The council should ask the people what they want more than every 4 years
April 24, 2011
I, like many people I talk to, am not sure that all our elected representatives actively seek the views of their constituents let alone listen to them. I’d like to see the quarterly Marlovian magazine that’s delivered to every household in Marlow used for more than just highlighting what the mayor has been up to lately; don’t get me wrong, I do support the office of mayor when it’s used to raise money for local charities and organisations and to promote Marlow in a positive way. Though more often than not, you’ll find exactly the same stories have already appeared in The Marlow and Bucks Free Press along with The Maidenhead Advertiser.
I’m all for communication, but it should be a two way affair. I’d like to include a Freepost survey in every edition of the Marlovian that asks residents some pertinent questions and gives everyone an opportunity to give their opinion on the burning issues of the day. This could be funded by reducing the size of the magazine from A4 to A5 and maybe even inviting a local company/organisation to sponsor the survey. I’d also want to promote the town’s web site forum much more and encourage locals to utilise it again to foster some debate about Marlow and it’s future, but a Freepost survey would be all inclusive and not deny those who have not got access to a computer or the internet a voice.
I’m in the fortunate position as a director of our local community radio station Marlow FM 97.5 and as a regular presenter to be able to invite our elected representatives to answer questions, give information and explain policies live on air. I intend to devote one of my regular lunchtime slots, the first Wednesday in every month, to Q & A’s so that listeners can have the opportunity to talk to their elected representatives and appointed civil servants about anything and everything that affects Marlow. And should I have the good fortune to be elected myself, one of my fellow co presenters on the lunchtime show would do the honours and pose the questions to me.
I’d also like to try and organise a regular open meeting or town debate along the lines of Any Questions which would be recorded for future broadcast and be another good barometer of current public opinion.
I like to think that I will Walk The Walk and not just Talk the Talk…
