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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: Carl Rydings on April 14, 2012, 02:18:30 AM
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Hi All,
Conservative Election Address is at:
http://www.carlrydings.com/
I am happy to answer questions.
Best Regards,
Carl
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Hi All,
Conservative Election Address is at:
http://www.carlrydings.com/
I am happy to answer questions.
Best Regards,
Carl
Good stuff Carl, I know you alone cannot do this but you can at least highlight where waste is. How will you be able to change the Town Hall culture into one that delivers economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Stockport is by no means the worst but I'd like to see the day when our council tax returns to 1990's levels in real terms rather than the current 10pc average earnings
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Hi All,
Conservative Election Address is at:
http://www.carlrydings.com/
I am happy to answer questions.
Best Regards,
Carl
Good stuff Carl, I know you alone cannot do this but you can at least highlight where waste is. How will you be able to change the Town Hall culture into one that delivers economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Stockport is by no means the worst but I'd like to see the day when our council tax returns to 1990's levels in real terms rather than the current 10pc average earnings
Hi Duke Fame,
Thank you for your comments.
Lets start with the councillors, Stockport Council spends nearly £1 million a year on councillors. Lets start by calling for all of
them to take a 10% cut for their next term in office. Our candidates this year, including myself, will take a 10% cut if they/I
win. At a time when the council is making cuts, councillors have to take a fair share of the cuts to their own allowances.
Secondly, If we had control of the council the £182,000 loan to Stockport County would not have happened.
Our reasons are very clear:
1. To state the obvious, Stockport Council is not a lender of last resort. It exists to provide services to its residents who
pay their council tax. In difficult times residents expect their Council to be concentrating on providing frontline services.
2. If other businesses in Stockport are in need of such loan funding, with free application costs, do they now go to the Council rather than a commercial lender?
3. Despite what the Liberel Democrats have said, there will be cost to council tax payers, as the council have agreed to pay the legal fees for the loan transaction.
Thirdly, Council publicity costs are nearly £1 million a year, including the Stockport Review newspaper, I would like to see the newspaper scraped
altogether until the council's finances are in better shape, then we can revisit it or publish it every 6 months rather then every 3 months and see how it goes.
As you say, I can't change the culture at the Town Hall myself, but The Conservative Group with me in it sure can. I would love to see Stockport Council
under Conservative control with Conservative councillors who spend money wisely as Executive councillors, one of their first job would be to find waste.
Regards,
Carl
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The loan to keep Stockport County would not be so bad if there was a feasible plan. Now the rugger team have decided to move, eagerly park is going to used once every 2 Weeks. It's made worse when you realise Salford council subsidise the Salford reds stadium so Stodkport county go out of business. Councils should stick to sweeping the roads & bins because they cock everything else up.
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Good Morning,
Duke, you just hate Councils - full stop.
Carl, you just hate LibDems - full stop.
Carl, questions for you if you would be so kind : Have you ever been to see Stockport County? What reason do you think that the Council had for making this loan? Do you think that there is any value at all to Stockport people in Stockport County FC?
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Good Morning,
Duke, you just hate Councils - full stop.
Carl, you just hate LibDems - full stop.
Carl, questions for you if you would be so kind : Have you ever been to see Stockport County? What reason do you think that the Council had for making this loan? Do you think that there is any value at all to Stockport people in Stockport County FC?
I don't hate councils Simon, I appreciate they have a role but it's limited. I don't like councils trying to meddle in areas beyond their remit and way beyond their capabilities.
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OK Duke, point taken.
Carl,10% reductions in Councillor's exes is old hat.
In fact, if we didn't pay such a paltry allowance we might get better Councillors. The current allowance scheme prevents candidates of diversity from standing and all we get are old fogeys who have drawn down their pensions and can afford to work for 9 Grand plus. Take a look at the pictures of Councillors on the Stockport website - what would you say the average age is ?
Why don't you campaign for INCREASED allowances for Councillors now that would be innovative. It's the officers that get all the money on the Council not the Councillors. Peanuts and monkeys springs to mind. Why is it that the Chief Executive at Stockport gets £180k per year yet the Leader of the Council gets a fraction of that. There's an imbalance, what can you do about that?
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The Conservative address is a nationally produced piece propaganda, I'm not even bother going to watch it.
On Local council elections, I am personally more interested in what if anything the candidate is going to to do
to benefit the area where I live, do you have any wonderful suggestions as to what you will be campaigning for on behalf of the local community rather than just following party policy?
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OK Duke, point taken.
Carl,10% reductions in Councillor's exes is old hat.
In fact, if we didn't pay such a paltry allowance we might get better Councillors. The current allowance scheme prevents candidates of diversity from standing and all we get are old fogeys who have drawn down their pensions and can afford to work for 9 Grand plus. Take a look at the pictures of Councillors on the Stockport website - what would you say the average age is ?
Why don't you campaign for INCREASED allowances for Councillors now that would be innovative. It's the officers that get all the money on the Council not the Councillors. Peanuts and monkeys springs to mind. Why is it that the Chief Executive at Stockport gets £180k per year yet the Leader of the Council gets a fraction of that. There's an imbalance, what can you do about that?
Some mixed messages Simon, it's ok to complain about old fogeys but there was a thinly veiled pop at Carl's age which is the one thing he can't do much about.
I tend to agree with you about councillors remuneration, I dont think there is a need to pay the sort of salaries we see north of £40k for a town clerk but nevertheless make it worth their while. I'd sooner see less councillors and pay a little more. That said, if we can achieve a 10% cut in the payroll bill and similarly firm on contracts, that would get my vote as council tax bills must be addressed.
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Duke,
There is no thinly veiled pop at Carl's age. That's in your head. I'm not really interested in his age one way or the other as far as I'm concerned if you're old enough to vote then you are old enough to get elected.
Oh, and stop calling me Simon. Did you read what I have actually written or what you thought I'd written?
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Duke,
There is no thinly veiled pop at Carl's age. That's in your head. I'm not really interested in his age one way or the other as far as I'm concerned if you're old enough to vote then you are old enough to get elected.
