Pleading Time! - Police cuts is there another way

Cuts proposed by the government have resulted in much criticism, one area being policing I just wonder if there is another way, recently police officers senior and junior have gone to the media griping about the governments proposed cuts and I just wonder if there is another way.

One employee rep pointed out that its the case that something like 80% of the police budget goes on wages, therefore meaning efficiency savings elsewhere would be of minimal effect.  The conclusion therefore has to be wide scale cuts in staff, resulting in much more crime, civil disturbance and the end of civilisation as we know it.

Without a doubt many police officers, are by the very nature of their work at considerable risk, unlike most of us, as an example, chatting to a British Transport police officer, working on the railway, telling me criminals had in the past attempted to throw him onto the conductor rail (750volts (always live) not a pleasant end ), so I would suggest that earnings and benefits are rightly above average, however currently we are experiencing a unique economic crisis.

Now even accepting that police officers (those actually out doing the work) are worthy of the money they currently get, the fact is that, we are told, the publics money has been spent (note left by retiring by shameless Labour minister), so why isn't anyone suggesting police take a pay cut, or for that matter the whole public sector.

Every day some Labour politician or public sector spokesperson is bleating about cuts, to jobs and true to type I've not one heard one make the suggestion that they've been doing alright for the last few years (according to recent reports about £7,000 per year better than the private sector) all of this crowd are talking about civil unrest, social cohesion and all that malarkey, so how about the public sector  take a pay cut around 15-25% they'd have to adjust maybe drop expensive holidays, chose value products rather than finest, in a few months I'm sure they'd adjust and since even now public sector jobs are almost bomb proof what could they complain about.

Out in the commercial world such cuts are not unfamiliar, and have been occurring for some years now in construction and agriculture, since Labour accepted and actively encouraged the principle of importing cheap labour, to be ruthlessly exploited undercutting British workers and social institutions like education and health.

Nobody is forced to join the police service or indeed any other service, so surely pay could be adjusted to balance the books, millions in the private sector have had no choice in pay cuts, except of course, changing jobs however that is pretty limited although most papers are still have plenty of public sector non- jobs.

Currently this country is divided, on one side you have people who work in the market place and get on with what's on offer, and then you have what the government refer to as the special pleaders! which as well as the police includes public sector workers and workshy scroungers, its about pleading time, the later shared the wealth!

Bob Geldof upset with BBC, what can you say

Well for me its difficult to be objective about Bob Geldof particularly since one of his companies wrote to me about my opinions over KCC’s Kent TV, in rather er robust terms.

Anyway Guardian readers will be aware that last week he went off on one, re the BBC world service, now since he seemed to be threatening legal action, I’ll keep my opinions to myself.

Still Rod Liddle a favourite of mine in the Sunday Times has considered the matter and written on the subject, I particularly enjoyed this “He has been bombarding The Guardian’s online site — the traditional refuge of embittered loons — with scabrous attacks upon the BBC. It seems as if the silicon chip inside his head got switched to overload. Oh lordy, I can feel a song coming on.”

Anyway read the whole article here “Hardly a charitable response from Bob the bludgeoner”

Ramsgate – Boulogne and wannabe experts – And what’s the fuss about

I know pretty much damn all, about the recent controversy concerning Euroferries, proposed ferry service from Ramsgate Port to Boulogne.

I’m vaguely aware that two local bloggers Adem Djemil (The Big Blog) and ECR were sent correspondence from legal firms acting on behalf of the ferry company, I’m also aware that this country has rather draconian laws of defamation which have created a new bread of customer for Britain’s specialist law firms which deal with Libel.

Please note before more avaricious lawyers get briefed, I’m not referring to specifics cases, but it seems the custom in this country that if you don’t like what somebody says about you and you’ve deep enough pockets, you can bully and threaten people into silence by merely suggesting taking legal action.

As many will know I had my own run in with a contractor working for Kent Council who made suggestions, that should I continue to comment on the project I was referring too they might well involve me in expensive legal actions, fortunately I had the support of the blogging community.

Tonight BBC 1’s “Inside Story” will I’m told by the Big Blog & Eastcliff Richard site report on Euroferries association with Ramsgate port and the long awaited and often delayed service to Boulogne. I see in the trailer for that show that multi talented local author Jane Wenham-Jones, sometime columnist and critic of this blog, has been dragged into comment, quite what she knows about maritime affairs etc I don’t know, I suspect its a case that the BBC have used her before and have chosen her for that reason rather than expertise.

Anyway programme is about to start but its a feature of English life, that people can pontificate on matters they little knowledge just like this blog and hopefully without being sued by big interests and greedy lawyers.

AFTER INSIDE STORY

As I said at the top of this I knew little before and perhaps even less, after watching the story of Euroferries proposed ferry service, which was covered BBC1 SE Inside Story, the report was filmed, in what I’d term, sub Roger Cook style and had everything broken promises, mildly miffed interviewees Plain Blimin Jane a bit upset that she hadn’t been able to sail on the Bonanza Express, Paul Wells (Bertie Biggles) worried about heavy handed legal threats, the only thing, missing of course was any victims, alright if Euroferries is not about to go into administration they have every right to protect their image, if customers have had refunds to cancelled sailings, strange as all of this seems, where is the beef?

A storm in a teacup would just about some up the episode, a couple of bloggers may have been treated harshly I don’t know the background if so, this is wrong and maybe that is the story, lawyers pressuring this new blogging media a bit like TDC’s over the top response to freedom of expression by elected representatives.

By Election Special - Dane Valley the final stretch and whatever happened to Labour

Just a quick posting before I head off to cast my vote, this election is, when all is taken into consideration only remarkable for its origins and background.

