How good is your councillor? The Barnet Eye League table of councillors - Part 2 - The list of shame

This is the second in our list of blogs, where we look at Barnet Council and we rate our local councillors. This is a purely personal view. On Sunday 16th November we looked at the good councillors in Barnet. Those that we believe are doing a good job, irrespective of their party allegiance.  I chose 8 Tories, 1 Lib Dem and 11 Labour councillors as examples of effective Councillors doing a good job. Todays list are the ones we believe don't cut the mustard and should be shipped off to the political wilderness. This list is not a list of personal gripes, it is based on the fact that I believe these politicians can demonstrably be shown to have failed to do a good job. The list is in order of worst first.

#1 -  Barnets worst Councillor. This was an exceptionally easy choice. This man has been responsible for developing a string of policies so unpopular that they have been slung out by the the council even though the Conservatives have a majority in both the Council chamber and the relevant committees. He championed the hugely unpopular cuts to the Mapledown School after school respite service and the Moss Hall nursery school. His pompous, dismissive and arrogant manner has alienated Councillors of all persuasions and infuriated the public at meetings. I happened to bump into a Tory Councillor in Finchley on Saturday who asked when I would be running this blog. I told them that this would be running today. They asked who I'd picked as my worst Councillor, when I told them, they laughed and said "an excellent choice". Just in case you were wondering, this isn't a councillor who generally endorses the Barnet  Eye, if you get my drift. I also notice that this councillor declines to give a contact number in his profile.  In his declaration of interests, he doesn't list a single organisation to which he contributes, other than CFI, FGGCA and CBCA - http://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=177&T=6 - Now of course this is his business, but most councillors play an active role in their community. If you want a good example of a concerned Conservative have a look at Sury Khatri's interests.

• 
  Councillor Reuben Thompstone Golders Green
  Conservative - Work: cllr.r.thompstone@barnet.gov.uk
   
  

#2 - This councillor is extremely lucky that Rueben Thompstone is a member of Barnet Council, as she most certainly deserves the accolade of Barnets worst Councillor. She is the Councillor who has lead the local Labour party from defeat to defeat locally, when Tory Councils all over London Tumbled in May 2014. Not only has her election strategy failed to secure a Labour Council, she has failed to represent the views of the people who elected her and failed to take advantage of the numerous cock ups of successive Conservative administrations, to deliver a Labour victory. Under her 'wise' Leadership the local Labour Party signed up to a report that stated that returning "Your Choice Barnet" to in house operation was "not an option", even though the outsourcing has been a nightmare and the company required a taxpayer funded bale out. She failed to oppose the One Barnet outsourcing, refusing to ever say that the services would be brought in house under a Labour adminstration. In a spiteful attack on Barnets best councillor, Lib Dem Jack Cohen, she launched a Labour campaign drive in Childs Hill, a seat where Labour had no chance of winning, delivering two out of three seats to the Tories. Had the Lib Dems retained all three seats, Labour would now be leading an administration running the Council. Even worse was the fact that these resources could have been used in Hale ward that Labour narrowly failed to take from the Tories. Perhaps the biggest failure of all, is her signing up to the Tories budget. This policy was justified on the basis that anything else would lose the election. She lost the election and lost her credibility.

• 
  Councillor Alison Moore East Finchley
  Labour - cllr.a.moore@barnet.gov.uk

#3 - Next up we have the Labour architect of the infamous "keep Uopur Choice Barnet outsourced" policy. This councillor is surely an affable chap, but when it comes down to it he has simply acted as a merkin for ultra right wing Tory policies in Barnet. Where effective opposition was needed, this councillor actually bolstered the Tories. What this meant was that local campaigners, who had broken their backs supporting Labour and fighting outsourcing, were completely undermined. There is no point blaming Conservatives for implementing bad policies if the opposition simply says we agree with them. This councillor has the best attendence record of any in the Council with 24 out of 24, yet the Barnet Eye has to ask, what is the point being there as an opposition councillor, if you simply agree with what the administration do all the time. Barnet needs people who don't just turn up for the tea and biscuits. We need people who will fight for the residents and taxpayers.

