years. However, I am thinking of doing so on 3 May. What do the spending priorites of Manchester City Council tell us about what might happen if a Labour council were elected in Stockport? Oh, and please, we don't want to hear any more about Sir Richard Leese ;-)

The way I see it Dave is this. The council had a budget cut, despite them crying foul, it was only a cut equivalent to their 2007 budget (in real terms - taking consideration of inflation etc). The truth of the matter it that we as individuals have seem our budget cut because the council have enjoyed generous inflation busting increases in their budget for many years.

So there is a cut in councils budget we can all agree, I say about time too, you may say that's wrong but that is a different matter.

Like any of us, when faced with a reduction in budget, we have to look at what in life we really need, what's nice to have and what is essentially a waste.

So, a council? I'd say we still need streets cleaned, libraries, sports facilities etc all things that are classic council services. If I were a leader of a council, I'd try my best to protect these and in Manchester city council's case, they easily afforded these services in 2007 so there is absolutely no reason that a competent council can afford to keep them going in 2012. Of course, for a Labour council, competence isn't something that comes easily. Given the cut in budget, Manchester city council announced large cutbacks of these council services that most would think are core to what a council should be doing. They did this with great fanfare and some (even me) would suggest these cuts which play with people's lives were not just down to incompetence but were actually a cynical move by a Labour council trying to make political capital with a total disregard of those who pay council tax or those who depend on the council's services. So they are either cynical power crazed dictators or totally incompetent or a mixture of both.

Ok, you may say but they lost there budget, where could savings have been made? Well, the council carried on with it's Summer and winter entertainments programme, music festivals and other funded events for people who like itchy clothing, None of this was cut! It did seek sponsorship for it's main indulgence in he summer and claimed that it would be self-financing , guess what, it wasn't cost estimates now suggest more than £1m!! What else could it have done? Perhaps there were no other areas that could be cut. Well, here is just a sample of jobs that are still going strong, paid for by the council tax payer. Whilst the council could not afford a librarian at £12k a year, it has advertised for the following posts: Nuclear Free Local Secretariat & Policy and Research Officer @ £37k, New Media Manager @ £38k, Link Worker - Indian and East African Asian on £25,940; a Cultural Regeneration Officer (1) @ a cool £30k; another Cultural Regeneration Officer on a mere £28,919,  Assistant Specialist Market Manager on £ 27,016...well it is only an assistant post, Corporate Lead Officer, Lesbians' issues ( I kid you not ) on £38k, Corporate Lead Officer, Gay Men's Issues, another £38k, a 'Zest' Hub Co-Ordinator ( whatever that is ) on £30k, Climate Change Officer £37,206, Team Strategic Development on salary of £41,616, a Creative Director on a juicy £120,000, An Expressive and Performing Arts Technician @ £21,519, a Travel Change Team Policy Officer on £34,549.....

Maybe it's just my preference and that's why my local authority wasn't the one I voted for. Maybe that's democracy but those are not my priorities for a local council.


Oh yes, Richard Leese lied through his teeth about Tif - I can't imagine why....actually I can think of thousands of reasons before tax + expenses.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 11, 2012, 10:38:47 AM
Can the Conservative candidate let us know his standpoint regarding the supermarket on Hibbert Lane?
 

Carl's view is given here:

"Hi Miss Marple,

Although I run a business and I see the need to have new jobs created in the area, I do think an ASDA there (and the second supermarket in Marple)
would be to the detriment of the local small shops in Marple centre. Also, Hilbert lane in my view is really not designed to take the amount of traffic
it would need to for the supermarket. So in answer to your question, I am against the plans for those reasons.

I do think the site should be kept for education. If the plans do go though and you want the local shops to stay you need to use them,
I can't stress that enough. Marple North did a survey recently, it showed two-thirds where against and one-third for another supermarket in Marple.

I hope that answers your question."




Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 11, 2012, 12:46:42 PM
I enjoyed Duke's parody of a Daily Mail column, but it completely misses the point!  Let's look at the big picture. 

I've lived in Greater Manchester almost continuously since I came here as a student in the 60s.  The city has been simply transformed over that time - it is unrecognisable compared with the depressing run-down place it was then.  Compared with other cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, Manchester City Council has presided over an astonishingly successful period of regeneration.  And a lot of that success must be down to key figures such as Graham Stringer, Richard Leese and Howard Bernstein, and to the successive Labour councils which they have led so successfully.   
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 11, 2012, 01:36:36 PM
I enjoyed Duke's parody of a Daily Mail column, but it completely misses the point!  Let's look at the big picture.  

I've lived in Greater Manchester almost continuously since I came here as a student in the 60s.  The city has been simply transformed over that time - it is unrecognisable compared with the depressing run-down place it was then.  Compared with other cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, Manchester City Council has presided over an astonishingly successful period of regeneration.  And a lot of that success must be down to key figures such as Graham Stringer, Richard Leese and Howard Bernstein, and to the successive Labour councils which they have led so successfully.    

That's very cheap Dave, if you don't have a valid argument against a slightly right of centre point of view why not dismiss it with "parody of a Daily Mail column" then you will not need to address anything that is said.

You have compared Manchester with other cities that have endured prolonged periods of Labour local government and all performing badly. Compare with say Southampton, Reading, Basingstoke, Oxford, Cambridge and these towns and cities have enjoyed prolonged economic growth which eclipses Manchester and that growth is down to private enterprise not just some spike in public sector jobs and a fashionable interest in football.

Manchester has only become more attractive due to the explosion of interest in English football for which Manchester united have been particularly lucky to see their period of success correspond with that worldwide interest along with having the story of Munich to go with it. Otherwise, there is little that Manchester offers than Leeds, I'd say Leeds is a nicer City as someone who has lived in both.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 11, 2012, 03:11:24 PM
While we can see why certain people are fixated with an election candidate's "position" in relation to a fictitious new supermarket, for which no land has been purchased in an area where a supermarket would be allowed permission, and unsurprisingly therefore no planning application submitted, why are we not equally interested in these candidates' positions in relation o having a supermarket in Marple at all? The forum seems to assume "one supermarket good, two terrible"....yet I don't see anyone campaigning to boycott the Co-Op, thereby driving it out of business and forcing us back into the good old corner shops.