The resignation of absentee, Cllr Broadhurst I recall never really occurred, since his letter of resigning, was found not to be acceptable by council officials, eventually he was automatically removed from the council, the handling by the local Conservative party of the situation was typically of the light, sloppy and weak managerial approach shown by their administration of Thanet council.

Anyway we, that is us voters, have in the last few weeks had more than a few leaflets, on the blog sites’ there has been the usual insight, from middle-aged gits like myself, some with an axe to grind like I think a rather cheeky Cllr Nottingham who comes out with this tosh “I note that Tony Flaig rejoined the Liberal Democrats recently and think with his frequent comments on the by-election campaign it would be best if readers saw writing or an image or clear writing so that they knew they were reading a yellowtinted opinion. In what looks like typical sanctimonious Labour style, we then read, that he, puts his party membership at the top of his blog, as well he might being employed as a Eurocrat Labour functionary (and has for some time). Please note my joining the Liberal Democrats (about three weeks ago) does not make me a zombie.

Down to the nitty-gritty, this election was eventually triggered for no other reason, than we have had an absentee representative in Dane Valley and the law at least requires our representative to show their face at council, but the electorate prefer more than some party member, who’s been given a seat by the local hierarchy what we want is someone who will actively represent us.

Therefore it would be nonsense to pick a candidate because they happen to be more local than the next which seems to be the thinking of some of our lightweight contenders, also we need to ignore emotive nonsense like this from one candidate “ I will simply not get into the mud-slinging " blah blah blah…. presumably that’s down to somebody else then.

Here’s what my choice is based on, knowing that the candidate I’m voting for has done much hard work for this constituency has already shown a willingness to do a bit of hard graft.

So I’ll be voting for Bill Furness (Lib Dem) today, because this is a local election, not a referendum on how Labour has impoverished the ordinary people of Dane Valley (which they have), or whether the Conservative Party should take over from Labours onslaught on working people.

Finally I see Clive Hart’s crew, seems too embarrassed to be associated with Labour, maybe upfront Cllr Mark Nottingham could explain that one ? instead they have in the most recent communication put the logo “thanet Local Labour” rather than remind the electorate of just who they represent.

Kent police have they become politicised?

As many of us will recall, Kent police were recently criticised by independent organisations etc. for the handling of the Kingsnorth climate protest last year and of course by Kent residents who were utterly bemused at the apparent violence used, toward climate change activists by police officers acting one assumes under command of the Kent constabulary.

So far, I've yet to hear Kent Police Chief Mike Fuller apologise or explain last year's extraordinary conduct of officers subordinate to himself and neither have I heard the head of the Kent Police Authority Ann Barnes making any comment on this rather sensitive matter, which for many has made this question, just what agenda Kent police following.

Further light is shown on the some of Kent police's questionable practices on the front page of this weekend's Kent on Sunday newspaper, detailing police use of car number plate equipment, which I would interpret as politically motivated spying. Anyway if you didn't read it, I suggest you give the article a gander and make your own mind up (whilst you're still allowed to).

No doubt, I myself will be on some, Kent police database of independent thinkers, fortunately the list of democrats who need to be under surveillance has probably already grown to a scale Kent police can no longer manage such is their apparent paranoia.

Indifferent of Tunbridge Wells or BBC South East & Radio Kent a threat to local Democracy?

It sounds pompous but I’ve thought longer and harder before posting this blog than the previous 1090 odd and in writing it, I might well have sidelined myself to the community of cranks and nutters of which the blogosphere is known but the following is my subjective view of the BBC in Kent and South East, based on my impressions and recollection which might well be faulty.

All my life till now, I’ve shared the notion that the BBC’s output on balance is benign, over the years its been accused of bias particularly during the Thatcher years when Mrs T (the friend of democracy) claimed “I have fought three elections against the BBC and don’t want to fight another against it.

Excuse the preamble, the point is the BBC have a strong record nationally of reporting on the political system, in the face of strong critics and because of its depth and volume of reportage it remains neutral overall a good thing for a democracy.

In the last few months its dawned on me that regionally the BBC actually don’t cover local politics in any depth, I accept that most people are bored witless by the national news being dominated by Labour windbags and Tory toffs but the lack of news covering local politics is I feel a scandal.

Nationally the BBC has obsessive coverage of politics, however regional news output is limited mainly to reporting crime, traffic and cats up trees.

Tune in any night to BBC 1’s South East Today, there might just be a “hard news story”, almost certainly there will be mind numbing banality, in the last ten minutes of the show, five will probably be devoted to some someone cycling underwater, living in a cave or maybe a bit of animal magic with giant rabbits, loud peacocks etc. then another five minutes spent on inane conversation, between the presenters of the show and one of the three weather girls or the occasionally stand in Fish.

One local source of news and comment should be BBC Radio Kent, every weekday morning it has a three hour, talk based show, (Breakfast with) presented by John Warnett & Julie George, these two are clearly competent professionals, as are the backroom staff and manage to make the banal subjects almost bearable.

I assume that senior BBC management does not to allow these professionals to do anything dangerous, such as discussing the news. And by senior management I mean those who I assume must set policy for BBC regional services as a whole.

The point I would like to make is that this programme in particular is talk based, and you might expect as well as reflecting life in Kent, that some of its output would include perhaps just a modicum of local politics but on more than one occasion big issues, have just seemed to have been buried and certainly not referred to when I’ve tuned in around eight which is generally after I’ve had my fill of Radio 4’s today programme.