• 
  Councillor Barry Rawlings Coppetts
  Labour - cllr.b.rawlings@barnet.gov.uk

 #4  - This Councillor has responsibility for housing in Barnet. He seems to have a complete lack of understanding of the issue and the need for decent quality social housing for working people. Not only that but he's presided over a policy where leasholders on Barnet Council estates have been lumbered with huge bills for maintenance work on their properties, where the properties are earmarked for demolition next year. Some leaseholders will be lumbered with bills of up to £10,000 and find themselves looking for new properties next year.  We believe that the primary job of councillors is to stick up for the voters. We believe that any policy which hammers local people such as this, at a time of deep economic hardship, shows that a councillor is simply not up to the job.

• 
  Councillor Tom Davey Hale
  Conservative - cllr.t.davey@barnet.gov.uk

#5 - This councillor had been a councillor for many years in the Borough, representing Hale Ward for the Conservatives. When it became clear that the ward was targetted by Labour as a winnable marginal, he moved to the ultra safe Tory seat in the neighbouring Edgware. In the event, Labours Kitty Lyons won the vacated seat, whilst the other two Hale Tories (Rayner and Davey) hung on. His little chicken run activities very nearly cost the Tories control of the Council. One has to assume that this councillor believes the Tories would provide a better council for Hale Ward councillors, but he put his own interests beyond those of the voters who supported him.

• 
  Councillor Brian Gordon LLB Edgware
  Conservative - cllr.b.gordon@barnet.gov.uk

#6 - This councillor is the Deputy Leader of Barnet Council. In the previous administration, he held the portfolio for managing the Councils portfolio of assets. Amongst the policies he championed were the sale of Friern Barnet library, a policy that came off the rails spectacularly, nearly losing the Tories the election to boot. At the initial hearing at Finchley County Court, he turned up to gloat when the case for eviction of local campaigners was heard. The council had botched the paperwork and the council were sent back with a flea in their ear, to prepare the case properly. At the subsequent hearing, it became clear that the Council had botched the whole issue and the Council were forced to compromise and save the library. As the architect of such a cock up, which cost several colleagues their seats on Council, one may have thought the Tories may have wanted a new Deputy Leader. One would be wrong.

• 
  Councillor Daniel Thomas BA (Hons) Finchley Church End
  Conservative - cllr.d.thomas@barnet.gov.uk

 #7 - According to disgraced former Councillor Brian Coleman, this is the Councillor who is really running the Council. She is the wife of the Council Leader. Mr Coleman rather bitchily says "Not possible to have a short conversation with her it is just easier to say yes and save the phone bill cost .  Her husband long ago opted for the easier option of agreeing with his wife . Has turned the Conservative Party in Totteridge almost into a family business." Whilst the Barnet Eye has little time for Mr Coleman or his antics, one suspects that Mrs C is the one person who holds sway over the Leader. As such she must take much of the blame for the mishaps that have struck the council. We really think it's time she started to use her influence a little more wisely.

• 
  Councillor Alison Cornelius Totteridge
  Conservative - cllr.a.cornelius@barnet.gov.uk

#8 - This councillor has developed a reputation for "no shows" at council meetings and events. He has the worst percenatge attendence rate of any Barnet Councillor, bunking off over a third of all the meetings he meant to show up for. He's a nice chap and a successful businessman, therefore it is with no great joy that we list him in th duds section. The truth however is that if you are elected to serve the people of Barnet, then that is what you should do. If you are building your global empire, do that instead. The people of Barnet need councillors who are prepared to put in the hours, represent the voters and stand up to the executive officers and even their own party when needs be. If you look at the list of good councillors, they've all shown a willingness to work and take the brickbats. So if you don't want to find yourself on this list, do the job!