Oh, and stop calling me Simon. Did you read what I have actually written or what you thought I'd written?
Forgive me Simon, I took the following question to be an attempt at under-mining Carl. To clear things up, can you elaborate on your reasons for asking the question?
1/ Is it true that you are 21 years of age and that you still live with your mum?
I completely agree with your point on Shan's accident, a horrible accident which (as I said in an earlier post) I'm sure she'd do anything to put the clock back - it's completely irrelevant and I feel it's quite disgusting that it's been used as a way to attack her politically. Disagree with her politics by all means but dragging accidents up is a bit low IMHO.
....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.
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Good Morning,
Duke, you just hate Councils - full stop.
Carl, you just hate LibDems - full stop.
Carl, questions for you if you would be so kind : Have you ever been to see Stockport County? What reason do you think that the Council had for making this loan? Do you think that there is any value at all to Stockport people in Stockport County FC?
No, I have never been to see Stockport County play, as I have very little interest in football, I will watch England play on TV but that's as much as I do.
I stand by what I said, Stockport Council is not a commercial lender, its a council for providing public services. Don't get me wrong I'm not against County,
I think a football club is good to bring to together - however, when we have to make cuts to council budget's is this really the best way to spend tax-payers
money? Maybe on this one we will have to agree to disagree.
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OK Duke, point taken.
Carl,10% reductions in Councillor's exes is old hat.
In fact, if we didn't pay such a paltry allowance we might get better Councillors. The current allowance scheme prevents candidates of diversity from standing and all we get are old fogeys who have drawn down their pensions and can afford to work for 9 Grand plus. Take a look at the pictures of Councillors on the Stockport website - what would you say the average age is ?
Why don't you campaign for INCREASED allowances for Councillors now that would be innovative. It's the officers that get all the money on the Council not the Councillors. Peanuts and monkeys springs to mind. Why is it that the Chief Executive at Stockport gets £180k per year yet the Leader of the Council gets a fraction of that. There's an imbalance, what can you do about that?
I think at a time we are making cuts to council budgets, workers' salaries are being frozen both in the public and private sector, we need to lead by example.
If you look at stockport.gov.uk, yes most are older people. However Councillor William Wragg (http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=513) is in his 20's.
If things go the Conservative way in May and Oliver Johnstone (Hazel Grove) and myself are elected you will have three Conservatives in their 20's.
You see, I get people saying Councillors shouldn't be paid, it should be voluntary (like School governors)
and you are saying they should be paid more. I can't really win, I have given my view and you have yours.
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I am trying to answer all questions if I can. If I have missed any questions, please let me know.
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I am trying to answer all questions if I can. If I have missed any questions, please let me know.
How about jethroh65:
On Local council elections, I am personally more interested in what if anything the candidate is going to to do
to benefit the area where I live, do you have any wonderful suggestions as to what you will be campaigning for on behalf of the local community rather than just following party policy?
And I have to agree. On a local level it seems pointless to me to vote just to see a ward "go the Conservative way". I just want someone with passion and a bit of imagination for the local area.
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Hello Carl,
Specifically on the Stockport County issue don't you think that your view is framed around what you believe the Council IS NOT to Stockport as opposed to what Stockport County IS or Should be to Stockport.
Surely a football club with all its implications is not just another business. Would you not agree that SCFC is unique to Stockport whether you are a football fan or no.
Also on this issue you didn't answer the question about - why you think that the Council agreed to lend the money to SCFC in the first place? Do you not think that with the community services the club provides to our town it should be viewed in that context, almost say like Social Services?
Should we also remember that although as you quite rightly point out there are hidden costs associated with the arrangement it was indeed a LOAN.
Finally, as we all know SCFC is in a very precarious position in terms of both a business and a football club - do we know how many people they employ both directly and indirectly?
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Hello Again Carl,
On a very local issue, it is my understanding that commensurate May 1st 2012, The Marple Co-op (good news for you Duk) is planning to extend its opening hours to/from 6am til 11pm, Monday to Saturday. What are your views on that and the implications if any to the Marple Community?
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Commensurate May 1st 2012, The Marple Co-op is planning to extend its opening hours to/from 6am til 11pm, Monday to Saturday. What are your views on that and the implications if any to the Marple Community?
First time I had heard of it and slightly surprising given the number of customers the co-op has at the end of the day and the fact that the Somerfield part of the co-op monopoly is already open for longer hours.
If correct I fail to see how this can have any implications on the local community or any relevance to local elections. If a business believes it can afford to open those hours then what is the problem?
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THe Coop can open when it likes, it's not really for the local council to interfere with, it's a commercial decision.
RE. Stockport County, I'm a huge fan of football but can't agree with your point. Should Glasgow & Portsmouth council not get their local clubs out of the clarts? I take on your point that football clubs do community work but that is really just marketing, getting kids interested in Stockport County before they follow the lemmings to support the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea.
You are also right to point out it's just a loan but that's no good tot he taxpayer until it gets repaid. I object to the sponsorship they had in place a while back, opposition supporters are going to look at Stockport County's shirt and say to themselves, wow, Stockport has a council? I'll go out and pay some council tax, this also crowds out local businesses wh may just get more positive reseults from an albeit reduced sponsorship.
I take your point that the football club employs people and takes on the products and services of local businesses but the council would help out every local business on that basis. Surely, the best way to help local businesses is to reduce the burden of council tax to it's absolute minimum giving local people more disposable income to spend on local good & services (including football matches)?
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Thank you Hollins and Duke for your comments but I'm not really talking about what the business can do, we know all that, it can open when it likes.
I was really interested in Carl's view and as to what HE thought the implications were or indeed if he thought there are any. His answer is relevant to MY vote for HIM at the election, YOU'RE NOT STANDING.
The fact that you fail to see anything other than a business operating for commercial reasons doesn't mean anything to me but his view does.
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Thank you Hollins and Duke for your comments but I'm not really talking about what the business can do, we know all that, it can open when it likes.