Here’s some items I didn’t hear discussed on “breakfast with” in the last month or so, Conservative councillors helping themselves to a large pay increase, Kent council extending Kent TV contract, the resulting row over scrutiny, the report by Yorkshire police in to Kent constabularies policing of last years climate camp, Kent council cancelling Septembers full council meeting.

What you are most likely to hear discussed is inane trivia such as “does your cat do something remarkable?”, “tell us about your funny naked experience”, “what’s your biggest fear?”

One subject that could have had a local dimension, Arlene Phillips getting sacked for being to old for come dancing, this could have been expanded to include colleagues Beverly Thompsett and Geoff Clark from South East Today, also down the river to be replaced by some young uns (the story put out was they wanted a more journalistic approach, I suppose this means that next performing animal on the show will have a microphone thrust in its direction) .

It seems that BBC regional output consists of nothing that would offend or cause a moments thought, even the Taleban could listen unperturbed.

Particularly astonishing to me is the failure to cover the democratic process, I spoke with editor Alex Bish a few weeks ago, who as I understand suggested that Paul Francis of the Kent Messenger group, covering the recent pay hike for Kent councillors had a journalistic coup, in reporting the Tory councillor backed pay hike, of course had any BBC hack bothered or even cared what was going on in this counties principal authority KCC they would have, like Mr Francis spotted the item in the agenda for the first full meeting of the council, which at the time of the MP expenses scandal, would have given a local perspective to national debate.

Some time later I had a conversation with the “management” at BBC radio Kent, it was desultory and I soon lost the urge to penetrate through management waffle and that politicians trick of addressing a question that’s not been asked.

What I glean, from those BBC managers that I have spoken with, in the last year or so, is that the public aren’t interested in politics and maybe not, myself I’m not too interested in endless animal stories on South East Tonight I’m not too keen on vegetables but realise if I avoid them completely I’ll end up dead, just like democracy carried out of sight of public scrutiny, it will wither.

Its my feeling that BBC regional news is no better than Meridian, so the recent suggestion that part of the license fee goes elsewhere although an alien idea is for me is justified and not unreasonable.

In a democracy the process of government should be reported especially local government since this effects us directly, clearly this in not happening with BBC radio Kent or BBC South East. In recent weeks I’ve listened to Breakfast with John Warnett and Julia George and thought what am I hearing that’s unique to Kent, very little.

Last week I emailed this comment to the breakfast programme (they were discussing the citizenship test) “The point of a citizenship test is proving that a candidate is committed, in the same way BBC Radio Kent could make your show cover Kent issues once in a while to justify your public funding” the presenter Julia George thought I was “taking a Pop” or similar and yes I was, as this show most days could be broadcast pretty much anywhere in the world on any station without public funding.

Take my last posting (Cllr Broadhurst) here on Bignews Margate about a councillor who has apparently emigrated to Panama, no contact with local electorate, but managed some how to be marked as present in the council chamber when he wasn’t, surely even a BBC hack could sex up a disappearing Tory councillor, well maybe not although it seemed to have been newsworthy here in Thanet.

Last year one BBC journalist interviewed me about Ten Alps, KCC and Kent TV, broadcasting a fairly innocuous remark I made, the more important issues of my freedom to speak was brushed aside, at the time I was told the public would not be interested in member of the public being pressured not to write about Kent TV by a taxpayer funded contractor, still local blogger Eastcliff Richard managed to rustle up a readable story as did the Sunday Express.

To me the democratic process in Kent is hidden by a state a funded broadcaster who rarely reports.

BBC Radio Kent, seem to pussy foot around Kent’s political structure rarely reporting on it, frankly it makes me feel that locally the BBC have nothing unique to offer the taxpayer, so why are we funding local radio.

Its a shocking reflection on the quality of news output from the BBC that your more likely to find a political story about Kent Council on Bignews Margate than the taxpayer funded BBC, written by someone who shovels ballast for a living, struggles with dyslexia, than a professional journalist.

Anyway unlike the BBC, local politics is not a taboo subject here at Bignews Margate as appears to be the case with our friends “Indifferent of Tunbridge Wells” BBC South East & Radio Kent, feel free to comment.

No ifs no butts as Thanet Council plum new depths in resident harassment.

I see just glancing at TDC’s website that council jobsworths are waging are rather sanctimonious campaign against smokers, in two months of an apparently obsessive surveillance operation 17 smokers, have been convicted of missing the conveniently placed ashtrays and presumably doing what I use to do as smoker, throwing in your exhausted fag into the gutter or drain.

The cost to the hapless smoker is £100 cost (to subsidise lawyers) a £15 surcharge ( not sure on that one) and £100-175 for the offence which I assume just about covers the cost of tea & biscuits for ever increasing private army of council snoops.

Over the same period not far from Flaig mansions a roofer dumped a bucket load of crap on the pavement, clearly along with all the rubbish in the street TDC have adopted a wait and see approach and it appears to be working, over the last few weeks heavy downpours have washed away much of the crap leaving only a small residue (do I complain?).

If anything discarded cigarettes enable street cleaners assuming they have any, to see where they need to sweep and if left will probably wash down a convenient drain during the next rain shower unlike the dog S*** along my road.

Life’s to short to be hounding residents for tiny misdemeanours, get a life council jobsworths.

TDC news item

BBC rewards the right sort of License dodger

Its quite clear that the average dib dob, man or women, will on answering the door to the TV Licensing authorities, find themselves with a hefty fine, if they can’t produce a TV License and even if they don’t own a television, more than likely they will be endlessly harassed by the authorities.

But if your the right sort of License evader, perhaps a pompous media figure or someone who attended a good public school, went to Cambridge, the chances are you’ll get a slightly different reaction to not paying the license fee, than the average outlaw, who might be trying to feed a family make ends meet that sort of thing.

