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Local Elections - James (1st Apr 2023 - 14:21:30) The local elections are coming up! It's nearly time to vote and get the Tories out! Remember to bring your ID, as it's now a requirement, unless your going to vote Tory... in which case forget it :) Happy Easter

Re: Local Elections - April (1st Apr 2023 - 15:02:10) April 1st well done James.

Re: Local Elections - BD (1st Apr 2023 - 15:30:30) I thought this was a non political forum.

Re: Local Elections - paul (1st Apr 2023 - 16:51:06) Hi, Why is we always read about local and national candidates through the post, but hardly nothing from them afterwards. Is this one of the benefits of living in a democracy? I much prefer a Kingdom for us all to live, like this country use to be led. They looked after the populous for all, not the chosen few.

Re: Local Elections - James (1st Apr 2023 - 16:55:19) BD, This forum has always had politics on it... The Tories need to get out of government, they have damaged this country.

Re: Local Elections - None political (1st Apr 2023 - 18:51:54) Good old James beating the old drum again. Ok who would you have in government looking at all the party’s. Personal I can’t see any better than we have. We really only have two choices Labour or conservatives none of the others would be able to govern on their own. In the past we have had both conservatives and labour in for long periods and both have made many mistakes as time went on . It seems that whatever party is in they cannot please everyone so we get parts of our country not happy so it goes on . Instead of everyone looking at how prosperous we are and how we are doing. I remember when Mrs T came in we were on our knees unions running riot she had to be strong and deal with everything not just to be liked. She got the country back on its feet and we all prospered but again she made enemies so out she went and it’s been downhill since then. Tony Blair started good but then cocked it all up still he made millions out of it . So what are we left with not much really can’t see anyone any better.

Re: Local Elections - James (1st Apr 2023 - 22:14:39) I love it when people bring up Thatcher… While under her leadership economy grew and inflation went down, there were record numbers of unemployed people. She introduced policies such as section 28 and the poll tax. and of course we have the miners strike… where thousands were losing their jobs. That was all under thatcher.

Re: Local Elections - None political (1st Apr 2023 - 22:19:34) James you still haven’t said who you think would be best to govern us ?? .

Re: Local Elections - Joe (1st Apr 2023 - 23:11:13) We are choosing local politicians not national ones perhaps we should look at their local track records not any higher than that. What is the point of having separate elections for local government otherwise?

Re: Local Elections - Er (2nd Apr 2023 - 09:52:31) Yes Joe politics should not come into local elections. It’s what people do for their local communities that matters. As for running the country anyone’s guess we are very short of good politicians. It’s good to look at history but that doesn’t help when you haven’t got the strong political people to carry out what needs to be done. We know James is a conservative basher he probably wasn’t born back in Mrs Thatchers time if he was then he should know how bad it was unions trying to run the country blacking firms out of business causing utter misery. But that’s another story we mustn’t go back to that the unions are trying it again we have had two years of strikes ruining the country for what. We need a very strong government now but that means very strong politicians I don’t think we have them on any side. Just an observation they say people are hard up so all the millions going on holiday blocking the ports, airports full, cruise ships full spending money like it’s going out of fashion and a great many from northern cities where they say there is poverty??? . So are we in such a mess as some want us to believe?? .

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (2nd Apr 2023 - 20:48:08) Well said Joe. If you have a good local councillor who is doing his/her best for your area whatever their political persuasion vote for them.. They are not to blame for what is happening at Westminster.

Re: Local Elections - Paul M (4th Apr 2023 - 09:41:15) @James: electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections-england ... you still have time to put your name in, given your political interests?! Good luck!

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (4th Apr 2023 - 11:33:11) Paul M You are wasting your time trying to persuade James to put himself forward as a prospective candidate for the forthcoming Local Parish Council Elections. He has not even responded to None political's question which was "James you still haven’t said who you think would be best to govern us ??" Keyboard warriors are those who complain the most and air their grievances endlessly on social media and they are the very people least likely to put themselves forward to try to change things, as they see them, for the better. If people feel that strongly they should either "put up" or "shut up". James, I would say whatever you think about Thatcher and yes, she was like marmite, you either loved her or hated her, she put Great Britain back on the map. I agree that she did not get everything right particularly towards the end, but I lived through the political turmoil at the end of the 60's and during the 70's and as a country we were in dire straits both politically and economically - on a downhill run. Something had to be done and although many people found Thatcher's medicine unpalatable as a country we could not continue as we were. So my advice to you James, for what it is worth, put yourself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming local elections and work to make a difference. You would not receive any monetary return but you would be able to voice your opinion and put right all the injustices that you feel so strongly about.

