Election fever already?

The closer we get to local elections in May I am increasingly dismayed to witness the petty posturing and name calling that is becoming ever more prevalent. Personally, I find the nit picking and snide comments sickening. Behind closed doors the extent to which our political parties, all of them, attempt to undermine the opposition by making smug comments and asides, in addition to posing specious, mischievous questions, is shameful. One can almost see the protagonists patting themselves on the back for having scored a point.

Mind you, I also find it amusing when it becomes clear that orchestrated questions from members have been ‘planted’. I feel strongly that attempts to stifle public debate should not be permitted in a democracy. The public are not stupid, and those that do find a voice will not tolerate it. I always feel that democracy is truly at work when the public turn out in force to protest. On occasion petitions are also presented where there is a collective desire to bring about change. Many of those who choose to attend public meetings in person to put their point across are accomplished speakers, but many also find it a harrowing experience; the words often used to express their feelings are ‘disappointment, upset, let down, demoralised and frustrated’.

It seems such a pity that there is collective outcry when people are at odds with the decisions that are to be taken. Why is it that as a society we feel the need to criticise rather than praise?

In my day job, a large part of what I do is to motivate others. Whilst on occasion criticism is necessary, I find that I am able to bring about the best in people if I focus on the positive aspects of their performance, making them feel valued, yet still looking at ways in which we can work together to help them improve, whilst taking the time to explain how and why decisions are taken that may have an impact on them. The results can be astonishing. It is the working together with a common aim that brings about success. Maybe I am politically naïve, but if only the time and effort spent on ‘getting at the opposition’ were spent on a more collaborative approach towards improving the lives of those we represent just imagine how different the outcomes would be. 

At the moment the focus is of course on budgets. In the case of Somerset County Council, the decision to raise the council tax precept by just 3.99% this year was criticised heavily. Clearly there is a desire to balance the books whilst avoiding rises in taxes that will prompt a referendum. I understand the cost of a referendum could be as much as £1 million. What the general public may not always be aware of though, is that when an election is held many of those manning the polling stations and presiding over the count, are council employees. I was disturbed to discover recently that many local councils not only grant their employees the day off in order to ‘help out’ at elections, but that the day off is granted with full pay. Those offering their services then have the added benefit of receiving payment to take part in the election process; this can be anything from £135 to £225, depending on the seniority of the role they undertake. In effect they are receiving double pay. I have no desire to make myself unpopular with our hard-pressed local authority employees, but surely this cannot be right?