I was really interested in Carl's view and as to what HE thought the implications were or indeed if he thought there are any. His answer is relevant to MY vote for HIM at the election, YOU'RE NOT STANDING.
The fact that you fail to see anything other than a business operating for commercial reasons doesn't mean anything to me but his view does.
I know, pie plod, as a voter myself, I like the fact Carl has opened this channel of communication but the questions have to be something within Carl's control as a prospective councillor. The coop's sales strategy to maximise their members wealth is their own members' look out and as if they meet their customers' demands, they are on the right track.
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This is becoming very difficult to Explain Duk. It is probably beyond my explanatory powers. So what I think I'll do is let CARL come back to ME, if he chooses, with HIS answer to MY question.
In addition, I think that we should let Carl ( I will anyway) put HIS own restrictions on what HE feels HE can and can't influence. What do you think eh ? Lets give it a go!
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This is becoming very difficult to Explain Duk. It is probably beyond my explanatory powers. So what I think I'll do is let CARL come back to ME, if he chooses, with HIS answer to MY question.
In addition, I think that we should let Carl ( I will anyway) put HIS own restrictions on what HE feels HE can and can't influence. What do you think eh ? Lets give it a go!
Hey, this being the intertwaddle, it tends to include lots of people and views. I feel I'm helping everyone understand the issues.
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Just a little question for 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 Clifford Stanway's campaign?
It may be easier for the neutrals to know where your line of questioning is going.
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Hello Carl,
Specifically on the Stockport County issue don't you think that your view is framed around what you believe the Council IS NOT to Stockport as opposed to what Stockport County IS or Should be to Stockport.
Surely a football club with all its implications is not just another business. Would you not agree that SCFC is unique to Stockport whether you are a football fan or no.
Also on this issue you didn't answer the question about - why you think that the Council agreed to lend the money to SCFC in the first place? Do you not think that with the community services the club provides to our town it should be viewed in that context, almost say like Social Services?
Should we also remember that although as you quite rightly point out there are hidden costs associated with the arrangement it was indeed a LOAN.
Finally, as we all know SCFC is in a very precarious position in terms of both a business and a football club - do we know how many people they employ both directly and indirectly?
Here's my view on this, any football club is just another business, it is not a council service, the council is also not a bank.
Let me give you some quotes from http://menmedia.co.uk
"A struggling football club is to get a loan in the region of £180,000 from a cash-strapped council."
"The move is the latest in a long line of attempts to prop up the club."
"In 2010, the council paid £80,000 to have its logo branded on shirts, matchday advertising and programmes in a bid to keep the club going."
"Since going into administration three years ago after defaulting on a £300,000 bill, it has suffered a string of relegations and failed takeovers."
Based on that, I ask, are we actually ever going to get this money back? The council itself needs to save £12m next year,
I'm sorry I just can't support the loan. Here's a question (I don't have the answer, but it still something to ponder),
did the board of Stockport FC get paid last year? If so, Why? use that money, must be around £180,000, if not more.
Let me just clarify again, I am not against county, I don't want to see them fail, but I don't think the council should be its saviour.
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Hello Again Carl,
On a very local issue, it is my understanding that commensurate May 1st 2012, The Marple Co-op (good news for you Duk) is planning to extend its opening hours to/from 6am til 11pm, Monday to Saturday. What are your views on that and the implications if any to the Marple Community?
They can open however long they wish to. Obviously, the council should monitor the situation, if any problems
do arise from the extended opening times, I'm sure the council can work with the Co-op to resolve them.
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hi carl
what do you think about the closure of station ticket offices in stockport ?
lookforward to your reply
cheers rob
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Hello Carl,
Specifically on the Stockport County issue don't you think that your view is framed around what you believe the Council IS NOT to Stockport as opposed to what Stockport County IS or Should be to Stockport.
Surely a football club with all its implications is not just another business. Would you not agree that SCFC is unique to Stockport whether you are a football fan or no.
Also on this issue you didn't answer the question about - why you think that the Council agreed to lend the money to SCFC in the first place? Do you not think that with the community services the club provides to our town it should be viewed in that context, almost say like Social Services?
Should we also remember that although as you quite rightly point out there are hidden costs associated with the arrangement it was indeed a LOAN.
Finally, as we all know SCFC is in a very precarious position in terms of both a business and a football club - do we know how many people they employ both directly and indirectly?
Here's my view on this, any football club is just another business, it is not a council service, the council is also not a bank.
Let me give you some quotes from http://menmedia.co.uk
"A struggling football club is to get a loan in the region of £180,000 from a cash-strapped council."
"The move is the latest in a long line of attempts to prop up the club."
"In 2010, the council paid £80,000 to have its logo branded on shirts, matchday advertising and programmes in a bid to keep the club going."
"Since going into administration three years ago after defaulting on a £300,000 bill, it has suffered a string of relegations and failed takeovers."
Based on that, I ask, are we actually ever going to get this money back? The council itself needs to save £12m next year,
I'm sorry I just can't support the loan. Here's a question (I don't have the answer, but it still something to ponder),
did the board of Stockport FC get paid last year? If so, Why? use that money, must be around £180,000, if not more.
Let me just clarify again, I am not against county, I don't want to see them fail, but I don't think the council should be its saviour.
To make it all a little more awkward, the Stockport County manager is on the Labour propaganda leaflets - I wonder what more they Labour lot have promised.
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Carl its a bit late but just to let you know, as i suspect you wont have read the footy results, SCFC won on Saturday 2-0 attracting a crowd of 6,393. As a blue nose i know you wont understand the social and community aspects of a football club, but as your party are the champion of small business you will appreciate how important the football footfall however small is the shops and watering holes located in Edgeley and the surrounding area. I would go as far to say that some businesses are kept solvent buy this influx every other week through the season, which will be even more important once Sale RFC leave. Its easy from the outside looking in to say the Council is not a lender of last resort, which i agree, but always look at the bigger picture. Would you have had a different view if the three local ward members wore blue rosettes rather than red?