Re: Local Elections - James (4th Apr 2023 - 23:40:50) Dear Penny, I firmly believe that the ideal candidate for Liphook's upcoming election would be a locally-focused independent candidate who is genuinely committed to making a positive difference in our community. As we have seen in nearby Bordon, a dedicated party with a strong interest in protecting their locality can truly make a difference. While I appreciate your suggestion that I run for office myself, I must respectfully decline. Although I have a passion for improving our community, politics is not a field that personally interests me. Moreover, pursuing a career in politics would entail a significant change from the work I currently do, and I am content with the positive impact I have been able to make in my current career. Thank you for considering my thoughts on this matter. Best wishes, James

Re: Local Elections - Paul M (5th Apr 2023 - 07:47:25) @ Penny - completely agree, and to be honest I was trolling the troll that is James. Of course he won't stand - it's far easier to criticise from the side-lines which is his forte. That's what trolls do, isn't it James?

Re: Local Elections - M (5th Apr 2023 - 09:27:55) @ James Funny how politics don't interest you but you start a thread "Local Elections" and start with..... "The local elections are coming up! It's nearly time to vote and get the Tories out!" You're obviously interested enough to feel that the Tories need voting out? Our "Local" elections have no political leanings, all the councillors stand as local people trying to do best for our community, something perhaps James you could do? Our "District" elections are much more political party focussed, with most candidates affiliating themselves to one of the main parties. Rightly or wrongly if the conservatives put a donkey up for the Liphook District councillor seats it would likely get elected to EHDC......maybe James there's your chance too?

Re: Local Elections - Joe (5th Apr 2023 - 09:30:43) Apart from the remunerations given to District Councillors and of course the paid employees, to be elected in local politics is to undertake unpaid work with no expenses. To me there are too many tiers of local government and the expenses of keeping offices manned and the cost of administering very local government should really be considered in today’s difficult economic climate.

Re: Local Elections - None political (5th Apr 2023 - 09:57:00) Well James you still haven’t said who YOU would like to see running the country local elections aside. You say good independent people are best so looking at the past history of government what party would you have run the country. Keeping in mind when the country prospers and we are in the black everyone has a better life. James you say you’re not in to politics but you have a lot to say about it so where do you get your information from because I don’t think you’re very old to have lived through many governments. History and a long life gives you a lot of information to think about. There are a lot of young people about these days that seem to want a revolution but again look at history revolutions around the world really don’t actually achieve anything usually makes the country poorer and the poor people suffer. Anyway James good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Re: Local Elections - dave (5th Apr 2023 - 11:33:12) So James returns! Missed his superior intellect and knowledgeable and expert opinions on all topics over recent months. He must have been hibernating!

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (5th Apr 2023 - 11:54:10) @ James Thank you for your response. My suggestion that you put yourself forward as a candidate in the local elections was because you stated that you wanted to "get the Tories out". Apart from voting the only other way of getting them out if you are serious, would be for you to stand yourself as an independent ie a non political candidate. So your reason for not standing "Although I have a passion for improving our community, politics is not a field that personally interests me." doesn't ring true. If you really have a passion for improving your community that is the way to do it. Independent candidates can make a difference. However there is a great deal of hard work involved and very few people are prepared to give up their free time to undertake this. Sadly there are too many people who moan and criticize and sometimes cannot even be bothered to vote. There is a saying that "a country gets the government it deserves."