If supermarkets are such a malign influence, why is no-one taking up an "Anti-Co-Op" stance? Arguably better to have a Waitrose or Asda on the Co-Op site. Come on, armchair anarchists and alleged-supermarket-hand-wringers of the community.....stop everyone shopping at the Co-Op!! Get rid of the supermarket you HAVE got!! Take up the cause of the little shop here and now, today!! Or is that not quite as exciting, hand-wringers?  ;D
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Steptoe and Son on April 11, 2012, 03:43:22 PM
Can the Conservative candidate let us know his standpoint regarding the supermarket on Hibbert Lane?
 

Carl's view is given here:

"Hi Miss Marple,

Although I run a business and I see the need to have new jobs created in the area, I do think an ASDA there (and the second supermarket in Marple)
would be to the detriment of the local small shops in Marple centre. Also, Hilbert lane in my view is really not designed to take the amount of traffic
it would need to for the supermarket. So in answer to your question, I am against the plans for those reasons.

I do think the site should be kept for education. If the plans do go though and you want the local shops to stay you need to use them,
I can't stress that enough. Marple North did a survey recently, it showed two-thirds where against and one-third for another supermarket in Marple.

I hope that answers your question."

Thanks for that Duke.  So there's no difference in position regarding the proposed supermarket between the Lib Dem and Conservative candidates.  Having attended Area Committees for a few years (when you could get a seat...long before the supermarket issue) and having had some involvement in a couple of issues in Marple, I'll base my vote on policy, track records, contribution to the community as a whole, commitment to the community etc.  Call me old fashioned but I'll take an overall view.  Luckily, I expect many people in Marple will do this and what is worryingly looking like a pitchfork waving mob will not hold sway.  There's been a high level of community action and involvement in Marple for years and the highfalutin stance of some of the anti-supermarket lobby (not to mention some of the baser ways they have attempted to denigrate people) is laughable...and it leads to pointless posts such as the one above.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 11, 2012, 04:41:18 PM
Steptoe and Son - I agree - the point of my post was to highlight how utterly pointless it is to keep posting non-information about some fictitious supermarket instead of getting on with other much more relevant issues!! Strikes me now is the time to close down ANY reference to the bl++dy supermarket issue on this thread and put it back in its [fictitious and overblown] box!!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 11, 2012, 06:20:03 PM
Duke writes 'You have compared Manchester with other cities that have endured prolonged periods of Labour local government and all performing badly. Compare with say Southampton, Reading, Basingstoke, Oxford, Cambridge and these towns and cities have enjoyed prolonged economic growth which eclipses Manchester'.
My point, Duke, is that the three cities listed at the beginning there have had various controlling parties over recent years, and as you say, they have not enjoyed the scale of regeneration which we have seen in Manchester, where Labour has been in continuous control for years. The other towns which you list are relatively small and not in any way comparable, and being in the prosperous south have not suffered anything like the economic and industrial decline of Manchester in the mid-20th century.
As for Leeds, I too know it very well, and it is in a sorry state. Its successive councils have tried hard to put it on the map, but it is just a pale shadow of Manchester: no trams, no proper concert hall, no Premiership football club, and a pathetic little airport. Good university - but then, so is Manchester.   
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 11, 2012, 09:32:57 PM
It's a chicken & egg situation. Do high achieving people tend to vote tory / lib dem or is it that Tory / lib dem local government allow people to achieve their potential. It's a good question Dave.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 11, 2012, 10:05:19 PM
What reasons are there NOT to vote Lib Dem locally?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 11, 2012, 11:07:55 PM
Because, AFAIK, all the lib Dem candidates, instead of supporting their local college, have caved in to MIA and opposed the college's development plans.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: alan@marple on April 11, 2012, 11:44:04 PM



You ask, why not to vote Lib/Dem!

Exclusive by Jennifer Williams
4/ 6/2008
STOCKPORT Council wasted £11,000 of local taxpayers’ money erecting a huge fence that broke its own planning rules - before tearing it down weeks later.
The authority made its blunder after police raised concerns about car crime at a car park in Marple Bridge.
In response, the Council decided to build a two metre fence around the land next to the Midland Inn on Brabyns Brow - but failed to consult its own planning department.
The fence turned out to break the Council’s own rules on building in a conservation area, so they pulled it down.
To add to the red faces, the police vehicle crime information which had prompted the fence to be built in the first place turned out to be incorrect.
In fact there had never been any need for a fence at all!
Curious Marple Bridge resident Andrew George reported the disappearing fence to his local councillor, and was stunned when he found out the story behind it.
He said: "When I went past it last weekend they were taking it down, so I emailed my councillor and she passed on my query to the Council.
"It turned out they hadn’t realised it was a conservation area and hadn’t given themselves planning permission.
"So they told themselves off and took it down.
"I thought, wow, that’s really stupid. It must have been 200 or 300 feet of shiny new green fence - what an absolute waste of our money."
Stephen Picot, a Stockport activist in the Taxpayers’ Alliance, added: "I would regard it as farcical.
"These people don’t realise they need to check the relevant legislation. We assume when they do these things that they know what they’re doing but very often they don’t."
The costly fence has now been put in storage for use at a later date, and Mr George’s councillor, Shan Alexander, said she hoped such mistakes would not be repeated.
Also responding to Mr George’s query, Stockport Council’s Head of Traffic Services, Ian Thompson, said: "It would appear that the original crime figures from the police weren’t as accurate as they should have been, and subsequent analysis of the figures for this car park were actually a lot lower and a fence should not have been recommended by them for this particular location."





3 December 2011


Dear Stockport Borough Council,

 Please advise from your records of any prosecutions,if any, of
 convictions and awards made against Stockport Council and it's
 associated subsidaries or other owned corporate bodies recorded
 since May 2007.Please include, if any, "out of court" sentlements
 or awards of compensation

 Where a conviction or award has been made, please advise the name
 of the council official responsible for the department involved and
 the elected representative having executive responsibily,at the
 time of complaint

 Please also advise of the total amount of compensatory awards or ex
 gratia payments made to individuals as a result of any action taken
 by them against the council

4 January 2012
,


I am writing in response to your request for information below
 

The response to your request has been prepared by the relevant Council
 service and is as follows:

 

After searching our records, the Council has only been able to find one
 prosecution that was brought against it. This related to an offence under
 Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 in
 April 2009 in which it was fined £11,500. The offence involved the Parks
 service. The relevant Service Director was Mr Hudson and the relative
 Executive member was Cllr Shan Alexander, Executive Councillor (Leisure)
 for 2008/09.