Of course this special treatment, would have to be coupled with a really strong principled morally righteous cause like wishing to see Jonathan Ross sacked from the BBC.

So it is the case with Charles Moore former editor of the Telegraph, who gave the citizens of Margate, the privilege of his presence here in Margate last Friday (Radio four Any Questions)(fees paid by BBC no doubt) , who has the background, of a rough tough start in life, first at Eton then spending time at Trinity College, Cambridge and is so worried about Jonathan Ross, that he has taken the principled step of refusing to pay the license fee, giving money to charity instead.

Now there are hundreds of thousands who are being bled dry by crooked bankers, bent politicians and greedy public service workers, who also like me and him share a dislike for Jonathan Ross’s, sleazy behaviour in regard to Andrew Sachs etc. unfortunately if we’re to take maybe a more principled stand, such as feeding children keeping a roof over our head, rather than subsidise rich presenters, opinionated hacks, and cretinous BBC executives.

Incidentally according to Broadcastnow the BBC has had to shell out £45,000 in damages to the head of the muslim council of Britain after Charles Moore claimed the MCB had been reluctant to condemn Killing and Kidnapping of British soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan.

I think next time Charles Moores ventures in to Margate it would not be unreasonable for us license payers to make a citizens arrest since we also have principles but have to abide by the law.

PS I mentioned on my twitter that I shall be writing about BBC regional output I’ll probably get to later.

More controversy over KCC’s business activities

Its clearly not just me, who has qualms about the sometime almost delusional attitude which seems to pervade county hall when it dabbles in the commercial world.

According to Kent online a report is due to be delivered to KCC from the Audit Commission into their controversial business activities.

I myself wonder, having requested details on the supposed savings made by Kent TV, only to find that although a projected figure is easily found, it might take a few weeks for them to actually give details, as to how these figures were arrived at, my own theory is that one of the top knobs, thought one million sounds good and so now council officers are I guess reverse engineering to substantiate that number.

Despite the councils “Backing Kent Business” campaign it seems some businesses are yet to be convinced like HR-GO who are furious that they have to compete with KCC.

One rather telling comment from the article, pointing to the counties relationship with the Audit Commission, referring to Jack Parkinson, Chairman of HR-GO this comment “He is concerned that KCC appear to have advance knowledge of the findings. “Why do they know all about it before it’s been issued?”.

Indeed some long time ago why when I wished to complain about KCC multi-million cock up over Turner gallery mark 1 why did I get referred to TDC auditor, makes you think.

Anyway if you’d like to know more click here for KM Report

Kent TV more dual standards? and councillors groan at mention of Bignews

The webcast of yesterdays meeting is now available, the reason it was called, seems trivial to me but clearly important to those for whom it was requested. Having had chance to see the thing from the beginning I'm not much wiser.

Firstly much of the meeting was devoted to the fact the earlier scrutiny cabinet meeting, had discussed the process of giving Ten Alps a fresh contract for Kent TV and the role of council officers, who had not been present at the prior meeting.

It was felt that it was not entirely correct to have done so, which leads me to the apparent dual standards, in discussing this the Chair of the original Committee was not present, but this didn’t stop mention of her role in the previous meeting.

So in the haste to accommodate Peter Gilroy & fellow officer Tanya Olivier Leader Paul Carter presumably a further discourtesy? has occurred by mentioning Trudy Dean in her absence, which I believe Paul Carter did on more than one occasion. This meeting clearly could have waited till September.

Anyhow if you’d like to assess just how pointless this meeting was, I suggest that you listen to how upset acting chairman Roger Manning is about the previous meeting.

Still one light point was a reference to an earlier Bignews Margate Headline (Kent TV - If at first you don’t succeed or best out of three) clearly pretty influential, in the corridors of Sessions House, still I’m not sure quite what those sounds that accompanied the mention, were adulation! derision! joy! you decide they occur around the end (around 1:17) laughing, groaning, crying, braying Tories? I just can’t tell, if you know for sure, such disrespect might result in a complaint by Bignews Margate to the Standards Board of England except I don’t believe in such nonsense.

Admittedly this webcast is not your best TV but if you’ve nothing else to do give it a go. At a complete tangent totally unconnected mentioning TV I suggest if you ever have chance that to watch “the wire” which is currently showing on BBC 2 a great mix of life, dirty dealings and politics, which is without a doubt the best television ever.

Cabinet Scrutiny Special click here

Kent TV another day another result

The Kent TV controversy will continue for some time, today it seemed to be another little victory for executive power over commonsense was outcome of today’s new improved scrutiny committee.

Now I unfortunately missed much of the meeting (live webcast) due in part to a long cue at Rooks for a couple of their finest saveloys and attending a brief training course on the “bleeding obvious” (2nd in a week) as is prevalent and mandatory, in much of our working life.

Paul Carter, Tory boss and his Chief Executive Gilroy had demanded their day in committee as it were, also present was Kent Director of Strategic Development and Public Access, Tanya Oliver.

Paul Carter and his colleagues Peter Gilroy and Tanya Oliver were it transpires not happy, to have had the previous scrutiny committee discuss the new contract for Kent TV, without them present although as far as I can recall no disparaging comments were made about either.

Today’s meeting pretty much came to the same conclusion, although the atmosphere had changed as had the chair and several of the previous committee members, the flavour I got from the last meeting was that ordinary members of the council, were a bit put out, at the lack of referral to backbenchers, still I understand that KCC TV is off the schedule for a long time after today’s, occurrences.