• 
  Councillor Daniel Seal Garden Suburb
  Conservative - cllr.d.seal@barnet.gov.uk

#9 - Now we are down to the last two in our list. I have chosen these two purely to make a point.  They both have the lowest attendence record of council meetings in the last six months for their respective parties and they have both failed to attend meetings which the council logged them as being supposed to attend. For the Tories, the member with the lowest attendence is our Controversial Mayor, who has managed a mere 6. Now as Mayor, Mr Rayner will be excused the workload of other members, which may be a mitigating factor, but he's still failed to show for 25% where he was expected. When you consider that his colleague Sury Khatri (who is rightly in the best councillors list) made 18 out of 18, one has to say "Come on Hugh, pull your socks up"

• 
  Councillor Hugh Rayner Hale
  Conservative - cllr.h.rayner@barnet.gov.uk

#10 - At the bottom of the table for Labour and at the bottom of the table for the whole Council we have a Labour Councillor for Burnt Oak. If one part of the Borough needs someone to be a fearless champion, it is this ward. Yet this councillor has managed a mere four out of seven appearances. I must say she's never really registered on the Barnet Eye radar before. Now I think we know why.

• 
  Councillor Claire Farrier Burnt Oak
  Labour - cllr.c.farrier@barnet.gov.uk

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So we conclude our list of shame. Do you agree? Have we been unfair to one of the recipients of the Barnet Timewasters awards? We think if you are ineffective, don't do your job, can't be bothered to turn up or don't have the intellect to make the case for the people you are supposed to represent, then you shouldn't be in the Town Hall and you shouldn't be claiming an allowance from the taxpayer. As to the third list - Well these are the councillors who I are either too new to draw a conclusion about or who have never done anything to get on the radar. If they are not in this blog or the list of good councillors, then I suggest you look at this list - http://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?VW=TABLE&PIC=1&FN=  - and if they are your councillor, drop them an email and ask what they've been doing to justify the the minimum Ten Grand a year, we as taxpayers are paying them. I would also ask that if they are on the good Councillor list and you agree with me, then you drop them an email and thank them for doing their job well. Finally, if they are on the list above, drop them an email and tell them that they have made the clunkers list. Ask them what they intend to do to pull their socks up. Point out that their job is to serve you!

Your Choice Barnet Week - The view from the Public Gallery - Guest blog by Tirza Waisel

By Tirza Waisel,

I was one of those members of the public attending the Safeguarding Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting that Janet Leifer described. I was indeed one of those angered by the lack of true answers, the disrespect and bias demonstrated by this committee and by the poor report of the Task & Finish Group that was set up to investigate Your Choice Barnet and did anything but a genuine investigation. I was one of those fuming with disappointment and feelings of betrayal.

But as if all these, manifested throughout the meeting, were not enough - I couldn't believe my ears when I heard Cllr Gordon utter (like someone just awoken from sleep, which from my seat in the gallery he appeared to be doing for most of the meeting) that 'the unions have a political agenda' and they are known to be 'very leftie', therefore their critique of Your Choice should not be taken seriously.

This, after a presentation from Unison that stressed the impact on services from the workers point of view and on the workers' morale (as is the unions' role to do!) as well as the staff's concerns to the well-being of the service users, and a whole meeting in which family carers and CADDSS members explaining their concerns and the reality of deteriorating services for those most vulnerable of residents!

I think I didn't manage to contain myself and had to heckle: Really, Mr Gordon? And you yourself - do you NOT have a political agenda??? Do you not have such an agenda that blinds you and prevents you from seeing what is happening to your disabled constituents, a Conservative political agenda that stops you from serving the best interests of these constituents?


Anyone who had been there would have seen that nothing was more of a cynical performance of a narrow Tory political agenda than Cllr Gordon's and his peers' behaviour in this Safeguarding committee meeting on Wednesday the 27 November;

Nothing more deceitful than Cllr Brian Salinger's quoting a sentence from CADDSS’ submission of evidence to the committee out of context, in a way that turned the conclusion of the CADDSS report on its head, using it to justify a decision that effectively ruins the lives of vulnerable residents and the quality of services that used to be the best of their kind, provided by professional and dedicated council staff; the quote was from the family carers of a service user in one day centre where most permanent support staff remain in post and are able to continue their dedicated work, where the new policies haven't struck yet, and hence no changes are felt to date and the service continues to be excellent as it was before. This positive testimony that was submitted to the Task & Finish Group precisely reinforces CADDSS argument: When you allow the permanent professional staff to continue to do their work as they were able to do under the council control - then you witness again how council employees provide high quality care; why ruin these good day care services for disabled people by chasing profit?!