Your correct to look at waste, none billing is unforgivable. Previous comments suggest the commercial waste spread sheet for starters. I'm sure back dating wouldn't be an issue, with people only to willing to pay what they owe, once the oversite has been brought to their attention. You never know once all the outstanding money has been collected we may even be able to cover the over spend, reduce the community charge, and have free parking
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Your correct to look at waste, none billing is unforgivable. Previous comments suggest the commercial waste spread sheet for starters. I'm sure back dating wouldn't be an issue, with people only to willing to pay what they owe, once the oversite has been brought to their attention. You never know once all the outstanding money has been collected we may even be able to cover the over spend, reduce the community charge, and have free parking
What’s your point re. Commercial waste? I must have missed it.
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Just wondering where Ms Alexander's election address is ? Do you think she thinks that it needs to be kept secret :-\
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What’s your point re. Commercial waste? I must have missed it.
Duke, you said
'I concur on the billing, we got away with them cocking up the bill so we paid nothing a couple of years ago, usually I'd be honest with suppliers but I object to paying for rubbish collection'.......
My point was, why should my community charge be used to subsidise the collection of business/commercial waste when the LA only has a statutory duty to collect domestic/household waste. Carl or who ever is elected needs to ensure that monies owed for chargeable services are collected, this would benefit everyone not those few who get away without paying for what they have signed up for.
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Just wondering where Ms Alexander's election address is ? Do you think she thinks that it needs to be kept secret :-\
It had already been posted on the forum along with every other candidate's addresses. It is also readily available on the SMBC web site where all existing local councillor's addresses are published.
http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=4272.msg23303#msg23303
http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=117
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What’s your point re. Commercial waste? I must have missed it.
Duke, you said
'I concur on the billing, we got away with them cocking up the bill so we paid nothing a couple of years ago, usually I'd be honest with suppliers but I object to paying for rubbish collection'.......
My point was, why should my community charge be used to subsidise the collection of business/commercial waste when the LA only has a statutory duty to collect domestic/household waste. Carl or who ever is elected needs to ensure that monies owed for chargeable services are collected, this would benefit everyone not those few who get away without paying for what they have signed up for.
Ah ha, SK solutions are a quasi private company so it's up to them. One problem With your idea is that businesses are already being ripped off with business rates and current waste disposal costs, to retrospectively rape the productive sector in order to employ a load of people in quasi jobs in Stockport council will hurt business and real employment.
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Just wondering where Ms Alexander's election address is ? Do you think she thinks that it needs to be kept secret :-\
She came to my house canvassing the other day. It has to be said that she is a very personable lady.
I don't think that she feels she needs a formal address. From our conversation I got the distinct impression that she is standing or falling on her record. In fact she seemed confident yet philosophical. Anyway, whatever she was, she is so far the only candidate that I have seen. I'm still undecided about my vote. A lot can happen in a week, but there is one thing I have to say about the Libdems... they always seem to be THERE.
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Just wondering where Ms Alexander's election address is ? Do you think she thinks that it needs to be kept secret :-\
She came to my house canvassing the other day. It has to be said that she is a very personable lady.
I don't think that she feels she needs a formal address. From our conversation I got the distinct impression that she is standing or falling on her record. In fact she seemed confident yet philosophical. Anyway, whatever she was, she is so far the only candidate that I have seen. I'm still undecided about my vote. A lot can happen in a week, but there is one thing I have to say about the Libdems... they always seem to be THERE.
I find it surprising that we've not seen a candidate yet. If I have a spare moment on Sunday I'll help out with wither the Cons or Lib Dems.
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Ah ha, SK solutions are a quasi private company so it's up to them. One problem With your idea is that businesses are already being ripped off with business rates and current waste disposal costs, to retrospectively rape the productive sector in order to employ a load of people in quasi jobs in Stockport council will hurt business and real employment.
As you and i both know, SK Solutions and SMBC are intrinsically linked by a financial umbilical cord, you don't pay one it affects us all, but that's ok as long as it doesn't affect businesses
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Ah ha, SK solutions are a quasi private company so it's up to them. One problem With your idea is that businesses are already being ripped off with business rates and current waste disposal costs, to retrospectively rape the productive sector in order to employ a load of people in quasi jobs in Stockport council will hurt business and real employment.
As you and i both know, SK Solutions and SMBC are intrinsically linked by a financial umbilical cord, you don't pay one it affects us all, but that's ok as long as it doesn't affect businesses
We must protect businesses as only businesses can create employment. Council employ the willing unemployable.
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Duke,
You certainly take some figuring, Unbelievable !
What about Teachers,Doctors,Nurses, Dentists, Rat - catchers, Social Workers, Police Officers....so on and so on.
They are not employed by business are they? Are they the "willing unemployable"?
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Welcome to the wacky world of Duke, Simone. ;) Basically, private sector workers are dedicated and hardworking, the drivers of the dynamic UK economy. Public sector employees, on the other hand, are idle, feckless, sponging shirkers who have never done a decent day's work in their lives.
So as you say, Simone, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, rat - catchers, social workers, police officers are all a waste of space, whilst bookies, hairdressers, tattooists, accountants, estate agents, hedge-fund managers and supermarket shelf-stackers are doing the useful things that keep UK plc ticking over. You couldn't make it up, really ::)
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Welcome to the wacky world of Duke, Simone. ;) Basically, private sector workers are dedicated and hardworking, the drivers of the dynamic UK economy. Public sector employees, on the other hand, are idle, feckless, sponging shirkers who have never done a decent day's work in their lives.
So as you say, Simone, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, rat - catchers, social workers, police officers are all a waste of space, whilst bookies, hairdressers, tattooists, accountants, estate agents, hedge-fund managers and supermarket shelf-stackers are doing the useful things that keep UK plc ticking over. You couldn't make it up, really ::)
Well done Dave, you're learning!
