County Campaign Launch
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 01 March 2013
The Lincolnshire Independents are campaigning to end National Party Control of our County Council in May 2013.
Leader, Cllr Marianne Overton said, “In November, the people of Lincolnshire made a clear statement that they distrusted National Party control of their police, so why should we put up with National Party control of our local government? It makes no sense. “
“Independents know that most successful organisations run perfectly well without tribal party politics. We don’t need it in local government either.”
“As in any good organisation, Independent councillors assess the needs of our communities, prioritise and work together towards those goals.”
Party First - Always
“The problem with the national parties is that their councillors are required to comply with their leaders who decide beforehand which way they are going to vote, which is often not for our local residents’ needs. Party members usually have to do what they are told and they physically sign up to that. The national parties put the Party first - always. It is how they have survived for so long,” explained Cllr Helen Powell, Mayor of Bourne.
"All of our County MPs and the vast majority of the current County Councillors represent the Conservative Party. Lincolnshire Independents have been watching with mounting disgust at the way the interests of the people of Lincolnshire have been subjugated to the whims of Westminster, rubber stamped by a tiny clique of Conservatives at County Hall."
“Listening” and commenting on wind farms and Europe is allowed, since these are areas outside the County Council Conservatives’ responsibility! Where they do have control, such as adult care, road quality and encouraging new housing development, they have clearly not responded to the public demands.
Lincolnshire Deserves Better
In central Lincolnshire, decision-making for massive house-building goes on behind closed doors by an unrepresentative handful of twelve councillors. Their reluctance even to publish the results of the limited consultations that have occurred is, in the Lincolnshire Independents opinion, a clear indication that they fear the public reaction to such a drastic and ill-considered policy of encouraging migration of a further 82,000 people into central Lincolnshire. And migration it will be since very little is required for local needs.
"Lincolnshire deserves better. The standard of behaviour has at times been appalling in the County Council, with the lack of an independent chairman to see the place is run professionally." Cllr Marianne Overton said, "Our representatives need a real shake up and at least some real opposition. Lincolnshire Independents will provide that."
Seeing that far more people voted Independent at the last county poll than voted for any of the Westminster Parties and with candidates standing in most of the County Divisions, the Lincolnshire Independents thinks there is now a real opportunity to put good local governance ahead of "cosy back room deals" and complete disregard for the local community.
Joining Lincolnshire Independents
“Support is now coming from the length and breadth of the county and Lincolnshire Independents are now the only credible alternative to the present status quo.” said Cllr Marianne Overton.
“Highly skilled and experienced people are coming forward to stand with us as Independents, and a few more are welcome”
If you are interested, go toindependentvoice.org.uk or call Cllr Marianne Overton on 01400 273323