4 January 2012


Dear FOI Officer,

 Thank you for your response of which I note you state that there
 has only been once incidence of Stockport MBC being prosecuted and
 fined. The offence related to the Parks dept and a fine of
£11500.00 was imposed

 Were the relevent service director and Council executive liable to
 any form of Diciplinary action as a result of this prosection and
 if so was any taken and if so what?

 Yours sincerely,



 Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

24 January 2012


From: FOI Officer
 Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

24 January 2012


Dear Mr Alan
 

I am writing in response to your request for information below

 
Before addressing your request below, the Council would like to correct
 the information previously provided to you in response to your earlier
 request. In that response, we stated that the relevant Executive Member
 was Councillor Shan Alexander; however this was incorrect. Councillor
 Alexander was the Executive Member at the time of the court hearing in
 2009; however at the time of the incident itself in 2006, the relevant
 Executive Member was Councillor Pam King. We apologise for this error.

 

In your request below, you have asked whether or not any Council officers
 or Councillors were subject to any disciplinary action as a result of this
 case and if so, what that action was. The Council does hold information
 about this matter as we will know whether or not employees were
 disciplined; however we cannot provide any information about whether or
 not individuals were subject to disciplinary action. This is because the
 information is exempt under section 40(2) Freedom of Information Act 2000
 (FOIA). Whether or not someone has been subject to disciplinary action –
 even if it is just to state that they have not – is personal data because
 it relates to them and tells you something about them. Section 40(2)
 states that information which constitutes personal data as defined by the
 Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) is exempt if its disclosure would
 contravene any of the data protection principles. The first data
 protection principle requires the Council to ensure it processes personal
 data fairly. Even senior employees and councillors have a certain
 expectation of privacy regarding their professional and related personal
 lives and disclosing information about whether or not they have been
 subject to disciplinary action – even to confirm that they have not
 – would be unfair as it would be disclosing their personal data into the
 public domain. On this basis, the information is exempt and will not be
 provided.





Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2012, 08:15:35 AM
Leeds and Liverpool, correctly described by Duke as 'performing badly', were LibDem or Tory/LibDem councils until a couple of years ago. During the distinguished rule of the LibDems in Liverpool, the council was at one point rated by the Audit Commission as 'the worst-performing in the country'. Give me Manchester any day!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 12, 2012, 09:51:55 AM
Leeds and Liverpool, correctly described by Duke as 'performing badly', were LibDem or Tory/LibDem councils until a couple of years ago. During the distinguished rule of the LibDems in Liverpool, the council was at one point rated by the Audit Commission as 'the worst-performing in the country'. Give me Manchester any day!

Liverpool has pretty much been devastated by the Labour led council in the 70's & 80's. The town clerk was very much Liverpool's Richard Leese, an ego far more important than the actual council tax payers. For some reason, I can't imagine Liverpool aving anything other than a Labour council but that's perhaps just a stereotype of a scouser.

Leeds operated pretty well under Lib Dem / Conservatives. The fact it doesn't have a tram system is typically Labour trophy seeking. When they had a Labor council, they started compulsary buying land and making room for a tram and ran out of money (bit like Labour did in Manchester out to Wythenshawe). Trams are pretty rubbish unless it's just a case of tranforming an exiting railway into light rail, as soon as they get to roads, they cause congestion as they are an inefficient use of space.

I  recall a Labour councillor coming to drum up support at my old house in Leeds. I pointed out that they spend a lot of money and personallly, I see very little that benefits me. He pointed out that the street lights had recently been changed outside my home - I protested, the street was only 6 years old, the street lights didn't need changing - the answer from the Labour man, we had some budget left ver!! FGS! if you have budet left over, reduce council tax, don't fritter it away!  Unfortunately, Labour's thinking is to spend not save.

As I say Dave, you are comparing areas that have been predominately Labour and you claim they have failed bady and Manchester is the best of a bad  bunch. I'd argue that proves my point that Labour councils tend to do nothing to help an area lift it's economy. They are too interested in keeping people poor as they know por people will vote Labour. Labour does not represent ambition.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: bluebelly on April 12, 2012, 10:52:00 AM
all poor or just some?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 12, 2012, 11:53:44 AM
all poor or just some?

I was typing blind ther, I'll re-state: Labour are too interested in keeping poor people poor as they know poor people will vote Labour. Labour does not represent ambition and prefers to keep people down.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: bluebelly on April 12, 2012, 01:18:16 PM
where as lib/con goverment do the opposite for the rich?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 12, 2012, 01:25:30 PM
where as lib/con goverment do the opposite for the rich?


No, the coalition govrnemtn so far apear to be helpng the lowest earners keep the money they earn, rawarding effort, that's something I wholeheartedly agree with.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2012, 07:12:23 PM
No political party actually sets out to make people poor, although sometimes (eg now) we have governments who manage to achieve it anyway!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 12, 2012, 08:58:04 PM
No political party actually sets out to make people poor, although sometimes (eg now) we have governments who manage to achieve it anyway!

Seriously? Labour works on the basis of keeping people down. Ideally they want people to be grateful for the crumbs of a public sector token job which is constantly under threat from the more liberal side of politics.

It's called control.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 15, 2012, 04:22:46 PM
I don't want to start challenging my elders and betters already but I can't fathom what some of these posts have got to do with local candidates.

In local elections I always vote for the candidate and not the party. Councillors do play party politics at the Town Hall but National Policies don't come into it that much.

Last year we had a blank sheet - all new candidates with no incumbent. Any vote in Marple that isn't Conservative or LibDem is going to be wasted, so I figured I'd vote for one of them. I didn't know anything about the conservative candidate, in fact I can't now remember his name - I wrote to him and asked him some stuff (nothing to personal) but he didn't reply. To this day I've never even seen him. Now Councillor Kev, I know him, I'm always seeing him around Marple, he lives in Marple, he's got a business in Marple, a couple of kids, his wife is a very high - ranking local government officer, but we won't hold that against him - so I VOTED FOR HIM.

This year is a bit different but again for me it is between Shan and Carl, I've not made up my mind yet.

           
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 16, 2012, 07:32:31 AM
As I said it is a fair fight between Shan and Carl.

Speaking of fair fights, I think that reference to her accident is below the belt and she's got my sympathy. Neither am I interested in her punishment, what do you expect, that she should break rocks in the hot sun? Who cares about her alleged actions as governor of Marple College. I'm not even sure what they are supposed to be. If you've got a problem with it ask her.