Re: Local Elections - James (5th Apr 2023 - 19:24:34) Dear Penny, Thank you for your response. I appreciate your insightful feedback on the idea of running as an independent candidate in the local elections. While I agree with the potential for independent candidates to make a positive impact, I must clarify that politics is not an area of personal interest for me. I believe that there are many ways to contribute to the betterment of our community, and currently, I am passionate about improving it in other ways that align with my personal and professional interests. Moreover, I do understand that running for office can be a daunting and challenging task, especially without the necessary financial or organizational resources to mount an effective campaign. As much as I value civic engagement, my current employment requires nearly 12-hour shifts six days a week, which leaves me with limited time to undertake such a demanding endeavour. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on this matter. Best regards, James Dear None Political, I would like to address your concerns about the upcoming local elections. As was previously mentioned, these are local elections and not countrywide elections, which means that they hold a great deal of importance for the immediate community. In regards to your comment about age, I believe it's important to note that the younger generations tend to hold more diverse and liberal views compared to older generations. They prioritize issues such as climate change, making, maintaining and protecting more green spaces, racial and ethnic diversity, LGBTQ rights, and women's rights, which are all vital concerns for our society today. In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Politics found that younger generations are more engaged in political activism than older generations. They are more likely to participate in protests, sign petitions, and engage in political discussions, indicating a strong desire for political change and progress. Regarding the notion that revolutions do not achieve anything and usually make the country poorer, I respectfully disagree. History has shown that there have been several successful revolutions that have led to significant social and political change, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, the Indian Independence Movement, and the Velvet Revolution. While it's true that revolutionizing can be a complex and challenging process, it's important to acknowledge that it can also be a necessary step towards achieving a better future for our communities. Kind regards, James

Re: Local Elections - A.R (5th Apr 2023 - 19:44:15) Thank God you are too busy, that is all I have to say.

Re: Local Elections - None political (5th Apr 2023 - 20:14:36) James you really are unbelievable still not answered my question a load of complete rubbish and to top it of you say you work 12 hour shifts?. So where do you get the time to contribute to this forum so much. You are just a sham probably a teenager having fun with nothing better to do or going to university to study some way out subject to waste more of your life. You have no idea about government or what it takes to make the country prosperous and a good place to live. James you need to grow up as others have said.

Re: Local Elections - passfield resident (5th Apr 2023 - 20:49:51) None political-that's a cheap, thoughtless, arrogant response to someone who is trying to engage seriously with other contributors to this forum. Your comments show what a limited outlook you have.

Re: Local Elections - James (5th Apr 2023 - 21:17:20) Dear None Political, I respectfully request that you refrain from using disrespectful language as it does not reflect positively on the conversation. As I mentioned earlier, this is a local election, and my views on general elections are not be relevant to the discussion at hand. I encourage you to read the subject of this thread and think about your comments. Regarding your opinion that I am a student, I am currently employed and take pride in making a positive contribution to the community. Furthermore, I would like to share my ideas on how we can make Liphook a better place for everyone. I believe that we can improve public transportation, increase protection measures for the square, organize more community events, increase police presence, provide access to an NHS dentist whether this be shuttle busses to local dentists (especially for those that can't drive) or attempting for an NHS dentist to open in Liphook, and encourage more funding for local GP services to improve capacity and services. Additionally, I think we can make minor improvements, such as adding picnic benches and wooden hammock stands in Radford, installing more bins throughout the village to prevent litter, and promoting active lifestyles for school children, including supporting them to walk to school and engage in activities such as ParkRuns in Radford Park. I assume that you don't believe any of these idea's will benefit Liphook, and that I still don't know what I am talking about, so I will leave it there with my replies to you - especially as you are becoming hostile. Many thanks, James

Re: Local Elections - Resident (6th Apr 2023 - 09:53:32) Well James if you’re not a politician you certainly correspond like one, avoiding straight questions turning the subject very good. None political ask you who you would have in government after you said we must get the Tories out of government. Penny said you haven’t answered but still no answer. You really should stand for election. Another question your long list for improvement for liphook very impressive but where would you get the money to pay for all of it , the councils are cash strapped just a thought. Awaiting your answers .

