Highlighting what is wrong with the council

Last week’s Cedric Landers letter (Vote for an Independent) highlighted much of what is wrong with Wokingham Borough Council.

Unfortunately, as there are no Independent candidates standing this year so it will not be possible to vote for an Independent.

It is unsurprising that finding new blood is proving difficult given the current Council culture and behaviours. A culture that has driven away some excellent and experienced Councillors, who are sadly not standing again. Some are a real loss to Wokingham.

Even the parties are finding it difficult to find new blood and are resorting the same old party names or to ‘bussing’ in candidates from outside of the communities they are meant to represent.

As Cedric highlighted, we have a Council that epitomises a culture and set of behaviours of;

▪ Talk but no action

▪ Promise but don’t do

▪ Speak about how much has been spent but not about the value or benefit of that spend

▪ Is difficult to contact

▪ Makes it extremely difficult to get to actually talk to a human

▪ Doesn’t listen to residents

▪ Lacks democracy and true engagement

▪ Lacks transparency and openness

▪ Is quick to deny responsibility

▪ Is quick to apportion blame elsewhere

▪ Is slow to act

▪ Is reluctant to work together (cross party) in collaboration as one team for the benefit of residents

▪ Is being run by a small political clique.

Whoever you choose to vote for make sure your candidate is committed to changing this culture and set of behaviours so that Wokingham can have a Council that works for residents and with residents, not one that simply dictates and imposes on communities.

If we can change the culture and behaviours, we may, just maybe, encourage residents to take interest and an active participation in Wokingham Borough Council giving all residents the Council they deserve , not simply reluctantly accepting the one they have.

Name and address supplied