It seemed to me, that having the bosses present quelled any rebellious inclinations, like members asking to be at least consulted on policy. Sill it would be wrong to draw an analogy with rebellious school boys confronted by the headmaster and chairman of governors asking if they had any grievances.

I’m sure if there were any genuine concerns, Kent councils Tory backbenchers (mainly substitutes for the regular committee members) have as much backbone as you might expect. I just wonder why this matter could not have waited till September and whether 5 of the original 8 committee members being absent skewed things a tad, probably not eh.

Still something that has troubled me over the Kent TV contract is that despite Peter Gilroy’s mention of chronology of events, you would have thought that, given the council had more than two years, to anticipate the end of the current contract, they appear to have waited till rather late in the game to do something about it.

Kent TV is hardly a big hit, with the public, with funding stretching toward two million pounds of public money, it would be nice if the county, had some method in place already monitor benefits but it appears not, so far no credible figures appear to have been published, on any real or more likely imagined savings that Kent TV has delivered.

How often have the chief executive and leader of the council, told us that Kent is an excellent authority, if its true, why given more than two years, were they not better prepared to handle the end of the original contract.

If Paul Carter and his colleagues, expect us to believe that Kent TV is anything more than an affectation, lets see some figures that justify its existence. So often I’ve heard the business analogy, that KCC is a big business, if this is the case I suggest they start using proper business methods not just thinking that something's a good idea and not prove it.

Still I see that the influential Bignews Margate got a mention during the discussion, proving that the best things in life are free unlike Kent council or its media obsession. If I had the same money as Kent TV, having invested maybe 5 or 10 quid in electricity, pro rata, Bignews Margate would be blog of choice for every man women and child on the planet.

A question for Cllr Paul Carter whom I understand is a businessman would you invest the best part of two million pounds of your own money and wait more that two years to assess the effectiveness of you investment? I think not and nor should taxpayers!

The bosses have a weird relationship with Kent TV if you dare criticise they go bananas I just wonder why? Yet you ask them to take responsibility for it and they run a mile it took months for me to get KCC to accept they were responsible for Kent TV.

Its a pity KCC could not have convened a similar meeting when one of their own contractors made an extraordinary attack on me for publishing honest opinion about KCC media, still mustn't grumble.

I’ll let you know or maybe you can let me and the readers when this meeting is available to view on KCC’s WebPages.

Kent TV more wasted time & money? Will KCC Chief Executive & Council Leader, convince public everything's OK!

A week or so back, Kent councils cabinet scrutiny committee met and one of the items as I recall, was whether the renewal of the Kent TV contract was handled properly.

An extraordinary meeting has been called which will take place at 1pm Wednesday 5th August click here for a link to the live webcast or hopefully later recording of said event.

Its suggested that the Chief Executive Peter Gilroy, Paul Carter Tory boss and others didn’t like the outcome of the previous meeting, hence I assume the emergency meeting.

Now here’s the situation again as I understand it, Kent TV was set up to run for two years, the contract was awarded to Ten Alps, the council has had a long time to consider whether to continue the project.

However for some reason between council officers Peter Gilroy Chief Exec & Tanya Oliver (director of strategic development and public access), Paul Carter Tory Leader and Mr M Banks KCC’s Barrister the need to make a long term decision on Kent TV appears to have been put off.

The situation means that Ten Alps have apparently had their contract to supply Kent TV renewed for another seven months without the tiresome worries of competition.

As I can see, no suggestion was made at the previous scrutiny meeting, that council officers had acted in any improper way or for that matter Paul Carter, although naturally questions of public perception were raised as well as lack of member involvement.

My view is this Paul Carter, who is after all the elected leader of the council, appears to me, to be lead by the officers, rather than the more usual way of doing things in a democracy. Why else are we wasting money with further meetings

The following are views expressed by members as per the summary of the scrutiny meeting.

• Mr Manning raised concerns about the sensitivity of the issue and the public perception of Mr Gilroy being both the Chief Executive and the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Kent TV.

• Mr Christie raised concerns whether, perception wise, it was a reasonable decision for the Chief Executive to take, his views were that public perception might be that somehow there was a conflicting interest.

• Mr Hotson suggested that for the future, the Chief Executive should not be in a position to take such decisions and it should be another officer or a Member level decision because there could be the perception of a conflict of interest.

• Mr Hotson stated that it was unforgiveable that there was a period of four of five months when there was no Member involvement of knowledge, and that should not happen in the future.

• Mr Kite stated that this situation failed the public perception test

• Mr Christie remarked that the decision to extend the contract was taken during April, but the contract was only signed on 15 July, the same day as the informal meeting.

• The Chairman explained that neither she nor the spokespersons had exercised an official call in of this issue firstly because they were satisfied that the Chief Executive had the authority to exercise this decision. The issue was whether it was an appropriate decision for him to take and that was a matter of judgement.

• Mr Parry raised concerns about the period of time in which there was no Member involvement. In future Members should be notified at the earliest opportunity of what was going on.

• Mr R King explained that it was a matter of Member involvement and which decisions should be made by the Cabinet.

As regulars will know I have had a fair amount of grief over Kent TV the council run TV station, a year back or so I feel that an attempt was made, to restrict what I could or could not say about Kent TV. I don’t recall Carter or Gilroy demanding meetings to discuss that matter, wonder why?

After some months a grudging acceptance was made by one legal officer that I did have the right to comment freely, also more importantly was the acceptance the KCC was ultimately responsible for the output Kent TV.