I have got some questions for her and if she wants the votes in my house she'll have to answer them, but Councillors won't use this website (a point against them) so I'll have to find another way.

However you Carl will use the site (a point in your favour) so if you would be so kind.

1/ Is it true that you are 21 years of age and that you still live with your mum?

2/  What is all this stuff about a tramline to Marple - where have you got it from?



   
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 16, 2012, 07:42:00 AM

Carl, sorry I forgot to ask this one. Previously you said that you had to send your address for "approval". Approval to whom? Surely you can write your own addresses. We don't want a Councillor who has to keep seeking "approval". Can you explain, perhaps I 've misunderstood.

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 16, 2012, 03:51:20 PM
Carl, it was actually 783 votes for Labour last year, the 380 that you cited was for UKIP.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 16, 2012, 10:04:59 PM
Carl, it was actually 783 votes for Labour last year, the 380 that you cited was for UKIP.

I stand corrected, the data on Stockport Council's website has the numbers next to the wrong candidate,
as you can see here: http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=34
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 16, 2012, 10:10:12 PM

Carl, sorry I forgot to ask this one. Previously you said that you had to send your address for "approval". Approval to whom? Surely you can write your own addresses. We don't want a Councillor who has to keep seeking "approval". Can you explain, perhaps I 've misunderstood.



I do write my own Election Address and all my leaflets. However, it has to be checked by my
Election Agent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_agent) first as he is responsibly for what I put out - every candidate has to do this.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 16, 2012, 10:18:13 PM
As I said it is a fair fight between Shan and Carl.

Speaking of fair fights, I think that reference to her accident is below the belt and she's got my sympathy. Neither am I interested in her punishment, what do you expect, that she should break rocks in the hot sun? Who cares about her alleged actions as governor of Marple College. I'm not even sure what they are supposed to be. If you've got a problem with it ask her.

I have got some questions for her and if she wants the votes in my house she'll have to answer them, but Councillors won't use this website (a point against them) so I'll have to find another way.

However you Carl will use the site (a point in your favour) so if you would be so kind.

1/ Is it true that you are 21 years of age and that you still live with your mum?

2/  What is all this stuff about a tramline to Marple - where have you got it from?


1. Yes, I am 21 years of age and I do live with my parents.

2. From the Conservative Candidate in Marple North, Annette Finnie. If you would
like more information on the proposal, please contact her: annette_finnie@live.co.uk
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 16, 2012, 11:20:50 PM
Hello Carl,

Thank - you for taking the time and putting in the effort to answer my questions. Whether we agree or disagree, your comments are noted and  much appreciated.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 16, 2012, 11:24:18 PM
Hello Carl,

Thank - you for taking the time and putting in the effort to answer my questions. Whether we agree or disagree, your comments are noted and  much appreciated.

No problem, I hope everyone is finding the answers helpful.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: tigerman on April 18, 2012, 02:15:15 PM
I'm sure there are many more Labour supporters like myself in Marple who have voted tactically to keep the greater of the two evils out, though its hard to tell the difference between the Libs and the Tories since the Coalition was formed.  I for one will never vote Liberal ever again after their duplicity at national level.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: amazon on April 18, 2012, 02:25:32 PM
I'm sure there are many more Labour supporters like myself in Marple who have voted tactically to keep the greater of the two evils out, though its hard to tell the difference between the Libs and the Tories since the Coalition was formed.  I for one will never vote Liberal ever again after their duplicity at national level.

I agree with you there tony .certanly won't be voting for chandler .caused a lot of problems at the not to far from you cricket club .
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 18, 2012, 05:12:05 PM
Quote
I agree with you there tony .certanly won't be voting for chandler .caused a lot of problems at the not to far from you cricket club .


What problems are these?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 18, 2012, 06:05:05 PM
I do write my own Election Address and all my leaflets. However, it has to be checked by my
Election Agent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_agent) first as he is responsibly for what I put out - every candidate has to do this.


Carl, when you say every candidate do you mean EVERY candidate or just every Conservative Candidate?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 18, 2012, 06:25:25 PM
I do write my own Election Address and all my leaflets. However, it has to be checked by my
Election Agent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_agent) first as he is responsibly for what I put out - every candidate has to do this.


Carl, when you say every candidate do you mean EVERY candidate or just every Conservative Candidate?

If you stand under a party banner, be that BNP, Respect, Labour, Lib Dem, Conservative or UKIP - you have to pass your paraphonalia through the party, essntially you are using their headed paper, what you publish will reflect on that party. Independents can of course do as they wish.

Just a little question Simon, can I ask if you are completely unconnected to any candidates or are you perhaps someone who is helping / offering help to a certain Labour Candidate's campaign?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 18, 2012, 06:27:19 PM
Hello tonysheldon,

As I have said before I think that there is a major difference between between National Elections and Local ones'.

I must admit even though I could see why, for party survival LibDems joined the coalition, I could not understand the way that they seemed to behave once they were in it. Some of their actions were little short of treason and could not be justified even for their own survival. This time last year I would have voted for Joe Stalin before I would have voted LibDems. 

However one year one from that they are doing steadily better. I think that they are standing up for themselves and to the Conservatives. It aslo has to be said that they don't have any press support unlike the other two parties.

At the moment I am glad that they are there and very much glad that the Conservatives are not there on their own.So I think that I'll keep an open mind on it until we get closer to the next General Election.
In locals I'll vote for the Candidate irrespective of party.

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 18, 2012, 06:33:09 PM
I'm sure there are many more Labour supporters like myself in Marple who have voted tactically to keep the greater of the two evils out, though its hard to tell the difference between the Libs and the Tories since the Coalition was formed.  I for one will never vote Liberal ever again after their duplicity at national level.

Not sure of the duplicity. The Lib Dems can only deal with the hand they are dealt. They didn't have hte budget to do the 'nice' things that they'd have liked. The Lib dems are a broad church, they may have social democrats but they are also liberals and a liberal economy is at the heart of things that the likes of David Laws preached before the election and within governement.

If you vote Lib Dems because you want Labour, don't be surprised if you end up with Lib Dems.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 18, 2012, 06:36:11 PM
Hello tonysheldon,

As I have said before I think that there is a major difference between between National Elections and Local ones'.

