Councillors’ consciences (From York Press)
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Councillors’ consciences
10:14am Friday 28th September 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter
I am writing this letter in a bid to appeal to the moral consciences of all City of York councillors by asking them to vote against their proposed increase in allowances and expenses at their October meeting.
While I am only too aware of the work necessary to adequately fulfil the role of a councillor, I am also aware that the original Pay Review Body decreed that the council leader's post was a fifty per cent post with all other posts linked to figures below this level.
I have no doubt that in the intervening years, the role of the leader has now been built. However this has to take account of the percentage of time previously allocated to “voluntary” aspects of the councillor’s role.
We should also take account of the fact that the majority of previous council leaders, like the majority of councillors, have all managed to combine their careers with their duties as a councillor.
The direct results of current Government policy is being felt by the staff employed by the council. This is in the form of three- year pay freezes, cuts in allowances and other conditions of service, hugely increased work loads etc etc.
They too had “pay review bodies”, both independent and jointly agreed. However, their findings have been completely ignored as per Government policy.
So members, whatever your political persuasions, please lead by example and do not award yourselves something which is currently denied to your staff, and the residents you are there to represent.
Liz Edge (ex-councillor), Parkside Close, York
Comments(11)
pedalling paul
says...
10:41am Fri 28 Sep 12
If reasonable expenses are not paid, would that discourage some good candidates from seeking election?
Jezreel
says...
4:19pm Fri 28 Sep 12
It might be better to ask the councillors to accept, and then donate the whole of the first years increase to some worthy cause.
And Liz, where was your appeal to Labour's collective conscience when Blair was about to launch his criminal invasion of Iraq?
Scarlet Pimpernel
says...
4:30pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Jezreel wrote:Very clever Liz..... talking to yourself ?
Whether or not they accept the offer, it will not help the council staff. It might be better to ask the councillors to accept, and then donate the whole of the first years increase to some worthy cause. And Liz, where was your appeal to Labour's collective conscience when Blair was about to launch his criminal invasion of Iraq?
It doesn't fool me, or Matthew !
Omega Point
says...
5:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12
bolero wrote:If you are able to, then why not stand as one instead of perpetuating the usual sheep bleat
You have got to be joking. Why are these people councillors? Never mind the quality, feel the expenses.
Jezreel
says...
6:23pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:I didn't think I would be able to pull the wool over your eyes for long Matthew. Though I am slightly confused by the fact that just a few days ago you accused me of being Dave Horton. Perhaps better to stick with Dave Horton, that way youv'e at least got the gender right.
Jezreel wrote:Very clever Liz..... talking to yourself ?
Whether or not they accept the offer, it will not help the council staff. It might be better to ask the councillors to accept, and then donate the whole of the first years increase to some worthy cause. And Liz, where was your appeal to Labour's collective conscience when Blair was about to launch his criminal invasion of Iraq?
It doesn't fool me, or Matthew !
Still, you uncovered my guise with the same rapier sharp intellect you bring to bear on housing matters. No wonder the councillors all fear you.
Not
bolero
says...
10:42pm Fri 28 Sep 12
Omega Point wrote:I am still awaiting a reply from you on a previous posting, wise one. You must be a Councillor so no doubt I will wait in vain. Or until you have filled your expenses form in.
bolero wrote:If you are able to, then why not stand as one instead of perpetuating the usual sheep bleat
You have got to be joking. Why are these people councillors? Never mind the quality, feel the expenses.
Oaklands Resident
says...
9:45am Sat 29 Sep 12
It's just a tease........ surely!
Scarlet Pimpernel
says...
1:27pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Jezreel wrote:Oh, they do fear Matthew. Make no mistake about that Liz ;-)
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:I didn't think I would be able to pull the wool over your eyes for long Matthew. Though I am slightly confused by the fact that just a few days ago you accused me of being Dave Horton. Perhaps better to stick with Dave Horton, that way youv'e at least got the gender right. Still, you uncovered my guise with the same rapier sharp intellect you bring to bear on housing matters. No wonder the councillors all fear you. NotJezreel wrote: Whether or not they accept the offer, it will not help the council staff. It might be better to ask the councillors to accept, and then donate the whole of the first years increase to some worthy cause. And Liz, where was your appeal to Labour's collective conscience when Blair was about to launch his criminal invasion of Iraq?Very clever Liz..... talking to yourself ? It doesn't fool me, or Matthew !
Scarlet Pimpernel
says...
1:31pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Oaklands Resident wrote:Why haven't they gone public and refused it then ?
They aren't really going to vote themselves a 27% pay increase are they? It's just a tease........ surely!
Nothing is sacred with Alexander.... bet he's whipping them to vote for it as we write ? !!!
Scarlet Pimpernel
says...
1:35pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bolero wrote:Think you're right, Bolero.
Omega Point wrote:I am still awaiting a reply from you on a previous posting, wise one. You must be a Councillor so no doubt I will wait in vain. Or until you have filled your expenses form in.bolero wrote: You have got to be joking. Why are these people councillors? Never mind the quality, feel the expenses.If you are able to, then why not stand as one instead of perpetuating the usual sheep bleat
The signs are there; ignoranance, arrogance and stupidity........ the clue is in the silly name ? !!!
bolero says...
10:31am Fri 28 Sep 12