ELECTION ON HORIZON

Brigg residents will go to the polls on Thursday, May 5 to elect representatives for the Town Council - in keeping with hundreds of authorities throughout the country.
But polling will only take place if more candidates come forward than there are seats available on our Town Council. If not, those people who put themselves forward will just need to sign the necessary declaration to become councillors automatically, without the need for a public vote.
Long-serving Coun Tom Glossop (pictured) brought this issue to the fore while councillors were discussing changes being proposed by the Personnel Committee at this month’s Town Council meeting.
It was being suggested that “within 12 months of accepting office all members will be expected to attending training courses governing the Role of a Councillor and the Role of the Clerk.”
Coun Glossop was unhappy with the inclusion of the words ‘will be expected’ and warned: “There’s not a rush of people coming forward. Town and parish councils are not oversubscribed.”
He warned that taking such a mandatory approach to attending training courses might deter some people from standing for election.
Coun Carl Sherwood pointed out that although town councillors would not have to pay to attend such courses, there would still be a cost to the ratepayers in providing them.
Deputy Town Mayor Coun John Kitwood said it ought to be remembered that town councillors were all volunteers, and he suggested lack of time in some councillors’ lives meant the council was currently unable to fill vacancies on one of its committees.
The Town Council, meeting in the Angel Suite, amended the Personnel Committee’s suggestion and decided that councillors should be “strongly encouraged” to attending training courses.
A trainer by profession, Coun Chris Pope said: “It’s about sending a clear message to potential councillors that we are supportive in encouraging people.”
Coun Lesley Whitehead (pictured) said that, as a new councillor, she took her duties extremely seriously and welcomed training courses. But she worked full-time. So attending training “during the day” might cause her a problem.
Former Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny reflected on just how much the role of being a town councillor had changed during his 10 years’ service.



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