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Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Finchie (4th May 2011 - 01:12:04) Hi All, Flippin' 'eck - got a bit of homework to do in the next couple of days for the forthcoming local elections and Alternative Vote. I just want to educate myself as quickly as possible (tough job I know !) and hoped you can help out and make sure I understand. I have probably had info through the letterbox that I have binned and should have read - clearly due to my active participation in recycling, rather than a complete disinterest in the rubbish that comes through my door :-) Now where did I put that census !! So the first topic (and most important in my opinion) - Parish Council Elections: FIRST QUESTION: 'scuse my ignorance - are Parish Councillors paid for posts or voluntary ? Probably a dumb question - but it's like "Who wants to be a millionaire". They start easy and get more difficult. Next ... Looks like there is a team of 12 and I gleaned from the tastefully coloured Parish Website there are 16 nominees. On the basis that every time I've got the security question right when I post - I make that that 4 people I DON'T vote for ?! SECOND QUESTION: Have I got that right ? 16 nominees standing for 12 positions ? Eleven people have posted what they stand for. All look a really good bunch to me and a good mix of new blood and experience, with much to add to our community. Also they are in touch with this interweb thingy (as they have used this "modern" stuff to post flyers - I understand from the mini Finches this is called social media and it’s the way of future communication !!). I like that. Those who have told us who they are and what they stand for are Croucher, Easton, Evans, Hope, Hoskins, Jerrard, Mouland, Poole, Robinson, Trotter, Williamson. Important names to jot down. So far so good and an easy job to make a decision (because I know what you stand for and I have no major objections). So I now have to vote for one more from those that haven't got a flyer on the website (Gregory, Jeremy, Anna, Sangita, Nigel, John - first names as I feel like I know you all so intimately !). I tried the Parish Council website - I can't even find a list of current councillors. Ironically, I think those who have NOT posted flyers on here are all existing parish councillors. Yup these 50% of the existing councillors have never (or very rarely) posted here about local, relevant, informative parish stuff ! (you represent us – right ?). Those around a few years ago may remember Freddie Dawkins, and he always let us know what was going on (in his own unique style, point is, we were informed). THIRD QUESTION: Where do I get a list of the current Parish Council members ? (It is probably me being blind - it's that butter / fridge syndrome. An evolutionary male thing - that's my excuse). I just hate giving a statistic without all of the supporting information !!! Lastly, it seems there is not a bunch of happy campers in the current parish council set up. An opinion largely gleaned from postings on this website. However, I am not prepared to make a decision based on some random posts and individual rantings and opinions that clearly have personal vendettas and bitter agendas. I would rather base my vote on what you tell us you stand for and what you have achieved for us. So, I would like to see something from you - leading me to my last question. ... FOURTH QUESTION For those 5 nominees left who haven't posted a flyer on this website (or your own Parish Council Website), I would like to know a) what you stand for and how you will represent us b) if you are a current councillor, I would like to know what you feel you have achieved since being in office. so I can have something to base my last vote on. If this information has already been printed in the Liphook Herald - sorry I didn't get that copy - so please respond here where a large number of your parishioners get their local updates. Without this I can’t make an informed decision, as I don’t know you. Currently it will have to be a random last vote. Who knows, if a few of you have all achieved great things I would vote for more than 1 of the remaining 5 – in which case that will leave me with a dilemma of who to drop out of the other 11. Actually, I don’t mind if you haven’t achieved great things – I just want to know what you stand for and how you will represent us – and potentially you'd get my vote. However, I am confident that I will be left to cast one last random vote based on whatever way the wind is blowing. Please prove me wrong. Folks – I encourage you all to vote. Because if you don’t, please don’t whinge for the next 4 years. (Editor – after the elections , please add another question to your security question: If you get any complaints on the website about the parish council, a “Yes” or “No” to “I voted on 5th of May” so we know that the author has a right to complain !!!). Thanks for listening - as this was much longer than I intended !! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Jane G (4th May 2011 - 09:34:33) Finchie, you are not alone in your confusion. However I have found the list of current councillors on the PC website. From the home page, click on the parish council link and then scroll down and you will see a hyperlink called Members. My calculations say that there are 17 nominees for 12 seats. Dumb question but would appreciate an answer....does this mean we have to vote for 12 of them? That's quite hard if we want to lose a few current ones! Hopefully others more knowledgeable can answer some of your other questions. Last weeks Herald did carry statements from 12 nominees but not the full 17. I too am now doing my homework

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Neil (4th May 2011 - 09:43:17) Answer to question 1, is all voluntary work, but you do get the pleasure of getting beaten up on this forum and never thanked :-) Neil

