If democracy is going to work anywhere, it ought to do so closest to where people live, through involvement in vibrant neighbourhoods and communities. But central government wants to retain control for itself, the voting system is skewed against pluralism, grassroots talent has been siphoned off, and the poundingly unimaginative local party machines do their best to keep voters badly informed, frustrated or just plain bored. (See my polling day reflections, Leafleting us into submission, LibCon, 01 May 08). 'Your search - "renewing local democracy" - did not match any documents', Google News has just helpfully informed me. No good moaning, though. Better get stuck in. I shall vote for positivity over world weariness. Meanwhile, an anonymous local government worker has it about right here.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
WORKING UP SOME ENTHUSIASM
If democracy is going to work anywhere, it ought to do so closest to where people live, through involvement in vibrant neighbourhoods and communities. But central government wants to retain control for itself, the voting system is skewed against pluralism, grassroots talent has been siphoned off, and the poundingly unimaginative local party machines do their best to keep voters badly informed, frustrated or just plain bored. (See my polling day reflections, Leafleting us into submission, LibCon, 01 May 08). 'Your search - "renewing local democracy" - did not match any documents', Google News has just helpfully informed me. No good moaning, though. Better get stuck in. I shall vote for positivity over world weariness. Meanwhile, an anonymous local government worker has it about right here.
If democracy is going to work anywhere, it ought to do so closest to where people live, through involvement in vibrant neighbourhoods and communities. But central government wants to retain control for itself, the voting system is skewed against pluralism, grassroots talent has been siphoned off, and the poundingly unimaginative local party machines do their best to keep voters badly informed, frustrated or just plain bored. (See my polling day reflections, Leafleting us into submission, LibCon, 01 May 08). 'Your search - "renewing local democracy" - did not match any documents', Google News has just helpfully informed me. No good moaning, though. Better get stuck in. I shall vote for positivity over world weariness. Meanwhile, an anonymous local government worker has it about right here.
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