I must admit even though I could see why, for party survival LibDems joined the coalition, I could not understand the way that they seemed to behave once they were in it. Some of their actions were little short of treason and could not be justified even for their own survival. This time last year I would have voted for Joe Stalin before I would have voted LibDems.  

However one year one from that they are doing steadily better. I think that they are standing up for themselves and to the Conservatives. It aslo has to be said that they don't have any press support unlike the other two parties.

At the moment I am glad that they are there and very much glad that the Conservatives are not there on their own.So I think that I'll keep an open mind on it until we get closer to the next General Election.
In locals I'll vote for the Candidate irrespective of party.



Si, it wasn't treason at all, what did they do wrong? As I mentioned, Lib dems are a broad church, David Laws was preaching light touch governemtn and liberal economics long before the election. It's a reflection on the voter if they thought they were getting a left wing party.

Just a little question Si, can I ask if you are completely unconnected to any candidates or are you perhaps someone who is helping / offering help to a certain Labour Candidate's campaign
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 18, 2012, 07:17:39 PM
I could see why, for party survival LibDems joined the coalition, I could not understand the way that they seemed to behave once they were in it. Some of their actions were little short of treason

For example?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Deniseam on April 18, 2012, 07:32:37 PM
I think the Liberals are trying to show their difference from the Tories because they can see their poll ratings.  Their volte face on the tuitions fee front and complicity in removal of the EMA has alienated them amonst the young people I know. Their personal allowances increases in the disastrous Budget will only benefit those who already pay tax. Those at the bottom of the heap have been treated contemptuously.  Clegg would be quite happy in the Conservative Party but his exit at the next election will probably feature a nice role in Europe.
Their role as a protest-vote recipient is probably over.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 18, 2012, 07:37:01 PM
Spot on, Denise.  But however shameful that is, it hardly amounts to 'treason'!  ::)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Deniseam on April 18, 2012, 07:37:33 PM
Previous post by me was actually by Tonysheldon again - seems he got our log-ins mixed up!

Carry on with your discussion......
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 18, 2012, 08:29:39 PM
I am delighted that the debate on the election has got going.

There's a huge cynical lie at the centre of a lot of electioneering. Vote for me, or you'll get the other guy. I fell for it in the Euro elections last year - I voted Green - and yet the awful BNP still got in. I think the Greens are barmy, yet they took comfort from their share of the vote, one of which was cast for entirely negative reasons. Urging a tactical vote is unpleasant. Yet here in Marple the Liberal Democrats are basing their local strategy on it.

Their latest leaflet includes a hideous chart claiming to show a share of the vote in some unsourced, spurious election. In it, there are just three parties - two of which have a share of vote that looks roughly like 45 per cent and 42 per cent. The third, Labour, is portrayed as having what looks like 12.5 per cent. I've had my ruler out, trust me.

What was the election result in this ward last time? 42, 32, 16, with a 4th party, UKIP trailing on 8 per cent. Even if you are generous and claim the graph is attempting to measure the distance between the parties and starts at 8 per cent and upwards, then it is way off. It exaggerates the Conservative support and diminishes Labour. It is based on nothing except appealing to a negative.

So, there are a myriad of reasons why you should vote for any candidate. Supporting the character of that person, their capacity to serve, an endorsement of the programme of that party.

Labour supporters in Marple: if you want to support your party then do so. Don't fall for dismal Liberal Democrat desperation.

In elections you should vote for what you believe in. Here's the thing with the Liberal Democrats round here, especially this candidate - I don't think they believe in anything.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 18, 2012, 08:34:31 PM
I think that you're right Deniseam with a lot of the things that you say in your posting.

Though, in terms of voting, where does that leave the young people that you speak about. Obviously not LibDem - but who then? Conservative, Labour, Green, UKIP, Monster Raving, anyone else - don't vote?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 18, 2012, 09:37:34 PM
To say that the LibDems are quoting from some ..."unsourced,spurious,election" is not right - is it?A cursory glance at any reference in search of LAST YEARS Marple South Election results , which we all know the LiBDems won, will inform the following;

TOTAL TURNOUT 4683:
LD, 1948 (42%).
CONS,1493 (32.2%)
LABOUR, 783 (16.7%
UKIP, 380 (8.2)

They are FACTS from last years election - as per leaflet mentioned, what's spurious and unsourced and a cynical lie about that?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 18, 2012, 09:45:30 PM
I think the Liberals are trying to show their difference from the Tories because they can see their poll ratings.  Their volte face on the tuitions fee front and complicity in removal of the EMA has alienated them amonst the young people I know. Their personal allowances increases in the disastrous Budget will only benefit those who already pay tax. Those at the bottom of the heap have been treated contemptuously.  Clegg would be quite happy in the Conservative Party but his exit at the next election will probably feature a nice role in Europe.
Their role as a protest-vote recipient is probably over.

Of course the lib dems are not a protest vote now, they are in power. I can't see the disappointment in lib dems as a protest vote from last time. If you are protest voting, the last thing you want is the guys you vote for cozying up to the government in place you are protesting against.

For socialists who protest voting, the obvious place to go would be for the other socialists, the bnp or greens.

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 19, 2012, 01:54:09 PM
To say that the LibDems are quoting from some ..."unsourced,spurious,election" is not right - is it?A cursory glance at any reference in search of LAST YEARS Marple South Election results , which we all know the LiBDems won, will inform the following;

TOTAL TURNOUT 4683:
LD, 1948 (42%).
CONS,1493 (32.2%)
LABOUR, 783 (16.7%
UKIP, 380 (8.2)

They are FACTS from last years election - as per leaflet mentioned, what's spurious and unsourced and a cynical lie about that?

That's all true, However the Lib Dem Leaflet just had 3 bars, it had no numbers, percentages or source (unlike the one on the Conservative leaflet (http://carlrydings.com/downloads/InTouch-Election.pdf)).
If you are a resident who doesn't want to go online and find the results, for which you would have to go to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockport_Council_election,_2011) because the council website (http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=34)
has some of the data wrong (if you didn't know some of the data was wrong you would think UKIP where 3rd not Labour). I think we have a responsibility
as candidates and parties to show people the figures (as you have done here) and then they can see how their vote can change the outcome this year.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: rsh on April 19, 2012, 06:38:04 PM
I think we have a responsibility
as candidates and parties to show people the figures (as you have done here) and then they can see how their vote can change the outcome this year.

But I'm afraid for me this misses the point. Shouldn't we be voting because we believe in a particular candidate who is standing this year, and what they're standing for for our local area, rather than to just push a yellow or blue bar graph above a line and "change the outcome"?

