More elections threatened
I like elections, but even I am concerned at the prospect of yet another election in 2010. Sadly it seems to be becoming more and more likely as the Boundary Commission sets out on a review of County Durham.
If it carries out its intention it will mean that we’ve had District elections in 2007, County elections in 2008 and County again in 2010.
Yes, theBoundary Commision does have a point that the current two members per ward has produced too big a county council to work well. 126 councillors is too unwieldy. Yes the Boundary Commision does have a point that the numbers don’t add up, with some wards having many more voters than others. But what’s wrong with the idea is that we’re supposed to be working together to create a new unitary council to begin in 2009, and holding another election in 2010 means that:
- Nothing will be properly “bedded in” and it will be impossible for anyone to judge the new county’s performance so soon
- Another election will have big financial costs
- The worst thing, though, is that councillors will have their eyes on the coming election instead of making the new council work. Political in-fighting and back-stabbing could irreparably damage the new council even before it’s out of the blocks
If that’s the way its got to be, however, that’s the way it will be. And if elections come in 2010, local Lib Dems will be up for it.
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