Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, spoke to local representatives last Thursday (3rd February).
Jackie became somewhat of a celebrity following her appearance in the video of a meeting of Handforth Parish Council that went viral last year.
Ms Weaver told local dignitaries:
“If your local council doesn’t represent your interests, don’t complain – get involved!”
Her focus was the need to maintain high standards of behaviour in local councils. She gave some hints about dealing with difficult situations, such as rival factions (as in Handforth), and councillors who bully colleagues or staff or use the council for their own personal or political ends. Her advice was:
“Don’t let them get away with it – put them last, not first!”
Jackie’s talk was followed by an hour of lively debate. It was acknowledged that, although poor behaviour damages the public image of local councils, it can have positive effects in the longer run. Jackie reported that the problems in Handforth had aroused local concern, resulting in the election of a new, far more representative council. A similar situation occurred on the Island, where in last year’s elections the councils where there was most competition for seats were those that had seen some problems.
Jackie also acknowledged that the publicity generated by the Handforth video had put local councils on the map. Since then, she has been invited to many public engagements, appeared on TV and in the press, and written a book called You DO Have the Authority Here. “I do this because it’s good publicity,” she said.
Jackie was asked what the most important advice was she could give. She said:
“You must be representative of your communities and engage with them.”
Her advice to residents was:
“If your council doesn’t do this, don’t complain – get involved!”
Get involved – in what way exactly?
We can’t all get elected and, even if we did the regular stories on here reporting the frustration of councillors with their own councils suggests that this route might not lead to change either.
When you have a broken electoral system and no written constitution the only way for us, the people, to get involved is though disruptive protests.
Yes what on earth does she mean, ‘get involved’. Become a vigilante?
Complaining can be quite a powerful force, as long as councillors listen, lol.