Step forward for election: letter from Fred Briers

Sirs,

Well, where are you, prospective Town Councillors willing to stand for election? It is all very well complaining that there is no election for a Town Councillor post, but the real answer is – to step forward and be willing to enter into an election.

I agree that an election would be a healthy way forward, but if several people put their names forward for consideration of a vacancy, they should all be willing to seek election, and not be side-lined by anybody. If there is not an excess of people willing to serve in the Town Council to bring about an election, then the Town Council is best served by co-opting those who are willing to serve.

“Entrenched individuals shaping the incoming members in their own image” (as per Peter Morgan’s correspondence) gives an impression that those stepping forward have little strength of purpose or resolve – now that is the ‘elephant in the room’ – or not in the room as this case may be !

Sadly, it appears that some of our institutions are waning in support. Of course, in time things will change – and hopefully for the better with a decline in non-productive whingeing, and an increase in personal responsibility and action.

Meanwhile, please do not criticise unduly without appreciating the very good work that is done by the Town Council on all our behalf. My limited personal experience (I have only been in Marlborough for 3 years) has been on a number of occasions that the Town Council is very interested in, and supportive of, local happenings, concerns and people, and it is populated with some able and sensible people.

I am optimistic that the current youth of this country- including many with immigrant roots who appreciate the good things that we have in this country – seem to be ‘stepping up’ a bit more than their parents.

Sadly, my health and age mean that I may not yet see the results of this optimism.

Yours,

Fred Briers
Marlborough