However, the current good service in this day centre does not prevent this and other families of service users from being concerned about the risk of deterioration in the service provision when the axe will hit the workers of this centre too, as it did in the other services managed by Your Choice Barnet.

Nothing in this committee meeting more biased against disabled people and their family carers than the committee's dismissive attitude towards their pleas to consider their needs and well-being;

Nothing less democratic than the predetermined decision by the Tory majority on the committee to endorse the whitewash report about the failing Your Choice Barnet Ltd, a company that provides services for people with severe learning and physical disabilities, and not bring those services back under the council's control;

Nothing more contemptuous than Cllr Bridget Perry, the chair, chatting throughout the meeting while family carers and other residents making their speeches in an attempt to convince her and her committee to LISTEN. So transparent was her contempt, that she actually forgot she had to conduct a vote before declaring the pre-decided outcome...

I was left thinking what a waste of public money this Task & Finish Group was, or indeed - this Safeguarding committee is, when the One Barnet council makes every decision with the sole political agenda of putting profit before residents' well-being and lives (Yes, Cllr Gordon - you cannot deny that this is YOUR political agenda)

Don't we need to ask ourselves why we should pay the allowances of the councillors on the committee if the decision was already made, regardless of their 'investigation'? Isn't it enough that we are paying huge salaries to Your Choice directors and chief executives rather than using the money for the benefit of disabled people?

And another frightening thought haunts me since the 27 of November: If this is the face of the Safeguarding Overview & Scrutiny Committee, then the reality in privatised Barnet is that there is NO safeguarding for disabled residents!...

In this reality, the onus of safeguarding our disabled friends, neighbours and family members is on us: Let us remember the names of these uncaring and contemptuous councillors when we go to the polling stations next May.

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Tirza Waisel is a Barnet Resident. Guest Blogs are always welcome at the Barnet Eye

Pavillion Way Sports ground redevelopment - Update

I have received confirmation from Barnet Council regarding the contents of secret papers discussed by the Barnet Council Cabinet Resources committee. Whilst the member in question is not prepared to go on record, they have confirmed that the Committee were fully briefed on the details of the restrictive covenants regarding the site. They have also confirmed that the Council DO NOT intend to share this information with the residents affected.

The covenant on the land allows for any resident on the estate to the South and East of the playing fields to have the right to enforce the covenant, which would require the council to properly maintain the sports ground and to prevent sale and redevelopment of the ground.

The Barnet Eye believes that the Council has failed in its statuatory duties by not publishing the covenant in the "Legal Issues" section of the cabinet papers, that would be visible for all to see. The Barnet Eye accepts the point that legal advice concerning the covenant can be withheld (as opposed to should be).

The decision to refer the decision back to Cabinet by the Scrutiny committee was made on Tuesday Night


We note that Chair of the Committee, Hugh Rayner, who has interests in property development, voted against referal. Good to see Tories John Hart and Brian Gordon standing up for the residents of Burnt Oak though.

Barnet Council - Budget and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting - 06/12/11

So yet again we find ourselves in Hendon Town Hall  for yet another Council meeting where it seems as if the officers and councillors of Barnet Council live in a completely different dimension from the rest of us. If I hadn't spent 3 1/2 years writing a blog, and tonights meeting was the first ever exposure to Barnet I'd had, I'd probably think Barnet was the best Borough in the multiverse.

For me, the highlight was Councillor John Marshalls comments about Biran Coleman. These are on video and we'll save them for the Friday joke !

So what were the highlights. For Labour, Alan Schneiderman was running the show (and this he did pretty well, ably assisted by his boss Alison Moore).

Here's a few of his direct hits.

He asked why Barnet Council only had a target of 80% for compliance for the TOP 50 vendors, with Barnet's purchasing rules.

Deputy Leader Andrew Travers hit back with a stinging reply that "70% by value are already compliant". Even more bizarrely Councillor Brian Gordon chipped in to say that some Councils had  a zero compliance rate, so Barnet must be marvellous. I was sitting more or less next  to Leader Richard Cornelius at this point. As Gordon spoke (on video), Richard obviously thought "please mother earth, swallow me up" or words to that effect.

