IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

One of the key skills of representing others in public life is the ability to be able to listen. I have on occasion been told that I am not a particularly good listener, something that I cannot always disagree with. Whilst I am able to repeat verbatim what someone has told me, my brain is going ten to the dozen and already I am thinking of how best to respond. 

With so many diversions vying for our attention it can be difficult to focus. However, what the general public, having put us into office, want is to feel that someone, somewhere, cares enough to try to resolve whatever problems they are facing. The challenge as an elected representative is that whilst they are dependent upon us to make the necessary contacts this is becoming increasingly difficult.  

In recent years, as we have been experiencing the relentless push towards technology, which as often as not does not work effectively, it is now practically impossible to speak to a real, live, person. I yearn for the time when I could pick up the phone and, within a matter of minutes, have the problem solved. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Apart from the cumbersome completion of online forms, an immediate response can no longer be expected. Certainly, Covid aside, which to my mind, continues to be used as an excuse for poor performance and lack of proper public engagement, our town and parish councils have been complaining long and hard about the changes that are being made, all supposedly in the name of efficiency and progress.  

No longer are paper copies of planning applications made available to clerks, and on a daily basis I am contacted by local residents who cannot readily access information about what is happening in their local communities. This is unacceptable, considering that it is these very people who are paying the wages of our local authority officers and elected members. There are times, increasingly so, when it seems that it is more a case of the tail wagging the dog.

Linda Vijeh Calls Time

After much consideration I have decided that with effect from 1st January 2022, I shall be standing down as both District Councillor for Neroche ward and as County Councillor for Ilminster division, along with their associated committees and appointments.  

In addition to this, I will be ending my formal engagement with the many local organisations of which I am currently an active member, as with increasing demands on my time, it has been difficult to meet the commitment that I believe is necessary to be an effective contributor. 

However, this does not mean that I will not continue to support those organisations in some way; more that I will do so voluntarily, rather than through obligation.  

There are a number of reasons for my decision but the principle one is that after over 20 years of public service I have decided that the time has come to allow myself the luxury of pursuing other personal interests. This will also allow me, as a member of the public, the opportunity to express my views on the issues of the day more openly, without the constraints of formal office.  

My grateful thanks go to those of you who have over the years provided valuable help in supporting me to carry out my duties. 

Linda Vijeh 

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Those of us who enter public service as elected representatives, are expected to uphold the 7 Nolan Principles of public life. For me, the most important of these is integrity, being honest, with strong moral values.

Those in positions of responsibility and authority should always ask themselves ‘What is my motivation?’ No matter what our thoughts, words and deeds, we must satisfy those who stand in judgment, and to whom we are ultimately accountable, the electorate.

Party politics aside, we must be confident that our representatives will always try to do the right thing, even if we may not always agree with them.

Going about our daily business, being open and transparent, treating everyone equally and without fear or favour, is something worth fighting for, and which should be rewarded with our trust and confidence.

Those who have their own agenda may succeed momentarily because of what they know or do, but those who succeed permanently do so because of what they are.

The most complimentary thing ever said about me is ‘Linda, you are incorruptible.’

KEEPER OF OTHER PEOPLE’S SECRETS

When during a meeting one colleague approaches another and says ‘Don’t tell Linda, she has a big mouth.’, it can only mean one thing. Someone, somewhere, has something to hide. Clearly my reputation for bringing matters into the public eye, where there is a feeling that the necessary degree of openness is missing, has gone before me.

Both for individuals, and organisations, whether public or private, maintaining a good reputation is vital, and the key to success. Whilst it is right to want to protect one’s reputation, there has to be acceptance that at times we all make mistakes. The list of my own faux pas is extensive. What is important is how this is handled.

I believe that the public are in general a forgiving bunch where a genuine error has occurred for well-intentioned reasons.

Where it all goes horribly wrong is when there is an attempt to cover-up the truth. Although organisations are now required to have whistleblowing policies in place it is still a brave person who is willing to put their head above the parapet.

THE BELL, BROADWAY - REVIEW

The Bell Broadway **REVIEW**

As a professional hotel and restaurant inspector for more years than I care to remember, I have gained a reputation for being critical. I cannot deny this, but I like to think that I am fair and objective in my views.

It is also well recorded that I am a frequent pub goer and dine out often. I take pride in entering my local establishments and being known to them as a regular.

It is a brave publican therefore that asks me for my opinion. Such was the case when, with a hankering for roast beef one Sunday, I pitched up at The Bell in Broadway. I had been urged to try their Sunday roast, and chanced my luck, knowing full well that they would be busy, turning customers away. Fortunately, I arrived one the dot of twelve and received the response, ‘As it is you, I am sure we can fit you in.’

With a small appetite, and not keen on veg., I asked for a child’s portion, with just one potato and a Yorkshire pud. I like my beef rare but can accept that in most pubs it is difficult to obtain, as many other customers do not share my enthusiasm.

What arrived was exactly as I had requested. Three generous slices of beautifully cooked beef, quite pink, a crispy roast potato with fluffy innards, and a huge Yorkshire. It really was one of the best Sunday roasts I have had in a long time. No wonder the crowds were pouring in as I left; word has clearly got out.

If I have a couple of gripes, they would be that the gravy was a bit lumpy, and there really is no need for bits of greenery on top of the Yorkshire.