Here is the recording of the Town Council Meeting from 12th May 2022.
Ferret would like to thank Lyn Morton for making the recording.
Here is the recording of the Town Council Meeting from 12th May 2022.
Ferret would like to thank Lyn Morton for making the recording.
It is like a circus! Not one of them seem to know what they are doing. They are a joke!
Good evening Ferret,
I was at the meeting and have a few observations I would like to share with you and the readers.
First, it struck me that members of the public were better informed than most of the town councillors. They also spoke with more authority and clarity. Three of the councillors did speak well, but generally the Council stuttered through the proceedings.
Second, how can councillors vote on policies that most of them have probably never read. Take for example the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and Procedures.
Third, how can an outgoing Chair Person continue to orchestrate the meeting from the wings. Whilst a newly elected Chair who is clearly unprepared for the role continually asks the Town Clerk for Guidance. To be fair to the new Chair I thought she at least made a stab at sticking to the agenda and trying to control the meeting.
Fourt, how can a known antagonist continue to berate sections of the community, referring to it as a lynch mob. And also, seeking to intimidate both members of the Community and a Councillor who challenged him to put his criticism in question form.
Fifth, why do the Town Councillors generally seem to stand apart from a District Councillor who is reaching out to them to work with her regarding concerns about Plan 2036 and proposed sites in the locality? The District Councillor asked them to work with her, but I didn’t hear a positive acceptance. We have to recognise the efforts of some councillors to support residents on Woodlands Estate and Highfields. We also have to acknowledge the work that Jon Trickett is doing regarding this. But, surely it is best to have a collective opposition to the Plan to take away our green spaces and playing fields.
Sixth, why do some councillors sit? They say nothing, but when a vote is called for they vote for their clique members. I have been going to meetings now for sometime, and I watch them on live stream when I don’t attend. It really is like watching Lemmings looking for a cliff top.
Seventh, and final observation, why can’t this Council communicate effectively with the communities it purports to represent. Yes, there are some individual councillors who do try very hard. And, we know who they are. But, this was an annual meeting concerned with electing Chair and Vice Chair as well as adopting and ratifying policies and procedures. Also, there was scope for public questions. But, less than thirty members of the Community attended such an important meeting. That’s because there is a disconnect between the councillors and the communities. Exceptions are acknowledged.
I long for the day when we can have councillors who are able to articulate both their own and their electorates views. If you watch the video you will see that there are some members of the public who can stand up and speak coherently and with feeling. These people should be encouraged to stand in the next elections.
Thank you for your patience in reading this, and let’s not forget that we are friends of Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam Communities.
Regards
It’s no longer Hemsworth Town Council it’s called the Jean Martin show
If I’ve read the rules correctly regarding the election of a new chair, the outgoing chair does not have a vote, only a casting vote in the event of a tie. In those circumstances a casting vote last night would not have been necessary and Cr Middleton would have been elected
If that is correct then the election of chair and vice chair should be declared null and void. Maybe Ferret can clarify?
It’s incorrect, unfortunately.