I realise, I'm living in a dreamworld where policy and ideas might actually count. (Something bolder than pot holes, please).
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Lisa Oldham on April 19, 2012, 08:48:43 PM
Marple leaf... I agree.. we should stand by our guns and vote for our beliefs and it is sad that not many people in Marple seem to do that! I've had many conversations over the years where people have voted liberal d because "better the devil you know"!  this fills me with horror.. especially when more conversation makes me realise they re really Labour supporters!  Got to congratulate the Liberals at least for having such a big effect there!! A labour vote is wasted here...

For many years now I've voted Green, not necessarily because I'm overly Green, but because they have no real interest in getting into parliament because IF they ever do it ll be a long time coming. As a result their candidates are never career politicians, just people who care and want to do a good job and the few Green councillors that there are across the country are very good and very popular with their communities. 

However.. I really want change in Marple.  Stockport council will I think remain Liberal at least this time.  The vote right here isn't going to have a big impact nationally however the negativity and betrayal that people feel towards the liberal s nationally I hope WILL have an impact.  I think this is one time I may well vote with my head and not my heart just simply because I want something to change right here and i want fresh blood, and this is the best opportunity we've had.... but for who?  The last numbers do suggest I should vote Tory, but this is a different time and place and many may place a protest vote against the Tories too.   
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Belly on April 19, 2012, 08:59:07 PM
I find some of the postings on here very confusing. A lot of people seeking to complain about the Lib Dems going into coalition as junior partner and then not following through on their pre-election promises. Well duh, what a surprise, they are not actually in power! Their role is to keep the conservatives on as tight a leash as they can, which they seem to be making an ok job of, when not being pilloried by vested interest media.

As for people potentially seeking to kick lib-dems out of Marple because of their 'betrayal', by then voting conservative (the real architects of government policy) then I'm obviously missing the logic.

Nationally are we to always have two party policitcs? Are we really that stupid a population? Kick out one government for being hopeless, bring in another, and then within 2 years swing back towards the previous idiots who messed it up before. My god, we really do get what we deserve don't we!

For me it beggars belief that we dismissed the opportunity to change our political system in the voting referendum. If we had sought to move towards a system where everybodies vote actually counted for something, then maybe we could have a sensible political debate. As for now, where 'Labour can't win here' is a political slogan (and also true), how can we have a real debate and a proper political choice.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Lisa Oldham on April 19, 2012, 09:03:19 PM
I'll agree with one thing you said Belly...  a change in our political system is long overdue and I really didn't worry about the vote this year as I thought it was done and dusted.. how could anyone vote have voted against it? Hey ho :(

Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Bowden Guy on April 19, 2012, 09:28:35 PM
I think you'll find that the Liberal Democrats are actually "in power". And the trick with the bar charts is actually used all over the country, depending on the particular constituency. "Only the Lib Dems can stop the Conservatives/Labour in ........."
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Bowden Guy on April 19, 2012, 09:34:45 PM
The vast majority of Lib Dem MPs signed a pledge, before the 2010 election, that they would not personally vote for an increase in HE tuition fees. They adopted this "posture" because they did not ever believe they would be in a position of power. NONE of that particular group of people can ever be trusted again.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Belly on April 19, 2012, 10:28:26 PM
The vast majority of Lib Dem MPs signed a pledge, before the 2010 election, that they would not personally vote for an increase in HE tuition fees. They adopted this "posture" because they did not ever believe they would be in a position of power. NONE of that particular group of people can ever be trusted again.
Trusting politicians? That's a new one. But you get pilloried for having your arm put up your back in a new coalition, whereas the other main parties who would have voted for the increases anyway, laugh all the way to re-election.

The moral being, you can screw the economy or give tax breaks to the rich and your time in government will soon come. But be dragged into a policy you clearly don't agree with but have to swallow to keep things on track and you are apparently unelectable ever again! British politics is incredible!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 19, 2012, 10:28:44 PM
The vast majority of Lib Dem MPs signed a pledge, before the 2010 election, that they would not personally vote for an increase in HE tuition fees. They adopted this "posture" because they did not ever believe they would be in a position of power. NONE of that particular group of people can ever be trusted again.

Not withstanding the fact that the new fee structure is far fairer than before?

I take it you'll never vote for Labour because after their 2001 election lie? Do you recall who commissioned the Browne report? So you are voting tory then?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 19, 2012, 10:40:01 PM
Marple leaf... I agree.. we should stand by our guns and vote for our beliefs and it is sad that not many people in Marple seem to do that! I've had many conversations over the years where people have voted liberal d because "better the devil you know"!  this fills me with horror.. especially when more conversation makes me realise they re really Labour supporters!  Got to congratulate the Liberals at least for having such a big effect there!! A labour vote is wasted here...

For many years now I've voted Green, not necessarily because I'm overly Green, but because they have no real interest in getting into parliament because IF they ever do it ll be a long time coming. As a result their candidates are never career politicians, just people who care and want to do a good job and the few Green councillors that there are across the country are very good and very popular with their communities. 

However.. I really want change in Marple.  Stockport council will I think remain Liberal at least this time.  The vote right here isn't going to have a big impact nationally however the negativity and betrayal that people feel towards the liberal s nationally I hope WILL have an impact.  I think this is one time I may well vote with my head and not my heart just simply because I want something to change right here and i want fresh blood, and this is the best opportunity we've had.... but for who?  The last numbers do suggest I should vote Tory, but this is a different time and place and many may place a protest vote against the Tories too.   

I don't understand the Lisa, surely vote for whom you agree with. Even if you haven't fully understood the issues and end up voting thicko labour, at least it means voting for someone you want to win.

Personally, on a national basis I pretty much support the coalition given the circumstances but locally I want someone who'll address the waste on the council and reduce taxation. The good news for everyone, I feel like standing next time and I'm dead popular too.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 19, 2012, 10:59:24 PM
Marple leaf... I agree.. we should stand by our guns and vote for our beliefs and it is sad that not many people in Marple seem to do that! I've had many conversations over the years where people have voted liberal d because "better the devil you know"!  this fills me with horror.. especially when more conversation makes me realise they re really Labour supporters!  Got to congratulate the Liberals at least for having such a big effect there!! A labour vote is wasted here...