And still no news of whereabouts!*

I accept that few take politics, democracy and freedom as seriously as my readers and I, but the lack of a response from Local Conservative leader Sandy Ezekiel is astonishing, it will be interesting to see whether Sandy Ezekiel will wrestle with his blackberry( I understand it might be broken) and reply to my email inquiry over Cllr Stephen Broadhurst.

Perhaps Sandy Ezekiel might notice the headline on the front page of this weeks Yourthanet, “Councillor must go, urge critics”, the only response from Tories, I’ve had so far, was one of his colleagues coming up with this gem in an email to me.

“I was under the impression, that no firm decision was taken yet, as to whether Cllr.Stephen Broadhurst would actually be in a position to take up full resident in Panama, but if this is the case, then I am sure Cllr.Stephen Broadhurst will informed his Conservative colleagues and members of TDC of his intention to resign when the time comes”

Well for most of us, apart from loyal Conservative colleagues, that time might have come! I said before that councillors should not be at the beck and call of residents but really living abroad makes it improbable that you can represent the electorate, so why not just resign.

* Since posting this I have received an email from Sandy Ezekiel for which I’d like to thank him, informing me that he’s in contact with Cllr Broadhurst and will keep me up to speed when he has a formal statement to make.

“a public duty to be both courteous and responsible”

A quote and a belief I understand from Simon Moores as to values that councillors should share and the latest defence of Thanet councils attempt to curb free expression of elected representatives, (this is a reference to a proposed blogging policy understood to be work in Progress (for Simon Moores Benefit)).

No doubt these are values that everyone should aspire to, that said I’m sure that Simon Moores adheres to these, still there are other considerations, assuming my memory is accurate, didn’t he recently back Cllr Jo Gideon in a leadership contest against the incumbent Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, then the following day accept her cabinet post from the man he opposed.

I’m sure that he showed all the due respect and polite manners in accepting Cllr Ezekiel’s offer to sit at the top table and no doubt was acting responsibly in filling the vacancy. I’m sure he would measure up as well as his colleagues on all those other idealistic values, we like to think our politicians ought to possess.

The simple truth is that politicians if anything are mostly honest, mostly decent and always human.

If the council continue to pursue a blogging policy in addition to the already controversial “Standards Board” nonsense, they will in doing so, I feel bring Thanet Council in to disrepute.

I myself resisted the temptation to report one of Sandy’s colleagues who told me that all bloggers were “perverts”, clearly the councillor was “barking” but so what, it takes all sorts to make a council.

MISSING IN DANE VALLEY – HELP SOUGHT-HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?

Concern is growing over the whereabouts of Local Man? Stephen Broadhurst, as the electorate in Dane Valley ask where is he?

Details are sketchy but what we do know is that according to Thanet District Council’s website Mr Broadhurst is a local district councillor, apparently representing Dane Valley, although it is understood, that he might have upped sticks and moved to Panama, where its alleged he now lives.

Still contradictory evidence exist, that he has shown up at the Thanet council chamber a few times this year, three to be precise, in a sort of cluster between 26th Feb and 23rd April, although Dane Valley ward has three representatives, it must be a burden if he is living in Panama for his colleagues *Cllr Ted Watt-Ruffell & Cllr Michael Jarvis to have to fill in.

Currently I have some concerns over the councils neglect of Northdown House, which incidentally looks set to continue, now I could go to his colleagues but since they also represent my interests at county level, they seem to be fairly well occupied.

Incidentally looking at TDC’s attendance records Cllr Michael Jarvis looks to be a bit of a swot having at this point 100% attendance record, Cllr Ted Watt-Ruffell has a more run of the mill showing of 84% attendance (still turning up for 16 meetings) but Cllr Stephen Broadhurst efforts in my opinion are dismal attending only 33% of meetings (3) being a “no show” for 6 meetings.

The scant details on TDC’s website inform us that Cllr Broadhurst is a business man, so hopefully he will understand, the concept of value for money, I assume that Cllr Broadhurst takes his “allowance” of £4360, and I’m sure if that’s the case he wont mind if I say, what if anything do we get for our money.

I understand that for Cllr Broadhurst to retain his place, on the council he will have to show up, sometime in October perhaps for the Council meeting on 15th October or if he wishes to push the envelope “East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee Wednesday, 21st October, 2009 10.00 am” as I understand councillors have to show up every six months.

Of course since Cllr Broadhurst is a member of Conservative group so really, if Leader Sandy Ezekiel had any commitment to the people he’s supposed to represent, surely he would ask him to resign.

I would hate to think that Cllr Broadhurst is just using the Thanet taxpayer as an additional income stream.

If Cllr Broadhurst doesn’t want the job or is unable to represent the electorate then why not simply resign! There are those who would be more than happy to represent the taxpayer and residents in Dane Valley.

If you’ve seen Cllr Broadhurst please let us know.

Ps It seems that technically, you could get yourself elected, turn up twice a year live on the blooming moon and trouser £2180 per meeting now I know these are boring but come on!

PLEASE NOTE IN AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS POST I MADE A RARE FACTUAL ERROR AND SUGGESTED THAT CHRIS WELLS WAS A WARD COUNCILLOR FOR DANE VALLEY AND OMITING CLLR. TED WATT-RUFFELL WHO HAS THE HONOUR OF REPRESENTING ME. AND DANE VALLEY

Freedom to Blog?

Those who read local Blogs, will be aware of some of the “players” in local politics, however most residents would be hard pressed to name the leader of the council (Cllr Ezekiel) and if you mentioned Cllr Mark Nottingham or Parish Cllr John Worrow and ask the average Thanitian who are they ? , a blank expression would, most likely be the reaction.

