'Disdain' for voters over election cycle


MAIDSTONE Lib Dems have been accused of ignoring the will of the people over the frequency of borough council elections. They – supported by Independents –


voted to retain the current system of elec- tions being held in a third of wards annu- ally, in three out of every four years - otherwise known as election by thirds or partial council elections. The ruling Conservatives backed a switch


to whole council elections, with ballots being held in all wards every fourth year. The council consulted residents last year


by sending out a supplementary question with electoral registration forms. Replies to


Snow heroes


at the double RESIDENTS of Downswood showed their community spirit during the pre-Christmas snow- falls. The Downs Mail spotted Jacqueline Lockwood clearing a treacherous path with a shovel, then spreading grit from a bucket (see picture). Mrs Lockwood, of Rhode-


wood, and her two children use the route to get to the Madgin- ford schools complex, as do many other pupils and parents. She decided to take action as the path was becoming danger- ous.


Meanwhile, Gordon and Sheila Harris, of nearby Kings Acre, rewarded their neighbour Matthew Barnett with a bottle


of wine after he had selflessly cleared snow from the road and paths to enable families to get in and out of their homes. “This


young gentleman deserves praise. Normally, no one wants to do anything like that,” said Mrs Harris.


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the question were received from about a half of 44,000 households, of which 72% of electors (32,000) said 'yes' to changing the system. At December's full council meeting, 24


voted against the move and 27 for it. How- ever, the law requires a two-thirds majority for a change to be made. Cllr Paulina Stockell, who moved the mo-


tion for whole council elections, said there was no doubt it would save money (an offi- cers' report suggested £75,000 over a three- year period), as well as improve voter turnout and efficiency. She said the 32,000 votes in favour was a


"phenomenal" consultation figure. "It's crys- tal clear, a no-brainer that the electorate pre- fer four-year elections," she added. Lib Dem leader Cllr Fran Wilson said


there were three questions to consider. First, what is best democratic practice?; second, how certain is it that savings will be made?; and third, what weight should be given to the consultation exercise? Last year's mayor, Cllr Peter Parvin (Con)


said he would have preferred the status quo but, as a large number in the borough said they wanted a change, he had to represent the people, so he could not see "in all con- science" how he could not vote for it. But Independent leader Cllr


Mike FitzGerald, also a former mayor, said he believed that the minor parties are best served by "thirds" elections. Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) argued that councillors are more responsive under the cur- rent thirds system "because of the healthy whiff of fear that they will lose their seats if they do something crass". He also claimed that, under a


four-yearly system, council tax would go up after an election and come down the year before the next election. But Cllr John Horne said, in


light of compelling evidence from the public, it would be a "pretty smart kick in the teeth" if their views were ignored. He urged members not to treat the people with "sophistry and dis- dain".


    


     


 


 


  


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 


                         


  


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