For many years now I've voted Green, not necessarily because I'm overly Green, but because they have no real interest in getting into parliament because IF they ever do it ll be a long time coming. As a result their candidates are never career politicians, just people who care and want to do a good job and the few Green councillors that there are across the country are very good and very popular with their communities. 

However.. I really want change in Marple.  Stockport council will I think remain Liberal at least this time.  The vote right here isn't going to have a big impact nationally however the negativity and betrayal that people feel towards the liberal s nationally I hope WILL have an impact.  I think this is one time I may well vote with my head and not my heart just simply because I want something to change right here and i want fresh blood, and this is the best opportunity we've had.... but for who?  The last numbers do suggest I should vote Tory, but this is a different time and place and many may place a protest vote against the Tories too.   

I don't understand the Lisa, surely vote for whom you agree with. Even if you haven't fully understood the issues and end up voting thicko labour, at least it means voting for someone you want to win.

Personally, on a national basis I pretty much support the coalition given the circumstances but locally I want someone who'll address the waste on the council and reduce taxation.
The good news for everyone, I feel like standing next time and I'm dead popular too.

If you want want someone who'll address the waste on the council and reduce taxation,
I believe myself and the Conservatives are the best choice, here are just a few reasons:

1. In 2010, we were the only party that pledged to freeze council tax, and we have done so for the past two years.
3. Your council tax is likely to be less under a Conservative council (such as Trafford) then a Labour or Lib Dem council.
6. Conservatives also pledged to show you how councils spend your money by making them open up their books.
4. Councils will now have to vote on big pay packets, consequently Chief Executives are paid less then their predecessors'.
5. The government is devolving power to local councils, giving councils more power and therefore making them more accountable.
6. As I run a company I am always looking to make it run more efficiently, and I will work to do the same with the council.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 20, 2012, 12:11:42 AM
Simon - that's the problem you have only given the result a "cursory glance" - I measured that bar chart - it exaggerates the Tory vote and reduces Labour and ignored UKIP. Therefore it is "spurious and unsourced" - the whole tactic of asking to vote because you're not the other lot is cynical and to to misrepresent the chances is a "lie".
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: marpleleaf on April 20, 2012, 12:14:35 AM
Another thing - the LD leaflet has this laughable claim that Shan Alexander reduced council tax. It even quotes "Joan" as thanking her.

This is utter nonsense.

The government froze council tax. The local councillors had nothing to do with it.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 20, 2012, 09:47:23 AM
The government is devolving power to local councils, giving councils more power and therefore making them more accountable.

Well I could have sworn this government was hell-bent on getting as many schools out of local authority control as possible, seizing central control of them through its academies and free schools programme.  Must be a figment of my imagination.....   ;)
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: alan@marple on April 20, 2012, 11:14:37 AM
In my opinion(and I may be wrong), thanks to the intervention of the Tories, UKIP, Labour and independents the vote will be split so as to oust the Lib Dems Out.

So if you really want to see the likes of Messrs Candler and Alexandra back and influencing the administration of Marple, you had all better make sure that you do go out and vote.

I have no time for folk and who complain about councillors and who "don't vote for any of that lot" you've got a vote USE IT
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 20, 2012, 01:51:14 PM
The government is devolving power to local councils, giving councils more power and therefore making them more accountable.

Well I could have sworn this government was hell-bent on getting as many schools out of local authority control as possible, seizing central control of them through its academies and free schools programme.  Must be a figment of my imagination.....   ;)

Dave, if you can get the power doen to the schools and out of council meddling, I'll vote for you
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 20, 2012, 03:31:31 PM
The government is devolving power to local councils, giving councils more power and therefore making them more accountable.

Well I could have sworn this government was hell-bent on getting as many schools out of local authority control as possible, seizing central control of them through its academies and free schools programme.  Must be a figment of my imagination.....   ;)

That's no 100% true, just because academies are not under local authority control, doesn't mean they are then under
central government control. In fact the opposite is true, they have more freedom over what they teach and their budget.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 20, 2012, 03:32:46 PM
Marpleleaf,

With respect, don't you think that your "disenchantment" with Councillor Shan is clouding your political judgement a little bit.

This is an election wherein we expect electioneering. Nobody completely trusts any politicion/ aspiring politician anyway. If you are going to start measuring bar charts, (what did you actually measure it with?) well don't you think that you're being a bit pedantic. Maybe we should all should loosen up a little. Perhaps put down a marker for Duke next year when he stands although I do suspect that he is a fully baptized LibDem.   
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 20, 2012, 03:52:29 PM
Hello,

I know Gtr Manchester fairly well, I know Stockport very well and I know Marple even better.

If you have chosen to live in this "county" and I have, then there is no better place than Marple. However, many of you say that you want change. Lisa..." I really want change in Marple"... why is that? Shouldn't we be trying to preserve the status quo that we so enjoy living in?

I'm not advocating voting LibDem or not, in fact at this moment I am undecided myself but that is to do with Candidates not parties and as I have previously said I will vote for the Candidate. But as the LibDems have held the Marple Seat since 1992, doesn't that mean that they represent the status quo?               
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Howard on April 20, 2012, 04:00:39 PM
Perhaps put down a marker for Duke next year when he stands although I do suspect that he is a fully baptized LibDem.   

I only know Duke through the forum & Twitter but I'm pretty sure that he's not a LibDem. I would say he's more in the vein of Classic Liberalism which generally stands for rule of law, limited government, due process, and the liberty of individuals including freedom of speech, religion, press, and free markets. This is distinct from Social Liberalism which is more like today's LibDems.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: simonesaffron on April 20, 2012, 04:12:49 PM
As I keep saying I will vote for the Candidate, the party will be secondary. This of course is not an easy separation to make.

The succesful Candidate will be Shan or Carl both by a mile from third placed who will probably be Labour. If my recall is correct we have never had A Labour Councillor in Marple,ever! We have never had anywhere near a Labour Councillor in Marple and it will probably be a long time until we do. What do I do though if I think that the Labour Candidate is the best Candidate - waste my vote to follow my "integrity"?

There is an old saying in politics...The best Candidate is the best Campaigner, so who actually is that? In addition to which we are almost two full weeks away from the election and ..."almost two full weeks is long time in politics". Apologies to Mr Wilson if it was indeed he who first said it.                 
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Dave on April 20, 2012, 04:39:03 PM
just because academies are not under local authority control, doesn't mean they are then under
central government control. In fact the opposite is true, they have more freedom over what they teach and their budget.

