Save Our Town

I'm hoping this is my last entry on politics for a little while. The latest is prompted by the resignation of the local MP that has served this area for 13 years and became leader of his party and finally for around 10 years Prime Minister of the UK.

I am not for or against any particular party but see this as a news story.

I hoped that there was a way that time could've been put aside for the area that voted our previous Member of Parliament into office and allowed his political career to succeed, to give some attention to our concerns.

I'm sure some could point to some instances that show this was the case but the local press saw things very differently.

After resigning I was hopeful the term would be completed before taking up another high profile position on the world stage but as I had prophesied many months ago(perhaps years)the decision was made to leave parliament altogether. In a letter sent to constituents it says that we deserve a member of Parliament that could give full attention to our needs.

Well, we have a local election being rushed through for July 19th. Instead of choosing councillors for local government, its to choose the MP that will represent this area.

Ironically, I mentioned in a previous entry a leaflet and some press releases that came out around the last local election regarding the delay on improvements to my town and how local councillors(now ex officials)mentioned things were moving and they had requested or asked our MP to step in and help negotiate over the problems. A community paper published by the local council droped through my letterbox days later and in the text it states that he continues to take a keen interest and that he had called a meeting over the problems. Well, that is past history now.

Suddenly, the spin put onto the campaign is all about our town and there is a petition to sign called "Save Our Town" it could just get them the votes that they need. Dare I suggest and that's all it can be, the increase in presence in my town is because this town is the only one to give the local ruling party a kicking in the last local election and using the demise of the town centre as the rally cry may see them getting the disillusioned voter back on board. They don't have to convince the rest of the area as its seen as a safe seat whether Nationally or Locally.

The question is...who are they giving the petition to when it's completed? If it's the local councils, they are run by the same party as the Labour Candidate. A couple of retail units in the older part of town are being taken again after some years but nothing exciting...the last one is offering to cash cheques not unlike a pawnbroker might and BTW we have one them already.

A local market trader told me earlier today....they were out with balloons and making a fuss of the children and babies.Is that still all it takes to win the hearts and minds to your political ideals?