Myself I know that Mark Nottingham is a professional Labour politician and local councillor (TDC), I also know that I don’t always agree with him, Parish cllr John Worrow I have to say I’m fairly hazy on, although I vaguely recall he represented the “Grey Party?” and sometime after joined the Tories and currently serves on Birchington Parish council.

Now why should you give a toss, well it seems a little spat has developed between the two, apparently Parish cllr John Worrow is so incensed he has sent a communication to Cllrs Hart, Mc Castree and Ezekiel, refering to cyber bullying etc. I wont go into to many details myself other than to say that this line “Dressed in a very similar fashion to Roger Latchford, he appeared to some to be a "mini-me" of his mentor.” from Mark Nottingham’s blog (Click here) apparently this led Cllr John Worrow (a man of some stature and importance in the community ) to make a complaint to the Standards Board.

Now for the benefit of those who don’t know, the Standards Board (of England) is a creation of that great political thinker John Prescott, but basically it is supposed to improve on the ethically conduct of politicians, such as interpersonal skills or lack of them, myself however consider it as a waste of money, and more importantly often an insult to the freedom of speech.

Incidentally I was told by one wild eyed Tory, that the cost of the last investigation into Sandy Ezekiel and his colleague, was thirty grand plus for a firm of solicitors to examine the claim, not allowing for TDC’s officers adding their time, this same person, then told me that all bloggers were parasites, I would have reported this councillor to the standards board myself were it not for my own higher standards.

I’ve written often enough about the Standards Board and you can search earlier controversy in this blog, I just worry that some political parties just don’t like free speech, currently TDC are developing a “blogging policy” it will be interesting to see how far they’ll go to stifle debate, I for one am only to aware of just how far and how low, Conservatives local authorities will go to silence you.

To all politicians irrespective of who they are, who they think they are, there is only one response, to give them if there trying to stop you expressing yourself, BLOG OFF!

Anyway a copy of recent correspondence from Parrish Councillor John Worrow has been received by Bignews Margate earlier today and was apparently sent to Thanet’s political leaders and is displayed below, I think you will agree with me it shows a sense of maturity and proportion that is rarely seen in public life.

That correspondence below and Marks Blog here

Dear Cllrs Hart, Mc Castree and Ezekiel

As TDC group leaders, I am sure that each of you will acknowledge that you have a moral responsibility to ensure that your members do not engage in cyber bullying.

As local government representatives we all have a duty to set an example to young Internet users.

A number of parish, town and district colleagues have expressed the view that new rules are needed relating to this subject; therefore I feel that it is necessary for TDC councillors to debate the anti-cyber bullying issue at full council, in particular the need to adopt new rules relating to councillors that run their own Internet blogs.

Cyber bullying is insidious; bystanders can become accessories by passing on a humiliating message.

If a council member continues to engage in this destructive activity after being reported, I would expect the leader of the group concerned to take unilateral action against the member.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Cllr John Worrow

Birchington Parish Council member

Cc: Cllr John Garland, vice chairman of Birchington Parish Council

Cc: Cllr. Roger Latchford, Birchington North ward councillor

Cc: Cllr. Margaret Sheldrick, Birchington South ward councillor

Cc: Mr. Harvey Patterson, Thanet District Council

Cc: Mrs Colette Colman, Birchington Parish Clerk

PS as some of my more astute readers will know, I am neither a supporter of Labour or Conservative parties.

The Public Service Utopia – The reason I signed up to the TAXPAYERS ALLIANCE

I would like to think its only in Kent and Thanet, where incompetent and idiot bureaucrats, thrive but probably not, how about this little snippet from the Thanet Times “Council rubbish truck uninsured” which presumably either the editor Rebecca Smith has playfully tossed aside and buried on page 7 as boring and nothing out of the usual, or maybe she is pals with the Thanet District Council top knobs and didn’t wish to draw to much attention to TDC’s bright sparks having 2 vehicles driving around the district uninsured, whilst insuring 28 vehicles apparently not in its possession probably costing us many thousands, particularly as were told they’ve now saved £400,000 since December 2008 in six months, Crikey!

Last week thoroughly hacked off with greedy Kent Tories who shamelessly helped themselves to an additional 8% of taxpayers money, I decided it was time to join the Taxpayer Alliance. I actually contacted them, since noting that BBC Radio Kent, does not report on the democratic process, I thought the Taxpayers Alliance might give Paul Carter and his cronies, some publicity which they have on their website “Councils in the trough” posted by Tim Aker, who from my brief conversations strikes me, as have more public service ethos than a room full of your average council “officers”.

I feel enslaved by an over protected seemingly all-powerful clique of self perpetuation public sector workers, who’s main aim is to look after themselves and their colleagues, there is probably little that can be done, to change the status-quo but at least signing up to join the Taxpayer Alliance makes me feel I’m not alone.

For some sketchy detail, of TDC’s insurance cock up, please click here* to get some idea, unfortunately as is the way of council papers & agenda, you don’t get the flavour of the moment, or detail, of when it was realised that TDC were allowing vehicles on the road uninsured (something I understand is a criminal offence if carried out by you or I).

Still if you happen to be a public spirited TDC employee do spill the beans but don’t mention any names since the person responsible will only get promoted and your colleagues will close ranks and ostracise you.

Public service workers live in a protected utopia, paid for by ordinary people like me who don’t have a secure job, annual pay increases, fat pensions or even free car parking in Margate’s main car park, but maybe the by joining the Taxpayer Alliance you could make them feel a little less comfortable like ordinary people.

* you need to start reading at the bottom of page 134

POLICING TODAY - shame on Kent police

CLICK HERE FOR GUARDIAN VIDEO

Policing at the Kingsnorth climate change protest last year, has already been subject of much public criticism.