In reality, that's not quite my view. Teachers, doctors, nurses & police all work in an area where there is market failure and that's where the state can step in and provide the service (but must do it in an efficient and effective way - for many state agencies, that proves difficult). I notice you don't list Nuclear Free Local Secretariat & Policy and Research Officers, New Media Managers, Link Workers - Indian and East African Asian; Cultural Regeneration Officers, Specialist Market Managers, Corporate Lead Officers - Lesbians' issues, Corporate Lead Officers - Gay Men's Issues, 'Zest' Hub Co-Ordinators, Climate Change Officers, Team Strategic Development oficers, Creative Directors, Expressive and Performing Arts Technicians, Travel Change Team Policy Officers, recycling officers & cycling teams etc etc It's these hey nonny nonny roles that are an attempt to employ the willing unemployable. Surely it's better to reduce council tax, get rid of this rubbish and leave more money in the pocket of the punter who can spend money in the local economy?
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There is waste in all sectors. Some private company's are worse than public ones. The customer/user has to pick up the tab in all kinds of ways and not just in the purse. If you measure your life quality by the council tax, profit and loss account, then you'll very likely have a life of protestation and reaction. I don't so I don't. Once you go down that road it's like that song where you very quickly ..."I've forgotten what I started fighting for"...
Public versus private is an endless debate where extreme examples can be used to illustrate a point for either side. There isn't really a definitive answer. There are bad/lazy Teachers as well as there are bad/lazy Asda store managers and somebody is paying for both of them. Speaking of ASDA...all quiet eh...I guess they are waiting...don't know what for, maybe the elections.
Speaking of elections Carl, I've decided who I'm voting for but I haven't got the time just yet to divulge and give reasons, so I'll post later.
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Door stepped by Annette Finnie and cold called by the Lib/Dems it must be close. Brief chat advised i wouldn't be voting for her party as a point of principle, but she would be gaining a vote indirectly as i also wouldn't be voting for the Lib/Dems this time, as i have always done in the past to keep her party out, they seem to have forgotten their principles, as demonstrated by jumping into bed with her party for 5 years of fame, with our local MP at the forefront of the negotiations. Off she went happy.
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Me too bellee - I'm in danger of voting Green or Labour and thereby letting Ms Finnie in - what to do?? ???
As for Duke's tired old list of 'non-jobs', I just wish people would stop insulting our intelligence by lazily copying and pasting these right-wing rants off other websites, such as this one http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/politics/s/1460460_35000-protesters---and-not-one-arrest-anti-cuts-rally-targets-tory-party-conference-in-manchester
...and this one: http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/forum/2012/045.html
..and indeed their own previous posts - we've all seen this one at least twice before on this very forum from Duke himself ::)
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There is waste in all sectors. Some private company's are worse than public ones. The customer/user has to pick up the tab in all kinds of ways and not just in the purse. If you measure your life quality by the council tax, profit and loss account, then you'll very likely have a life of protestation and reaction. I don't so I don't. Once you go down that road it's like that song where you very quickly ..."I've forgotten what I started fighting for"...
Public versus private is an endless debate where extreme examples can be used to illustrate a point for either side. There isn't really a definitive answer. There are bad/lazy Teachers as well as there are bad/lazy Asda store managers and somebody is paying for both of them.
There is Si, however, the consumer has a choice in the private sector in excercising their own personal utility and deciding to take their custom elsewhere.
Taxes such as council tax and TV licence is not avoidable by excercising consumer choice.
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Door stepped by Annette Finnie and cold called by the Lib/Dems it must be close. Brief chat advised i wouldn't be voting for her party as a point of principle, but she would be gaining a vote indirectly as i also wouldn't be voting for the Lib/Dems this time, as i have always done in the past to keep her party out, they seem to have forgotten their principles, as demonstrated by jumping into bed with her party for 5 years of fame, with our local MP at the forefront of the negotiations. Off she went happy.
Belle,
I do think that we should separate local elections from National ones. I am not the biggest fan of the coalition and I definitely believe that some of the Libdem leaders have deluded themselves into thinking that they are doing what is right for the country when the truth is that they are actually guilty of "shiny car syndrome" which has turned their heads. Saying that, I don't know what else (as a party) they could have done. It is worthy of mention that despite their poll ratings in Election 2010 they actually came out of that election with less seats than they entered it with. Had they not joined the coalition the Conservatives would have probably soft-peddled for a year then called another election which they would have won outright and wherein the Libdemns would have been wiped out for the simple reason that it costs money to fight an election and they have not got any. They needed this five years to re-group and get some funding for 2015 election. It is all very complicated, isn't it?
So in a sense whosoever from the libdems actually said yes has given the party the chance to fight another day. It should always be rememberd that they have 60+seats not 2/3 hundred.
What has all this to do with Marple 2012? IMHO, absolutely nothing ! Is it Candler or Finnie or Alexander or Rydings? Another important issue for me -who is fighting the hardest campaign. I noticed in South Marple the place is festooned by the latest bright, orange, correx,posters, I've not counted them but must be at least 100 whereas Conservatives have got about ten,insipid, worn out, paper posters. So the libdems have won the poster war by about ten -nil. But do posters a Councillor make?
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Another important issue for me - who is fighting the hardest campaign. I noticed in South Marple the place is festooned by the latest bright, orange, correx,posters, I've not counted them but must be at least 100 whereas Conservatives have got about ten,insipid, worn out, paper posters. So the libdems have won the poster war by about ten -nil. But do posters a Councillor make?
Marple South has many brand new Conservative correx boards (mainly in High Lane). You have to remember the Lib Dems have been
in power for a long time, therefore they have collected lots of addresses over the years, we expect them to have more posters.
Shan is doing everything she can to stay in power this year. For the first time in many years we have put out leaflets and put up boards
for the local elections. I am concentrating my resources in High Lane, as that's where I live and that's where I feel the majority of my
vote will come from. I can't bring a Ward from very little being done there to a full campaign in under 1 year, I have to build it up over time.