Re: Local Elections - Realist (6th Apr 2023 - 11:31:28) Please don't vote for Tory, they are doing everything wrong. If you vote for us instead, we pledge to do everything right.. We will undo everything the Tories have done or tried to do. We will think only of you in that regard, as well as world humanity and peace of course, and we will employ the best world experts in everything at no expense spared(that's us) to make all your socialist dreams come true... We will build where possible lots of great unspecified stuff in your village, the roads will be smooth like billiard tables, the poor will eat like kings, the lame will walk and houses will become affordable for everyone, the weather will improve and salaries will double (well ours will anyway). Buses will run all day and night in every conceivable direction (where funding allows), everyone will be encouraged to dump their polluting cars and walk or cycle to work (we will use a mixture of guilt and ridiculous road pricing to enforce this primarily for the poor), the village will become one giant cycle track, the police will be defunded and replaced with care bears and the courts will be replaced with shaming each other on YouTube. Cars, after 5 years will be burnt. unless a donation is made to the Mayor's office. Male pronouns will be discouraged by loss of your job, inflation will run at 200% and we will go cap in hand to the IMF begging for money to keep.our new muesli powered wind farms running, in that regard it will be illegal to turn more than three lights on in your house at the same time or have a gas boiler. Everyone must retrofit their gardens with ground source heat pumps, they cost less than you'd think, £20,000 should do it for an average little home, and take less space than you'd think, less than an acre of garden to heat your lounge. Cars will be powered by windmills attached to your front door, white folk will have to wear a sign saying 'sorry' prominently displayed to avoid offence, unless you join the our party and carry a picture of Fidel Castro in your wallet, all men will be required to take testosterone reducing pills to avoid shows of masculine boistery on a Friday night, crime will be made illegal, people will be expected to self police this, roads will be dug up and turned into a mixture of flower meadows and high density housing, everyone will have to make a pilgrimage to the West Bank at least once in their lives, men will be required to wear a beard at least 2inches long, (fine for first transgression £5000), followed by women a year later. Tune in tomorrow for more great policies, we will post them here realtime as quick as we make them up at Central People's HQ!

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (6th Apr 2023 - 13:33:29) Agree with Resident James. Whilst I fully appreciate and understand your reasons for not putting yourself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming elections, I would very much like your answers to the following questions. 1. Which party would you like to run East Hampshire District Council? 2. Splendid ideas for improving Liphook but where will the money come from? At the moment everyone, everywhere is making demands from more money to spent on many, many things. If you do not answer direct questions then I agree with Resident you are behaving like a politician ie never answer a direct question with a direct answer.

Re: Local Elections - dave (6th Apr 2023 - 13:53:26) BEWARE OF JAMES, he is just a wind up merchant/troll. If you look at this post and others you can clearly see he is out to wind up the more mature age groups that Talkback generally attracts. He is throwing in every woke cliché he can to provoke a reaction and no doubt in his darkened teenage bedroom he is getting off on the reactions.

Re: Local Elections - Resident (6th Apr 2023 - 18:37:16) Think you’re right Dave he’s been rumbled.