The latest scandal concerns two women arrested for merely observing the conduct of officers at the climate change camp.

It is difficult having seen the film available on the Guardian website, of the arrests of Val Swain and Emily Apple, how policing here in Kent, appears to differ, little from many tin pot regimes around the world.

I can well understand how irritating it must be for police officers to have their work, scrutinised by activists who in this case are members of a protest group called Fit Watch, who, whether we like it or not have a reasonable and legitimate concern over police forward intelligence teams.

Police forward intelligence teams, are officers who are tasked with monitoring demonstrations and meetings and taking photographs and film of activists, on the off chance, one presumes that they might be terrorists or have some similar criminal intent.

Like me, you are probably, reassured that our police force are checking up on dangerous, animal rights protesters, religious extremists, fascists and Marxists.

Clearly Kent police leave no stone unturned, in their search for dangerous citizens, just how far they'll go to intrude in people's lives was highlighted earlier in the year by the BBC a radio four documentary, which told the story of magistrate Richard Knox-Johnson. Click here for BBC story

Mr. Knox-Johnston who also happens to be Chairman of Kent branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, had attended a public discussion prior to the Kingsnorth climate change protest and spoken about climate change throughout the world, for his troubles, his photograph was taken and number plate noted.

Allyn Thomas Assistant Chief Constable of Kent police excused intrusive surveillance as per this quotation from the BBC "Because we know people feel very strongly about these environmental concerns, there is the possibility that there will be some outburst, whether it's just unpleasantness or criminality.

"So to be on the prudent side, we do collect information in a discreet way so if there is some problem we know who to investigate," he added.

The women I mentioned earlier as being arrested at last years climate change protest have made a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, after being held in custody for four days released with no court case.

No doubt after many months the IPCC will reach a conclusion about this complaint, and maybe they'll also at some time reach a conclusion over that other extraordinary bit of policing when a police officer hit Ian Tomlinson from behind which may well have resulted in his death a minute or two later.

As we are aware, it's not possible for the Chief Constable Mr. Fuller, to comment on specific cases which is probably also true of Ann Barnes the chair of the Kent Police Authority but wouldn't it be nice if they could both make a general statement condemning police officers from abusing their authority, as might well be the case, in this instance.

Police officers are highly paid public servants, who in my experience are always professional as one would expect, however this doesn't seem to be the case at Kingsnorth, and given some of the evidence about surveillance, the chances are that some Kent copper is wasting his time, keeping tabs on me, because I happen to think I live in a democracy and write about it, its a worry!

Chief Constable Fuller, is reported as saying that the majority of residents of Kent " have been very supportive of our actions" in preventing climate protesters from interrupting power supplies, a sentiment that I wouldn't disagree with, except of course where it involves roughing up irritating protesters a couple of miles from the actual power station.

Kent police can be as tought as they like and use as much reasonable force as is necessary to protect life and property but beating up citizens is just not on, in a democracy. I feel sorry for the majority of Kent Police Officers who I'm sure are embarrassed at such events.

Guardian Story includes video of arrest

Kent police give their side of the Kingsnorth story

BBC report click here

oink! oink! picture quiz? and quotes offered “In good faith”

I’m not to sure about the above picture are these chaps common or garden porkers or more lard-di-dah exotic hogs?

As for the fellows quoted below I’m convinced that their not porkers but honourable members of parliament!

Extracts taken from BBC news pages

Immigration minister Phil Woolas has also threatened legal action over "disgusting" allegations he claimed for women's clothing, nappies and comics.

Margaret Moran, Labour's Luton South MP, told the BBC the paper's report was "inaccurate" and "probably actionable".

Ms Blears said the claims were "entirely in accordance with the rules" adding: "I have only ever had one small, one-bedroom flat at any time in London."

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he had repaid £1,500 which he claimed to cover the full rate of council tax on his constituency home - when he was getting a 50% discount. He told the BBC he had acted "in complete good faith and within the rules" but regretted the "error" on council tax.

More than £2,000 received by Conservative policy chief Oliver Letwin to replace a leaking pipe under a tennis court. He responded: "I was served a statutory notice by the water company to repair the leaking pipe, which runs underneath the tennis court and garden. No improvements were made to the tennis court or garden."

Shadow universities secretary David Willetts' claim of more than £100 for workmen to replace 25 light bulbs at his home. "We had problems with our lighting system which had caused many lights to fuse and needed the attention of an electrician," he said.

Thousands of pounds for renovations claimed by shadow home secretary Chris Grayling at a London flat 17 miles from his family home. He said: "In addition to serving my constituents, I have spent several years serving in the shadow cabinet, currently as the shadow home secretary. A second home enables me to meet those commitments." In response to an allegation that he delayed claims to maximise what he received, he said all claims had been submitted "at the point which I received the invoices".

The above are quotes from BBC News pages, click here and follow the trail

Don’t Clown with Kent Police

Last years climate change demonstrations at Kingsnorth were more dangerous than many of us thought, not only were protesters intent on walking into batons and riot shields but worse than that, the guardian has revealed things could have taken a darker twist.

The guardian’s report gives us a clue as to why Kent police had to spend millions, for it seems that closing down Kingsnoth Power station was just a side show, amongst the items seized were balloons, party poppers, crayons and a clowns outfit. It doesn’t take a chief constable to work this one out, these blighters were clearly trying to organise a kids party.

If you’d like to read more about this click here for the guardian story, alternatively you can click here and watch this BBC report from last year showing Kent’s police’s light touch with first a riot shield (20sec into report) and then a baton (30 sec into report).