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On the Lib Dems joining the coalition, as a chap who voted Lib Dem in the last election, I can't understand the upset at this. When you vote Lib dem, you can ONLY hope for your vote to count by way of a coalition. As most people wanted rid of the awful Labour governmetn, a coailition with ht eTories was the best anyone who voted Lib Dem could wish for.
Very true, did people who vote Lib Dem really think they could win an outright majority on their own?
If that did happen (and in theory it could) it would happen over many many elections, not just one.
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carl you still havent replied to my question !!
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Another important issue for me - who is fighting the hardest campaign. I noticed in South Marple the place is festooned by the latest bright, orange, correx,posters, I've not counted them but must be at least 100 whereas Conservatives have got about ten,insipid, worn out, paper posters. So the libdems have won the poster war by about ten -nil. But do posters a Councillor make?
Marple South has many brand new Conservative correx boards (mainly in High Lane). You have to remember the Lib Dems have been
in power for a long time, therefore they have collected lots of addresses over the years, we expect them to have more posters.
Shan is doing everything she can to stay in power this year. For the first time in many years we have put out leaflets and put up boards
for the local elections. I am concentrating my resources in High Lane, as that's where I live and that's where I feel the majority of my
vote will come from. I can't bring a Ward from very little being done there to a full campaign in under 1 year, I have to build it up over time.
Carl,
I've seen some of your posters in High Lane. The locations are interesting but they say little for your persuasive powers. There are three outside High Lane Conservative club ( no surprise ) and one outside your house (no surprise again) however, the house opposite you, as you know, has a libdem poster erected. I would have thought that in a 12 month period you could have walked across the road and persuaded at least your close neighbour to vote for you. If you go down Shan's street its all Libdem posters, There's no trace of anybody else.
Are you standing as Councillor for Marple South or Councillor for High Lane?
As you say you are concentrating on High Lane which we all know is a Conservative stronghold. Does that mean that if you get elected and if I don't live in High Lane then my representation will be diluted as you concentrate on where your votes are. Marple Sth is either the largest or second largest ward, ( I'm not sure ) in area, in Stockport - it is not just about High Lane!! Most of the people that live in Marple Sth, don't live in High Lane. People in High Lane won't be effected by...say... a Supermarket on Hibbert Lane. In fact, many, would probably like one. So when you're elected are you going to change your mind about that?
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Another important issue for me - who is fighting the hardest campaign. I noticed in South Marple the place is festooned by the latest bright, orange, correx,posters, I've not counted them but must be at least 100 whereas Conservatives have got about ten,insipid, worn out, paper posters. So the libdems have won the poster war by about ten -nil. But do posters a Councillor make?
Marple South has many brand new Conservative correx boards (mainly in High Lane). You have to remember the Lib Dems have been
in power for a long time, therefore they have collected lots of addresses over the years, we expect them to have more posters.
Shan is doing everything she can to stay in power this year. For the first time in many years we have put out leaflets and put up boards
for the local elections. I am concentrating my resources in High Lane, as that's where I live and that's where I feel the majority of my
vote will come from. I can't bring a Ward from very little being done there to a full campaign in under 1 year, I have to build it up over time.
Carl,
I've seen some of your posters in High Lane. The locations are interesting but they say little for your persuasive powers. There are three outside High Lane Conservative club ( no surprise ) and one outside your house (no surprise again) however, the house opposite you, as you know, has a libdem poster erected. I would have thought that in a 12 month period you could have walked across the road and persuaded at least your close neighbour to vote for you. If you go down Shan's street its all Libdem posters, There's no trace of anybody else.
Are you standing as Councillor for Marple South or Councillor for High Lane?
As you say you are concentrating on High Lane which we all know is a Conservative stronghold. Does that mean that if you get elected and if I don't live in High Lane then my representation will be diluted as you concentrate on where your votes are. Marple Sth is either the largest or second largest ward, ( I'm not sure ) in area, in Stockport - it is not just about High Lane!! Most of the people that live in Marple Sth, don't live in High Lane. People in High Lane won't be effected by...say... a Supermarket on Hibbert Lane. In fact, many, would probably like one. So when you're elected are you going to change your mind about that?
If I am elected everyone in the ward is important to me, as a
councillor I wouldn't care who you vote for or where you live.
My decision to target High Lane is purely based on resources.
My view on the supermarket will not change, I have had Conservative voters in High Lane ask for the supermarket to go ahead and I have had to say I am against it, I am not the sort of politican to say one thing to one person and something else to another.
My neighbour across the road is a long standing Lib Dem activist, but he has been a Lib Dem all his life, you can't win everyone.
I think people on here seem to think after years and years of Lib Dems being in power, and people voting Lib Dem all/most of their life, in under 12 months I can come in and change all that. I don't have a magic wand, I am building Marple South's campaign up from almost nothing - I am doing my best.
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carl you still havent replied to my question !!
I am sorry if I have missed your question,
can you please repost it.
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hi carl
what do you think about the closure of station ticket offices in stockport ?
lookforward to your reply
cheers rob
I think it's this one Carl.
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Carl,
You're starting already with the excuses and you're not even elected yet..."I don't have a magic wand"..."people on here think"... Carl we don't think anything, we don't know, you're an unknown quantity that's why we ask the questions. We know what we get off Shan, we've had her for a dozen years.
We want to know what you think you can do, not what you can't and why you can't do it !
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Carl,
You're starting already with the excuses and you're not even elected yet..."I don't have a magic wand"..."people on here think"... Carl we don't think anything,
we don't know, you're an unknown quantity that's why we ask the questions. We know what we get off Shan, we've had her for a dozen years.
We want to know what you think you can do, not what you can't and why you can't do it !
Hi,
I am sorry if I offended anyone with that post, it was not my intention. All I was trying to say was I am running the campaign the best I can with the resources I have.
I am more then happy to answer questions which are about policy, I just don't think conversations about posters are a good use of your/my time.
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hi carl
what do you think about the closure of station ticket offices in stockport ?
lookforward to your reply
cheers rob
I think it's this one Carl.
Thanks, Duke Fame.
bluebelly, I wouldn't want to see the ticket office closed, the office provides a valuable service to
customers - much more then just selling tickets.