Re: Local Elections - James (6th Apr 2023 - 19:24:13) Dear Penny, Thank you for your response, and I am delighted to answer your insightful questions. In response to your first question regarding the party I would like to see running East Hampshire District Council, I firmly believe in the power of coalition government. A coalition between two parties would bring more diversity to the table, including individuals from different economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, races, genders, disabilities, religions, and more. Such diversity promotes inclusivity and open-mindedness, leading to more effective debates and, in turn, a better political system. Specifically, I would like to see either a Labour/Lib Dem or a Green party/Lib Dem coalition, as both parties prioritize public transportation, investment in infrastructure such as the NHS, and job security. Of course, such a decision should be made through an open and transparent democratic process. Regarding your second question about funding, I appreciate your concern for the financial feasibility of my ideas. To address this, I would like to provide some further details on the potential costs of my proposals. For instance, when it comes to improving public transportation, a regular and efficient service can bring numerous benefits, including a healthier environment, less traffic congestion, and increased accessibility. In terms of the shuttle service I mentioned, it could potentially be offered at a discount by Stagecoach for those with an appointment to get to Bordon, which is our nearest I believe, similar to the Isle of Wight ferries for islanders. As for funding for GP services, I would look into applying for grants or other sources of funding, which would need more thought. Regarding minor improvements at Radford Park, I wonder if they could be donated by a corporate or local company, for example the picnic benches and hammock anchor supports. Similarly, park runs are run by volunteers and are free to the user, so there should be minimal cost associated with them. Additionally, encouraging children to be more active could be achieved through partnering with corporations such as Sainsbury's, which could offer discounts for those who walk to school every day for a month. Alternatively, the school could offer incentives such as "golden time" for students who walk to school consistently or doing morning walks/runs, I am not sure if Liphook Junior's do this already?... Finally, I wonder if designating the square a Green Air Zone and charging large HGVs that pollute the village could be a potential funding source, however that should be put towards the community for their thoughts first. In conclusion, I hope my responses have addressed your questions and concerns. If you have any further feedback or ideas to improve Liphook, please do not hesitate to share them with me. Liphook has a great potential, and I believe that with the right policies and collaborations, we can create a thriving and sustainable community. Kind regards, James Dear Dave, Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment. I would like to assure you that I am not a "wind up merchant" or a "troll" as you suggest. I am simply expressing my own opinions and engaging in constructive discussion on this platform. I understand that we may have different perspectives and beliefs, but I believe it is important to have respectful and open dialogue, regardless of age or background. I apologise if any of my comments have come across as provocative or offensive to you or others. I hope that we can continue to engage in civil discourse. Sincerely, James

Re: Local Elections - Paul M (6th Apr 2023 - 21:53:06) Haha! I think 'James' is running his responses through ChatGPT .... :)

Re: Local Elections - Ian (6th Apr 2023 - 22:30:35) Gosh James, you certainly know how to waffle like a politician.

Re: Local Elections - M (7th Apr 2023 - 11:57:13) Paul M think you've hit the nail on the head. James' first couple of posts no way reflect their later posts. Either that or their Mum wrote it for them?

Re: Local Elections - passfield resident (7th Apr 2023 - 18:34:11) Interesting that some of the posters who can't put together a proper sentence are the ones who enjoy ridiculing someone who at least can express himself clearly. The comments about someone's mum writing his posts or someone being a student (as if there's something wrong with that) or someone posting from their bedroom are all a bit pathetic. If you want to be abusive, go in the Hungry Horse on a Saturday and pick an argument with someone-your cowardly rubbish will get a more direct response that might make you wind your neck in. I don't agree with all of James' views, but he at least expresses them in a reasonable, polite way.

Re: Local Elections - M (8th Apr 2023 - 10:56:52) Passfield resident, I take it your comment was directed towards me? (among others) I feel my comment was properly constructed, so not sure where I haven't "put together a proper sentence"? You also mention that saying that James' Mum wrote their most recent posts was "ridiculing" and "a bit pathetic" and that "if you want to be abusive........" but in a following sentence give what could be construed as a vailed threat to get our heads knocked off..... very nice and not at all pathetic or abusive. Anyone who reads James' first couple of posts, and then reads their later posts, can easily see that the likelihood they were constructed by the same person is remote (or at least that's how I see it). Posted by the same person but constructed? I don't think so. Being young, old, naïve or getting others to write your posts isn't wrong but please don't complain if others, with a differing view, call you out on it. I shall also say the reason I don't call James he or she is because this site is anonymous and James could be a he or a she or anything they wish to call themselves.

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (8th Apr 2023 - 12:55:55) I agree that James's first two posts do not bear any resemblance to the content of his later posts. Google probably had a part to play - no bad thing so I am not criticizing him. However while his suggestions and ideas are laudable I do not think in the present climate they are workable. It is rather like wishing for Eutopia. Coalitions rarely work or achieve anything substantial. Sad but true as was seen in the last coalition in the UK between the Conservatives and the LibDems. In fact the LibDems have never recovered from it. With regard to James's ideas on funding they do not really give a solution to the whole picture ie when he states: "As for funding for GP services, I would look into applying for grants or other sources of funding, which would need more thought." It is not just funding of GP Services, it is the services of fire workers, teachers, railways, civil servants in the passport offices, university staff, staff at UK Power Network, post office staff etc etc. I really do not think that with the best will in the world grants would solve these problems and do you not think if there was an answer the Government would have jumped on it by now - they don't because there is no easy solution.. The only way out of this is to promote economic growth and reduce inflation. However there are many greedy self-seeking people out there and they are not all in the Government.

