It was encouraging last night for all councillors to sign up to my motion… I already feel a change of approach in the air… fingers crossed.
Today I am bringing a motion which is seconded by Cllr Gerry Clark and hopefully will have full agreement of those present, namely
That all existing Councillors will treat all political candidates & officers with respect during the May 2023 elections and will encourage any prospective party candidates to follow their lead and sign up to running clean, respectful campaigns in May 2023.
When I was a young trainee sales representative for Nestle back in the 80’s, one of the mantras taught was “Never knock the competition” because it puts you in a negative light…
A more positive approach is to say how your product solves problems, features and benefits. It is a much better energy.
All around us the electioneering is beginning and there is already a certain amount of negativity.
The reason many people don’t stand for election is because of this negativity. People who would make excellent councillors but find the negative energy too much to handle and so don’t put their hats in the ring.
People who can handle the mud slinging themselves but fear what it might do to their loving family members.
I’d like to see more of these people involved in local politics and would also prefer a more positive, encouraging, light giving experience.
Local politics isn’t national politics as some would dream.
It’s about helping residents solve problems that are important to them… not about grandstanding at Full Council.
I was guilty of making the most of my 5 minutes in the early days but now amuse myself by making my points as succinctly as possible.
There is a big difference between healthy, robust political debate and harassment in the workplace.
I’ve already had a candidate approach my place of work asking my colleagues about me! A current Cllr, representing a different party, even emailed my manager with political questions.
Both are unacceptable and should I choose to stand again I will run a very zen campaign and not attack other candidates because I am bigger than most, in more ways than one and I know I am a good Councillor who gets on and sorts stuff out for his residents.
If you have similar confidence in your abilities then you’ll agree with me and vote this motion through so we can remove the negativity from local elections and make it all about how the candidates might add value to the communities in which they live.
Thank you.
Cllr Jon Davey
Totally agree Jon,the residents want to hear what councillors are going to do not what the others have done badly.
Hope you are going to stand again,you get things done when you say you eill