Yes, academies do indeed have a bit more freedom over the curriculum, and more control of their budgets - I never suggested that they didn't.   But the point I'm making is that, contrary to what you suggested above, the government is not devolving power to local authorities, it is steadily stripping them of power by depriving them of their historic responsibility for education.  But as long as they are funded by the taxpayer, the schools will have to be answerable to someone, and that can only be be the government. 
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 20, 2012, 05:48:37 PM
Perhaps put down a marker for Duke next year when he stands although I do suspect that he is a fully baptized LibDem.  

I only know Duke through the forum & Twitter but I'm pretty sure that he's not a LibDem. I would say he's more in the vein of Classic Liberalism which generally stands for rule of law, limited government, due process, and the liberty of individuals including freedom of speech, religion, press, and free markets. This is distinct from Social Liberalism which is more like today's LibDems.

Pretty much it, I'd not bother too much about the religion, it's an argument about who's got the coolest imaginary friend if you ask me but if it's a hobby that keeps people out of mischief then each to their own.

My election pledge will be "do what you want without hurting anyone else but don't expect anyone else to pay for it. "

Now, who can I count on for a vote? :-*
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: alan@marple on April 22, 2012, 10:58:51 AM
This link gives an interesting background of Marple election and a resume of the candidates.

http://catholicleft.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/local-elections-in-marple.html
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Deniseam on April 24, 2012, 12:35:00 PM
Just got the new Lib Dem leaflet - usual pictures of the councillor in various locations around the constituency where they claim to have made a difference.  Just curious though about one phrase 'Solar Panels - Marple Lib Dems lead the the way on solar panels'.  What does this mean - have they all got solar panels on their roofs?  At the moment the phrase if meaningless.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 24, 2012, 12:49:48 PM
Just got the new Lib Dem leaflet - usual pictures of the councillor in various locations around the constituency where they claim to have made a difference.  Just curious though about one phrase 'Solar Panels - Marple Lib Dems lead the the way on solar panels'.  What does this mean - have they all got solar panels on their roofs?  At the moment the phrase if meaningless.

Let us remember...

YOU CANNOT BELIEVE IT
At least, not if it’s in a Liberal Democrat leaflet

FICTION: A recent Lib Dem leaflet has a question asking "Do you agree with Shan's campaign to stop the
Conservatives from turning streetlights off at night in our area". 

FACT: Stockport Conservatives never had any plans to switch off street lights in Stockport. However, the 
Liberal Democrats did have a plan to do just that. In a Daily Mirror article in 2006, Lib Dem Executive 
Councillor Sue Derbyshire was quoted as saying: “The intention is to improve lighting by moving away from
orange glow lights to brighter white lights across the borough, and then consider cutting back some lights in
consultation with residents”.

FICTION: Liberal Democrat leaflets say the Conservatives want to take money away from our area to allow
the Peel Moat Leisure Centre in the Heaton’s to remain open.

FACT: There would be no money taken away from Marple or any other ward if the Conservative Group’s budget
proposals were adopted. We proposed savings of £80,000 by slashing Councillors’ allowances by 10%, We wanted
to reduce the marketing budget by £30,000 and trim the Mayor’s budget. This would have allowed the leisure centre
in the Heaton’s to remain open in this the Olympic Year. We also proposed using the savings we identified for a
£400,000 fund to help kick-start job creation, especially for young people. And we wanted to cancel the Liberal Democrat
proposed increase in meals-onwheels charges and special needs transport. All these proposals were voted down by your
Liberal Democrat councillors.

On May 3rd you have the chance to have your say about the misinformation you are constantly being fed.
When you vote, you can decide what is fact and what is fiction!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 24, 2012, 03:46:23 PM
FICTION: Liberal Democrat leaflets say the Conservatives want to take money away from our area to allow
the Peel Moat Leisure Centre in the Heaton’s to remain open.

FACT: There would be no money taken away from Marple or any other ward if the Conservative Group’s budget
proposals were adopted. We proposed savings of £80,000 by slashing Councillors’ allowances by 10%, We wanted
to reduce the marketing budget by £30,000 and trim the Mayor’s budget. This would have allowed the leisure centre
in the Heaton’s to remain open in this the Olympic Year. We also proposed using the savings we identified for a
£400,000 fund to help kick-start job creation, especially for young people. And we wanted to cancel the Liberal Democrat
proposed increase in meals-onwheels charges and special needs transport. All these proposals were voted down by your
Liberal Democrat councillors.

On May 3rd you have the chance to have your say about the misinformation you are constantly being fed.
When you vote, you can decide what is fact and what is fiction!

I know it's not our constituency but the efforts to keep Peel Moat open is ridiculous. The Peel Moat centre was clsing because a very snazzy gym was opened at Houldsworth Mill.

I am a member of the 4 Heatons Traders assn and they have campaigned to keep Peel moat open but the reasons behind are illogical. The basic argument seems to be that Peel Moat is in Heaton Moor and Houldsworth in Reddish, there happens to be just 500m between the two centres but that seems to be lost on many.
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Heritage on April 24, 2012, 06:17:04 PM
Carl - just to be clear - are you saying there has been clear and deliberate deceit and lying in the Lib Dem publicity materials?

That is different from asserting they have given a certain representation of established facts.

Your use of the words 'fact' and 'fiction' infers deliberate lying.

Which is it?
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Duke Fame on April 24, 2012, 06:46:10 PM
This link gives an interesting background of Marple election and a resume of the candidates.

http://catholicleft.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/local-elections-in-marple.html

The Stockport Council Election predictions blog is quite interesting, I think I'll offer my help to the Lib Dems / Conservatives in Heatons North, Cheadle Hulme North and Offerton. We must keep the Labour people - our council tax bills are high enough!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: chicken lady on April 24, 2012, 06:47:35 PM
I suggest

FACT all politicians tell big porkies in order to gain a few votes!
Title: Re: Local election candidates announced
Post by: Carl Rydings on April 30, 2012, 07:41:07 PM
Carl - just to be clear - are you saying there has been clear and deliberate deceit and lying in the Lib Dem publicity materials?

'deliberate deceit and lying' is a strong phrase, I am just giving you our side of the story.

Quote from: chicken lady
I suggest

FACT all politicians tell big porkies in order to gain a few votes!

There are no 'big porkies' in any of my leaflets and I have not told any member of the public any 'big porkies' in this election. I wouldn't want to win that way.