I believe ticket machines are a good addition to the service as it can be quicker, if you just want
a ticket and your in a rush but I don't think the machines should replace the ticket office altogether.
Hope that answers your question.
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Carl,
You're starting already with the excuses and you're not even elected yet..."I don't have a magic wand"..."people on here think"... Carl we don't think anything,
we don't know, you're an unknown quantity that's why we ask the questions. We know what we get off Shan, we've had her for a dozen years.
We want to know what you think you can do, not what you can't and why you can't do it !
Hi,
I am sorry if I offended anyone with that post, it was not my intention. All I was trying to say was I am running the campaign the best I can with the resources I have.
I am more then happy to answer questions which are about policy, I just don't think conversations about posters are a good use of your/my time.
I accept that you are doing the best you can. The question was about your campaign not about posters, posters are just an example of your campaign. If they are not right, then maybe nothing else is. Neither am I offended in any way at all
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Carl,
You're starting already with the excuses and you're not even elected yet..."I don't have a magic wand"..."people on here think"... Carl we don't think anything,
we don't know, you're an unknown quantity that's why we ask the questions. We know what we get off Shan, we've had her for a dozen years.
We want to know what you think you can do, not what you can't and why you can't do it !
Hi,
I am sorry if I offended anyone with that post, it was not my intention. All I was trying to say was I am running the campaign the best I can with the resources I have.
I am more then happy to answer questions which are about policy, I just don't think conversations about posters are a good use of your/my time.
I accept that you are doing the best you can. The question was about your campaign not about posters, posters are just an example of your campaign. If they are not right, then maybe nothing else is. Neither am I offended in any way at all
Like I say they are brand new correx boards with brand new painted stakes holding them up.
In High Lane, I believe I am winning on the number of posters, but I accept in Marple I am not.
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A fair point Si, my thoughts on the Conservative address were that they seem to be the only party prepared to address the cost problems of local authorities which should be the number one issue.
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A fair point Si, my thoughts on the Conservative address were that they seem to be the only party prepared to address the cost problems of local authorities which should be the number one issue.
The point that I would make is that the Conservatives for many years have never had to make a budget in Stockport. It is the Libdems in Stockport that have had to find ways of making the town work for the last 20 years and find the recent savings the coalition cuts have imposed upon the services used by the people of Stockport. All the Conservatives in Stockport seem to have done (according to my reading and understanding) is oppose and obstruct the Libdem proposals without actually putting forward a realistic, workable, budget plan themselves. They continually say that they will cut "waste" but they never actually say how. When you press the question all they seem to come up with are jibes about the "back office", "council publicity" and of course the old chestnut,cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
What significant effect can taking £900.00 off each Councillor have on the massive deficit that we have had imposed upon us, save to make our Councillors feel even more undervalued than they probably do already ?
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A fair point Si, my thoughts on the Conservative address were that they seem to be the only party prepared to address the cost problems of local authorities which should be the number one issue.
The point that I would make is that the Conservatives for many years have never had to make a budget in Stockport. It is the Libdems in Stockport that have had to find ways of making the town work for the last 20 years and find the recent savings the coalition cuts have imposed upon the services used by the people of Stockport. All the Conservatives in Stockport seem to have done (according to my reading and understanding) is oppose and obstruct the Libdem proposals without actually putting forward a realistic, workable, budget plan themselves. They continually say that they will cut "waste" but they never actually say how. When you press the question all they seem to come up with are jibes about the "back office", "council publicity" and of course the old chestnut,cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
What significant effect can taking £900.00 off each Councillor have on the massive deficit that we have had imposed upon us, save to make our Councillors feel even more undervalued than they probably do already ?
I don't think the cut in budget is really that great a difficulty, it's only cutting back to 2007 level which wasn't exactly a time where bins were un-emptied nor roads unprepared.
Cutting costs to the core should be the aim to deliver value for the tax-payer and id like to see sn open appraisal of the councils spending and a strategy to improve efficiency in every area.
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cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
I quite agree, on the Tory bit of propaganda that came thru our door we had Mr Rydings saying he'll cut councillors allowances, while he lives at home with Mummy and Daddy!
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cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
I quite agree, on the Tory bit of propaganda that came thru our door we had Mr Rydings saying he'll cut councillors allowances, while he lives at home with Mummy and Daddy!
Whilst that's true Andy, nobody should hold that fact against him.
I think reducing the allowances for councillors does have a danger of making the office of councillor only available for those who can afford to incur expenses without being reimbursed. That said, I don't really want a career councillor, the point of them is they have an understanding of the normal council taxpayer. I think the answer is less councillors and pay them a fair remuneration for their time. What worries me is how so many claim right up to their allowance, that seems fishy.
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It's irrelevant now anyway as the nasty party were trounced.
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It's irrelevant now anyway as the nasty party were trounced.
They were but they won in Offerton, does that mean the nasty party are going to be in charge in Stockport?
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It's irrelevant now anyway as the nasty party were trounced.
They were but they won in Offerton, does that mean the nasty party are going to be in charge in Stockport?
I think the Lib / Cons can keep hold of the council, PHEW
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cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
I quite agree, on the Tory bit of propaganda that came thru our door we had Mr Rydings saying he'll cut councillors allowances, while he lives at home with Mummy and Daddy!
Whilst that's true Andy, nobody should hold that fact against him.
I think reducing the allowances for councillors does have a danger of making the office of councillor only available for those who can afford to incur expenses without being reimbursed. That said, I don't really want a career councillor, the point of them is they have an understanding of the normal council taxpayer. I think the answer is less councillors and pay them a fair remuneration for their time. What worries me is how so many claim right up to their allowance, that seems fishy.
I think that they could hold it against him and they did. Doesn't really matter as a person how old you are or what your domestic circumstances are. But young Rydings was standing as a Councillor and that invites comparison. Why would a seventy year old, widowed, grandmother who has worked since she was 15 and brought a family up feel comfortable being represented by a young boy who still lives at home. The fault lies not with Carl Rydings but with the Conservative "leaders" endorsing him as a candidate in Marple of all places.
