A fairly brief question on our Facebook page was enough to provoke a mini outpouring of opinions recently, which suggest the general public is indeed disillusioned or disconnected with local politics.
Less than one in four of us turned out for the Durham County Council elections, while the turn-out for the Aycliffe Council elections were no better.
The best in the County election was Aycliffe East, with a 25.75% turn-out, while Aycliffe West had 23.09% and Aycliffe North and Middridge 21.38% respectively.
It represents an alarmingly ever-decreasing figure, and it begs the question, do we care about local politics?
In a brand new feature on Aycliffe Today, Aycliffe Councillor John Clare – newly-elected to Durham County Council – answers some of the views, opinions and questions posed by our readers.
Simon Bowker said: “Nobody could be bothered to pick which middle aged husband and wife team to vote for.”
John replies…
“Actually, Simon is being very polite when he says ‘middle aged’ – too many of we councillors are downright ‘old’.
“The underlying role of a councillor is to be the guardian of the local community, and we desperately need people in their 30s and 40s to take upon themselves that responsibility.
“As for husband and wife’ teams’, however, I have to disagree. If my wife chooses to be interested in politics, and chooses to stand to be a councillor, then she is a free individual in her own right, and nobody – neither myself nor Simon Bowker – has any right to prevent her.
“To argue otherwise is to deny a century of feminism. Women died for equal political rights to men, and I would want to see more women in local politics, not fewer – and the fact that my wife happens to be married to me is irrelevant.”
John Clare is a Labour Councillor, representing the Byerley Park, Horndale and Cobblers Hall wards of Great Aycliffe Town Council and the Aycliffe North and Middridge ward of Durham County Council. The views expressed in this feature of John’s own opinion, and not necessarily Aycliffe Today’s.
3 Comments
Emma F
May 16, 2013 at 6:34 pmMartin , I do agree with Johns comments, we desperately need Councillors who are younger however the majority of the age range John refers to are probably working full time and being able to provide the time to the local community and strike the right balance is very difficult. No one would want to give less than 100% and I think they would find this very hard to do. Out of interest do we have any councillor in their 30s or 40s? What is done to engage and reach younger age ranges for future councillor positions? On a separate note it also infuriates me that for Election Day the councils returning officers close schools to host this event. In this digital age we should NOT be closing schools to vote……….the polling cards are delivered by post, why not add a return envelope or use a secure website, alternatives must be looked at. I do not believe that we have no alternative locations in each ward where these votes take place. With the poor turnout it just proves that schools were closed unnecessarily. The view of we’ve always done things this way MUST change, I personally had to take a days holiday to care for my 2 children who could not attend school due to polling day.
John D Clare
May 20, 2013 at 5:26 pmI agree 100% Emma F. Although I am unsure of exact ages, I am aware that we have very few Councillors in their 30s or 40s.
Two of the new councillors are 18, and the Town Council facilitates a Youth Council for the town, so we have fairly good links into the youth community – it is that ‘young parents’ age group who – as you say – are just too busy.
I also agree totally with you about polling stations and schools. I cannot for the life of me understand why we cannot vote online. Doing anything about it is – of course – way beyond my remit, even as a County Councillor, but I will pass your comments on to the MP.
Simon Bowker
May 16, 2013 at 9:25 pmFair comments I suppose but to be fair I didn’t know his wife was still a councillor! I was commenting on what the perception I have of the town council because that’s what it used to be like. We need people who can represent the needs of the town in particular opportunities for 16 – 24 years old in education, training and employment.
I do take offence at the fact that John Clare has assumed I questioned his wife’s position on the council. If you read the comment I said nothing like that.