Open selection will good for local democracy

[Geezer]

http://www.stainesnews.co.uk/staines-an ... -24745937/

Sep 21 2009
By Ian Taylor, MP for Esher and Walton


Since my decision to stand down at the next election given the changing role of Parliament, I have received many kind and generous remarks from local people - often from those whom I have helped over the years.

I remain honoured to represent the seat and help anyone who seeks my assistance until the election, probably next May. I intend to keep up my levels of activity, attending many of the events that take place in Elmbridge.

You might, however, be interested to know that the local Conservative Association is taking a positive step in promoting participative democracy. They have decided to open up their Parliamentary Candidate selection to everyone living in the constituency in a 'Primary' style public meeting. This will mean you will be able to listen to and question a short list of up to six people.

I support this Primary as a way of opening up the selection to a wider audience. Throughout my time as MP, I have tried to reach out to people and organisations within the constituency regardless of their party politics. I am delighted to see this tradition continued.

The meeting will be taking place at Sandown Park, Esher at 10.30am on Saturday 21st November. Look out for further details in the local press or visit http://www.esherwalton.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to register.

Meanwhile, I am not neglecting those who live on or near the big river that forms one of our boundaries. We all want to improve access to and enjoyment of the river Thames, including sporting activities, as well as recognising its commercial importance. So I have helped form a new cross-party Parliamentary group for the Thames stretching from London to Oxford, which was recently launched. There are many issues where working with colleagues can improve our impact and effectiveness.

Many of you have raised the Royal Mail strikes - they are deeply frustrating and costing many businesses thousands of pounds in delays let alone the personal inconvenience many of us have been experiencing. For some dependent on cheques in the post, there is real hardship as I know from phone calls and emails (a growing trend for contacting MPs!). The state of Royal Mail is now so serious that talk last week of a strike for "vague objectives" is deeply worrying.

The Government and management have totally failed to deal with the problems of Royal Mail or put forward a policy for its future that they are capable of enacting. Reform is vital. The service is already losing about ten percent of business a year as we choose alternative ways of communicating. Strikes will ensure postal workers suffer self inflicted wounds.

Ian Taylor MP

[borders]

totally agree linkinpark, makes you sick how they can manipulate one worker into attacking another .makes no mention of how RM are carving up the service , or how posties are losing their jobs and/or having their lives disrupted by more changes etc. watched some of tonights Panorama about the banks, the class divide is alive and kicking make no mistake.

[Geezer]

! Sometimes in my darker days i wonder is workers will ever realise THEY EARN THE MONEY AND HAVE THE POWER and "most bosses" are parasites that give Nothing and just take from us? and if we all had the balls things would be much better.


Well said linkinpark

With you all the way on that point , And when will the rest of the working class realise this and stand up for themselves.It really does my head in that most people don't understand that the bosses need us as much,
If not more than we need them.