Moving on despite claims of turmoil (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Moving on despite claims of turmoil
10:00am Wednesday 30th June 2010 in
Further to the comments from opposition councillors on Bournemouth council concerning my colleagues and myself, it is important that the public understands that those who are the subject of investigations have been advised not to make any comment that could prejudice the official, due process.
The effect of this is that the accused are not in a position to respond as they might wish. It is also the case that councillors cannot affect the timescale of the enquiries into them.
At least in Cllr Powell’s case, the council’s standards committee swiftly dealt with the complaint against him.
And while the headlines are upsetting and unwelcome, the fact is that we do continue to work for the town and those who elected us. For example, on Monday of this week, I attended a Town Hall meeting which considered the 2009-10 statement of accounts; chaired the Imax Task and Finish Group which agreed the draft planning brief; reviewed the council’s funding situation over the next four years following last week’s budget; met Team Dorset, who are planning the implementation of the 2012 Olympics and their sporting, cultural and business legacy for the whole county, and then received an update on Boscombe Surf Reef.
Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, leader of Bournemouth council
Comments(3)
marjorie01
says...
11:53am Wed 30 Jun 10
I am glad the council’s standards committee swiftly dealt with the complaint against Cllr Powell which leaves me wondering why they have not dealt equally as swiftly with the allegations against yourself - could it be that they were unaware of any potential breach of standards until it was 'outed' in the media.My understanding is that the Chief Executive knew before this. I can't quite grasp the different procedures for different people.
I am not a member of any political party - I do, however, seek and expect transparency and consistency in local governance. I would like to be able to respect the counsillors who are working for the good of the local people and be able to trust them to do a reasonable good and honest job.
bestforboscombe
says...
12:30pm Wed 30 Jun 10
His view of himself and his status in the community is at complete odds with the popular view.
Whilst leaders can at times get inflated and unrealistic opinions of themselves - they cannot do that on their own (mental illness not withstanding). The Conservative group, therefore, are equally to blame as he is still in power because they continue to align themselves with him.
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jinglebell says...
11:24am Wed 30 Jun 10
You ignored the procedures until the story was leaked in the press - at which point you had no option but to deal with the Standards Board.
Questions people have been asking since are, "What other things are not dealt with in the way they should be?"
People don't have confidence that you conducted yourself in the way you should.
The Conservative group previously stated they wished you to continue but how could they make that decision when they were not in possession of all the facts - and only your word to base their decision on?