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - helen (4th May 2011 - 10:02:21) The reason that the paper omitted some parish councillor statements are that they are also standing for District Council as well, at least 4 of them I think so the paper only printed those as District council statements, no the established councillors who have not published flyers are so sure of themselves probably that they do not feel the need to, and have been in the herald also, so probably feel they have a lot of public awareness. I think it is time for a change from that so that the parish Council can move on and work for the parishoners of Bramshott and Liphook. The district council elections are different but still important. With regard a previous thread, with Nigel newmans friends telling us how hard he works, well if he does not get in there are plenty of places to volunteer in Liphook to do good for the community. I can think of old peoples centres liphook in bloom etc, raising money for lidba etc, does not have to be through the parish council.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Dawn Hoskins (4th May 2011 - 10:10:44) Hi, you can vote for 'UP TO' 12 people. You do not have to vote for all 12, just the ones you want. Parish Councillors do not get paid. Don't forget you are voting for both District Councillors and Parish Councillors (a well as the AV vote). Just to confuse you even more!! Dawn

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Don Jerrard (4th May 2011 - 10:48:43) Interesting feedback line especially for me as one of the candidates! There are 17 candidates for 12 places, and you have UP TO 12 votes. Don't use them all. Basically if you want to get the Parish Council representing the interests of Liphook vote out the ruling clique which has been running things for too long. The key members of this little clique are Anna James, Nigel Newman, John Tough, Gregory Amey and Jeremy Austin-Olsen. They have all supported the payments to the Clerk, who happens to be Anna James' second cousin (although only by adoption as he keeps reminding us). So what! Half of my aunts, uncles and cousins are not my blood relatives either - one was adopted but I do not treat her any differently. There will be no peace in Liphook until this mess is sorted out. That will only happen if you give those who want to do so the chance when you vote tomorrow. So please use your votes wisely! Regards to all. Don Jerrard

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Andy (4th May 2011 - 11:34:12) keep trying to twist it.. Its not working! It was the clerk that was bullied and still is being by you lot.. The councillors you keep ruling out as the bad councillors are actually the good decent ones who can see right through you lot and thats why you dislike them so much!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Neil (4th May 2011 - 11:58:08) Don before you list everyone you don't like maybe you should think about all the good they have done for the village. Mr Austin-Olsen has raised thousands over the years and all money has gone to local charity's, I am sure the local Scouts and Liphook Carnival are extremely grateful of the work he does. Yet again people are putting our village and volunteers down, why dont the people that are not happy step-up to the plate themselves and then they can get slated.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - helen (4th May 2011 - 13:37:38) Andy-or Nigel Newman by any other name? How do you know that the facts of the case are so ? Do you just read what is in the newspapers? Were you there as a witness to any bullying? We are off the point again, anyone can work voluntarily for charity he or she does not need to be a parish council member, I think everyone who raises money for charity is very laudable, that does not make them a good parish councillor.

Nigel Newman something positive - Andy (4th May 2011 - 15:09:19) helen, it isn't hard to see whats going on! Who are you to say who would make a good councillor! Nigel is hiking through a nation park in california and has been for the last 8 days, he does not have internet access.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - lily (4th May 2011 - 16:34:21) oh blah blah blahdy blah!!! I myself wish nigel newman well. Why dont you stop moaning and going on and let people make their own minds up? I think everyone understands by now that there are certain people who dont like him, and there are certain people that do like him. I cant see that any one for, or against is going to change anyones mind, so just cast your vote and may the best man win!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (4th May 2011 - 17:21:06) Blahdy blah? That's why its called 'Talkback'! If you can't stomach opposing views don't read the threads! I have no comment on the various 'personalities' involved but it does seem that a number of issues have been poorly handled. These would include the issue over the Clerk. To be allowed to get to the stage of a huge payout from a small council discredits everyone involved. I also remember the debacle with the Scouts and Guides.(Although I know a number of present Councillors weren't involved). Add to this the fact that certain PC members refused to explain their stance on the 'Gospel Hall' and we can see it is time for a change.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Jock Trodden (4th May 2011 - 17:52:27) Thank you Don Jerrard. I cannot believe you named “the baddies” (you missed the clerk) but he’s not up for election – is he?) We can now expect letters from solicitors working at the behest of the clerk, who I understand runs the Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council – or does he?, letters and solicitors advice paid for by the public! The only way to get rid of bad Councillors is NOT to vote for them. Then the goodies, when elected, can instigate an enquiry as to how the clerk has bullied and intimidated good honest Councillors out of office. I know you are the founder of “The Justice and Anti Corruption Party” and I know you’re thorough and mean business. Good luck! You’ll need it if they get in. Jock Trodden Managing Directors JTS Civil Engineers Ltd.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - nigel steels (4th May 2011 - 23:09:20) good luck don you have my vote

