Don’t bother really?

After having been asked to sign Andy Unstead,’s petition recently (and refused) I was most interested to read the article ‘Don't bother standing - says petitioner’ (Gaz 20/9).

While I respect and support Mr Unstead’s right to raise such a petition I find it interesting the he has failed to inform himself correctly of how local government works or the role that it plays in his community.

If Mr Unstead had completed his research appropriately he would understand that if there are issues with the administration (council officers) of Local Government it is for the council to resolve - there is a significant and very clear piece of legislation that supports this called the Local Government Act.

So Mr Unstead, while your point in relation to the lack of community support might be a good one it is important that you make your point correctly.

The buck stops with the councillors - they are responsible for making decisions and the administration then implement those.

If the administration fail to do that it is for the council to rectify. The decisions about Mason St are not made by council officers Mr Unstead - they are made by the council (as in the councillors) and merely carried out by council officers.

While you have missed the boat during this election period you might want to consider running in future elections - I am sure that once you refer to the Local Government Act you will understand that effective councils can make significant and positive impacts in their communities.