Uncontested Election

OUR town is YOUR Town

A year ago, with a feeling of both bewilderment at winning and honor for the selection, I took my seat for the first time on Whitchurch Town Council.
I had not expected to be elected, let alone top the poll.
However with an election of the whole Council due this May, the seat at the table was only for one year, not the customary four.

I had stood primarily because I believe strongly in local democracy and that local people need a voice, and also that local representatives should have that important 'X' placed next to their name.

Yet this year, when all 12 seats were up for election,  there have only been 10 nominations. This means all 10 have been elected through an 'Uncontested Election' and there are two vacancies.

However technically correct it may be that such candidates are still 'elected', there is something that 'irks' in the process. 'Uncontested Elections' and co-opted positions lack that immediate confirmation of acceptance from the electorate.

Notwithstanding this, every one of those who have stood have done it with good intentions – because they all believe in 'Whitchurch' and have skills and knowledge to offer. All deserve the utmost support and respect of the community as they offer their best for us all. In fact I believe there is a very good Council that works extremely well together. That regrettable period of 'resignations a couple of years back is now history.
Commitment is not in question.

So why so few candidates?

Sadly the same has happened in so many other areas. Out of 36 Parishes in the Basingstoke and Deane area that were due to hold elections this Spring, only four had residents placing that all important 'X'.
Whitchurch's ten nominations for the twelve seats was not even one of the lowest. Our neighbours in Overton fared even worse, attracting only eight nominations for their twelve seats.

This all saddens me. The fact that so few of our local residents came forward to help run the Town is disappointing. In fact it is Very Disappointing and something that I believe the Town Council needs to address.

Some may say it is apathy, others claim it is a disillusionment with local representation, which can be understandable when you look at the behaviour of some politicians. Others say "but nothing will change; what's the point?"

Making change
Well the point is that for change to take place you do need to get involved and participate in improving the Town's well-being.
Whitchurch is OUR TOWN. Its where many of US work and shop, where OUR children play and learn, where we enjoy OUR leisure, and above all where WE live.

It is a place to be proud of.

The Town Council is now trying to fill those vacant seats by co-option and has called for interested residents to offer their services.

Could you offer anything?

UPDATE
Four local residents stood for co-option Two candidates were selected and the Town Council now has its full compliment.
TWO NEW COUNCILLORS CO-OPTED