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - lily (5th May 2011 - 00:00:17) Yes its called talkback, and all most people talk about is the same issue again and again. I dont find it stomach churning at all, perhaps a bit repeatative. I mostly read the threads because they are entertaining. Some of the comments remind me of something Norris from Corrie would say and I love his busy body character, there are some in every village. My point is, although I find it entertaining to read, people have made up their minds on who they want to vote for. What are people trying to acheive by harping on about nigel newman? If they want to vote for him they will, if they dont, they wont, its as simple as that. I think everyone who reads talback already know whats supposed to have happened etc so I really dont think It will make much difference to the vote to keep bringing it up. There are those who believe it and those who dont. As I said may the best man win (or woman) I dont want Liz to tell me off for not being pc, as she told me off for blah blah blahing. Happy voting, you will all be happy in the end Im sure! Good luck to all of the candidates, Nigel Newman especially.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (5th May 2011 - 11:47:03) lily I didn't tell you off for blah blahing - you told us off! Also my 'pc' was short for 'Parish Council'. Too much Corrie perhaps!!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Finchie (5th May 2011 - 19:30:13) My thread - so let's have some decorum please - go and gripe on someone else's thread !!! ... ...Oh you all have ! (sometimes I do make myself chuckle) Thanks for the info everyone else - and I had no idea it was totally voluntary, so even bigger respect for all those stepping forward AND for all those that have worked so tirelessly in the past, as someone pointed out (Neil - I think) for so little thanks. Respect. I certainly don't want to imply incumbents don't have my support - just dissappointed there is not a flier from many ! I know a handful who do not have fliers and have been to a couple of PC meetings and was VERY impressed by how they were conducted and you have my continued support. So, folks, don't believe everything you read !! Thanks to the texts from a couple of long time Liphookers who I would count as trusted advisors. Very helpful. It's not what you know, it's who you know !! I have no doubt there will be new blood and I hope it is positive, supportive and representative. I'm sure there will be disagreements but I'm sure you can have a good healthy debate and conduct yourselves professionally. Good Luck to ALL nominees. Oh yes - as far as the AV debate goes stumbled upon this in my research. This is entertaining, if not an exact analogy !! Watch from 7 minutes in - and I've just given away my age !! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp-G-GeZS00 Just need a few minutes to figure out the District Council stuff then I'm off to vote (and slip in a cheeky pint - don't tell Finchess) !! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Finchie (5th May 2011 - 19:34:12) Jane G - Just found the butter - and the members list ! Thanks ! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - lily (18th May 2011 - 23:40:40) liz, maybe you are too obsessed with Parish Council PC. I meant Politiclly Correct PC. I just didnt want to be accused with being PC incorrect by saying may the best man win and not rounding it off to mean both gender. I hope ive made myself clear.I know ive made some spelling mistakes, must be all the corrie i watch lol...

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (19th May 2011 - 09:15:00) lily You have already told us this. (5 May!)

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (19th May 2011 - 10:04:27) Just as (hopefully) an end to this thread. We now, thankfully, have a revitalised and enthusiastic Parish Council who have already been more communicative on this website than we have seen before. Long may it continue!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - lily (21st May 2011 - 01:04:49) oh zzzz read it again... I was pointing out that my pc was politicly correct... your pc is parish council. why dont YOU read it again? can you be bothered? I cant. The entertainment factor has gone now that there is no one for you to whinge about. Wait a few months, Im sure that will all change and youl be gunning for the one(s) you elected.Ohh cant wait! Kind regards liz

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (21st May 2011 - 09:17:01) lily A very harsh judgement when you don't know me but I suspect you have your own agenda.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Kathy (22nd May 2011 - 00:05:20) Having recently moved to liphook I soon discovered liphook talkback and I have to say never in my life have I seen so much bitching and moaning, your all grown ups and you should all start acting like grown ups. All these adults bitching from behind there keyboards it's just awful. I know we all have the freedom of speech but this is just shameful.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (23rd May 2011 - 08:28:44) Kathy I don't think you should tar everyone with the same brush. There have been some personal atttacks on this site which I agree are totally unjustifiable and seem to concern personal issues that most of us don't know and don't want to know about. As for the rest I think this website is a valid forum to set out concerns about the village. Life is not all fluffy kittens unfortunately.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Dave (23rd May 2011 - 09:17:34) Kathy Five minutes in the village and already finding fault and trying to change the way things are. If you are unhappy you have several options open to you. Including to return whence you came or don't bother reading "talkback".

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Jane G (23rd May 2011 - 11:21:13) Ouch...poor Kathy! If Kathy is referring to the very personal comments that have been posted on here, then I know she is not alone in saying that these kind of things should not be posted on a public forum. I'm all for the very healthy debates that go on on Talkback as these are great. But some of the personal stuff just feels like playground tit-for-tat and maybe those who get involved in such conversations would be better placed to fight it out behind the bike sheds!!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Eneida (23rd May 2011 - 11:56:57) I remember, sometime ago, we had a debate on Talkback about whether comments about someone's personal life should be discussed here and the general opinion, including mine, was that they shouldn't be!! On other forums I participate in, such comments would be moderated out. Up to the Editor, of course, but I think that's the way to go...especially since this is a local forum where people know each other and real names (apparently!) are used. Hi Eneida, the problem with full moderation is the time it takes. Also, threads tend to start nicely, and can then slowly decay which is when it becomes difficult to pull stuff from when someone starts to get to be talked about. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - liz (23rd May 2011 - 13:32:48) I agree with Eneida that details of someone's personal life should not be discussed on here - unless they bring the subject up for discussion themselves. If Finchie puts his drinks cabinet up for discussion - well he started it!

Re: Local Parish Council Elections - Questions, Questions, Questions - Mike Grimes (23rd May 2011 - 14:14:52) Started it? I wouldn't mind betting he's finished it.

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