As far as Councillors allowances are concernd, I don't think that you need to worry about the emergence of too many "career councillors" - not on £9K per year.
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cutting Councillor's allowances which to me is just petty electioneering.
I quite agree, on the Tory bit of propaganda that came thru our door we had Mr Rydings saying he'll cut councillors allowances, while he lives at home with Mummy and Daddy!
Whilst that's true Andy, nobody should hold that fact against him.
I think reducing the allowances for councillors does have a danger of making the office of councillor only available for those who can afford to incur expenses without being reimbursed. That said, I don't really want a career councillor, the point of them is they have an understanding of the normal council taxpayer. I think the answer is less councillors and pay them a fair remuneration for their time. What worries me is how so many claim right up to their allowance, that seems fishy.
The way Politicians in this country are financed is an absolute joke. Because it is all done via expenses and allowances and what have you, even the most straight laced, up-tight. by the book person is made to look dodgy when it is revealed that they (legitimately) claimed X tens of thousands of pounds in allowances and expenses.
The Parliamentary expenses scandal is a case in point. Whilst a big ho-ha was made over it in the media, when it came down to it, they had all been acting within the rules except for 4, who were duly charged with Fraud. Sure, many of them paid back the more ridiculous sounding claims, but even the Duck House guy, and the Moating Cleaning guy had been acting within the rules that were laid down for them. And to be honest, I can't really fault them for taking advantage.
It'll never happen, because it's Turkey's voting for Christmas, but allowances and expenses should be scrapped for all politicians in almost all cases, and instead these items should just be paid for directly by the government body they represent. So, for example, MPs travel expenses, Parliament buys every MP/Peer a Rail season ticket, cheaper for the tax payer all round (given that as they're buying over 1000 they should be able to get a bulk buy deal). MPs staffing, central government hires 650 constituency secretaries, and centrally rents 650 constituency offices. It's ridiculous that MPs have to hire/rent, and then claims expenses for their work space and their staff (these are the two biggest items that cause MPs expenses each year to look so stupidly large). And so on and so forth.
Politicians should be paid a flat wage, expected to turn up to all meetings/votes/duties (like the rest of us in any other job), and only be abe to/have to, claim legitimate out of pocket expenses, and not have to claim for things that really should be provided for them by their employer, ie Local/Central Government.
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I think you are quite right Marple exile. The obvious thing would be to build an mp's halls of residence to avoid the need for 2nd houses, employing friends as cleaners on an executive wage etc etc
For local councillors, £9k is not a lot of course but Shan does Ok, the boy Goddard did alright and over in Manchester Leese &Bernstein would never gets salary like that in the real world.
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MP's are a different thing altogether but local politician's "allowances" are a simple enough issue that have been explained on this website many times by many different writers yet they continually seem to be misunderstood.
Ordinary Local Councillors across the length and breadth of the country are paid a fixed allowance a "flat wage" as you call it. They do not have to claim it, it is paid to them every month, the same amount to every Councillor for an individual local authority, the only aspect is that it varies is from local authority to local authority but that's a consequence of local conditions and negotiations. So, all of Stockport's elected members receive the same basic allowance (flat wage as you call it every month), They do not have to claim it, it is paid automatically that's why Duke it is always the same amount, there is nothing .."fishy" about it. In Stockport's case, the exact amount eludes me, but it is about £9,800 p.a. taxed at source. The discretion that they have is what they spend it on. They are expected to turn up for the meetings that they have signed up to anyway and do what they are supposed to do irrespective of what they have done with this allowance.
It is all a matter of public record and a very simple and uncomplicated issue. You will search very hard to find a local Councillor who has had his moat cleaned or his duck house mended or an 84 inch, flat screen tv provided because the system just does not allow for much more than a pint of beer and a bag of fish and chips to be claimed for extra over.
As I say MP'S allowances are a different issue altogether.
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Fair point Si, I still conclude it is cheaper to have fewer councillors, we don't really need 6 for Marple. 10k for a part time little job doesn't seem too bad to me, I'm more tempted by the day to stand myself.
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MP's are a different thing altogether but local politician's "allowances" are a simple enough issue that have been explained on this website many times by many different writers yet they continually seem to be misunderstood.
The discretion that they have is what they spend it on.
There in lies the problem, and the reason why actually it isn't simple. Either it's a wage, in which case call it a wage, and what they spend it on is nobody else's business. Or, it's something else, in which case it needs explaining exactly what it is, what it's for, and why it's paid as an allowance to the councillor, and not direct to the person/company ultimately receiving it.
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Fair point Si, I still conclude it is cheaper to have fewer councillors, we don't really need 6 for Marple. 10k for a part time little job doesn't seem too bad to me, I'm more tempted by the day to stand myself.
The number of Councillors is determined by head of population in the ward. There is also an equation and I dont knowthe components that make it up but currently it says that 6 Councillors is the optimum needed for Marple. I
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MP's are a different thing altogether but local politician's "allowances" are a simple enough issue that have been explained on this website many times by many different writers yet they continually seem to be misunderstood.
The discretion that they have is what they spend it on.
There in lies the problem, and the reason why actually it isn't simple. Either it's a wage, in which case call it a wage, and what they spend it on is nobody else's business. Or, it's something else, in which case it needs explaining exactly what it is, what it's for, and why it's paid as an allowance to the councillor, and not direct to the person/company ultimately receiving it.
It really is simple and not actually that important. If it makes you understand it easier then why not think of it as a "wage" as you suggest - you wouldn't be wrong.
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Fair point Si, I still conclude it is cheaper to have fewer councillors, we don't really need 6 for Marple. 10k for a part time little job doesn't seem too bad to me, I'm more tempted by the day to stand myself.
The number of Councillors is determined by head of population in the ward. There is also an equation and I dont knowthe components that make it up but currently it says that 6 Councillors is the optimum needed for Marple. I
I'd suggest the equation needs changing.