Re: Local Elections - passfield resident (8th Apr 2023 - 13:00:08) If you have a different view, then explain what that is-"calling out" seems to be another way of saying ridiculing someone. This is a forum, which means a place to exchange views. As it is, it's dominated by people getting at other people. At least James tries to express his views properly. I made no threat towards you of any kind-I was just saying that you might not talk the same way if you were face to face with someone you disagreed with.

Re: Local Elections - Resident (8th Apr 2023 - 13:58:07) Don’t rise to James and Passfield Resident think they may be one and the same. Quoting their views but don’t like it when others disagree. They go against everyone just to cause unrest. So don’t give them the option disregard them. They cause a lot of stress unnecessarily.

Re: Local Elections - passfield resident (8th Apr 2023 - 15:45:34) Great and incisive argument Resident. Well done.

Re: Local Elections - James (8th Apr 2023 - 19:01:25) Dear Penny, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my message. I wanted to clarify that I was surprised by your use of the term "laughable" to describe my suggestions and ideas. I value your feedback and would appreciate a more constructive response to help me improve on these idea's. In addition, I noticed that you only mentioned one of my ideas in your response, and I was hoping to hear your thoughts on the others as well. For instance, I suggested the installation of picnic benches in Radford park to make it more accessible and attractive to visitors, especially those with disabilities who may find it difficult to sit on the ground. Regarding the railway workers and their pay, I understand that negotiations between unions and management can be complex, but it seems that the railway companies have the means to provide fair compensation to their employees, given the high fares that passengers are charged, at least in my opinion. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Happy Easter! Best regards, James Dear Passfield Resident, Thank you for standing up for me, but I believe there is no point in trying to reason with individuals who refuse to listen to other people's opinions and resort to discriminatory language. Rather than engaging in a futile argument, I think it is best to ignore them and focus on more positive interactions with those who are open-minded and respectful, which is the reason I have responded to them. Thank you again for your support and kindness. Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend! Best regards, James

Re: Local Elections - Joe (8th Apr 2023 - 23:33:21) Hi James this post was about local elections and there are only a few things on your list which are funded by the local authorities. Radford Park is one of them. I do remember that sadly some improvements were made some years ago to the provision of more benches in Radford park and also upgrading of the children’s play park in the war memorial grounds, both these efforts had the result that they were vandalised and set fire to. This is public money and sometimes good efforts are not rewarded.

Re: Local Elections - Resident (9th Apr 2023 - 09:40:24) Yes Joe like all politicians and party’s when they want your vote they promise everything , just look at the Labour Party winding up for the general election promising the earth. Same with the local elections but we get nothing especially liphook. It’s all hot air if they do get in then it’s sorry we can’t do anything because they haven’t left and money in the kitty should have known that so it goes on its merry way . James was pretty much the same with his list. When there’s no money nothing can be done so like penny said the economy has to get going and that means hard work buckling down and working for the country not going on strike for years. History tells you all of it .

Re: Local Elections - Penny Williamson (9th Apr 2023 - 10:23:07) James I do not think you read my post carefully enough. I said that your suggestions and ideas were LAUDABLE not laughable. With regard to improvements in Radford Park I think Joe has addressed that.. I know that benches, tables and play equipment have been vandalised in quite a few places in recent years. It is very sad indeed as it is everybody's money that is being pointlessly wasted.

Re: Local Elections - M (9th Apr 2023 - 10:51:49) Well Passfield resident it seems we do agree on some things... "This is a forum, which means a place to exchange views" is completely what I agree with, and long may it last. As for calling someone out my understanding is "if you call someone out or call out something they have said, you challenge them to justify it." (taken from Collins Dictionary). Exactly my meaning in my comment. Not to ridicule but to explain. I can assure you I would have no qualms repeating anything I have said on here to James should I have the pleasure in meeting them in any establishment. As for dominating the forum I think there are others that have far more to say than myself, something again I agree with you.

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