The next goal Schniederman scored was to ask about the fact that Barnet is failing to meet its legal requirements for FOI requests. An officer replied that "perfomance is improving and the number of requests is going up". He explained that they are working hard to close the backlog of "difficult (to who) requests".

Councillor Stronglou suggested that clean recyclables be collected once a month to save money. The Leader couldn't make up his mind whether this was a good or bad idea. Labour Leader Alison Moore said it would send out all the wrong messages. The leader said he was completely against changing form a once a week bin collection, but other options may be considered. The Councillor Cornelius made a startling admission. He'd recently caught Dom Joly going through his bin for a TV show. Since then he's been very circumspect about what he'd put in it? If I was him I'd demand a parliamentary enquiry. A free pot noodle for anyone who can locate the clip.

A Council officer revealed that Empower Consultancy had been paid £65,000 to produce a report detailing what colour our bins should be and how they should be collected. I believe that is the services of one bloke for just over a month, to write a report with a couple of lovely graphs in. Sadly, there are two youth services officers I know who were made redundant on salaries that would have paid for a year.

The we had the most depressing part of the evening, A discussion of care packages and personal budgets. Step forward Councillor Gordon. He didn't seem to know what a personal care budget was, despite having been on the committee since3 Noah built the Ark (or there abouts). He clearly hadn't read the background papers. His question (and I paraphrase) -  "what happens if someone with a personal budget gets the money and puts it all on laughing boy at the dagenham dog track". Cabinet member Sachin Rajput replied "We have a duty of care to the person, so we'd have to pay again". Rather oddly, Councillor Gordon replied "Marvellous" or words to that effect. But not to worry, Cllr Rajput said. All recipients were monitored every three months and no cases of fraud had made it to Crown Court yet (seriously, that's what he said).

Then we got to One Barnet. Councillor Schneiderman asked why savings had been stated as £26.4 million in one document and £17.9 in another. A Council offiicer replied that £26.4 million was for 10 years and £17.9 was til 2018/19. He then went on to say that the savings were based on the assumption that Barnet Council would do a marvellous job and sell their services to other Boroughs (at that moment a pig flew past the window). Councillor Gordon, listening to this, whilst maintaining a stoney face, developed the most bizarre leg twitch I've ever seen. Clearly his leg has a different view of "One Barnet" to the rest of him. I'm with the leg. The subject of the contract came up. Councillor Marshall stated that two of the bidders were "EC Harris" and "F M Conway". He remarked snottily that they sounded like "firms of solicitors". Councillor Gordon, who runs a firm of solicitors momentarily lost control of the other leg. He also looked like he was going to thump Marshall. Councillor Cornelius stepped in to calm things down by saying "Some firms of solicitors are highly reputable". We sniggered in the public gallery.

Then we got slung out for the "exempt" bit. I earwigged at the door as the voices got raised. Clearly all is not sweetness and light, but then again us mere taxpayers aren't allowed to hear the juicy bits.

And onto parking. Well we will post a rather interesting video here. The debate was surreal. In the public gallery was a bloke from a supplier who didn't win the business. At the end he said "They took five minutes to discuss that. What is going on?". He doesn't really understand Barnet YET does he.

I had a bevvy of hits on the blog from a URL associated with a company that did not win the bid (NCP did). They found the blog with a google search "Barnet council legal action" I did the search myself, this blog is on page 3 for that enquiry. They are clearly doing their homework.

 Perhaps the most telling quote of the night was when Councillor Alison Moore asked "will the council remain in charge of setting the parking charges". Councillor Cornelius replied "Yes" and Councillor Schniederman interjected "Unfortunately".

That is how things are in Barnet.

Ground control to Councillor Brian Gordon

Councillor Brian "The less important" Gordon has responded to the message sent by Barnet bloggers earlier this week ( http://barneteye.blogspot.com/2011/10/barnet-bloggers-respond-cllr-gordon.html )

Here's what he had to say :-
------------------------------------------------------
From: Farmar Miller Rabin Gordon 
To: 'Vicki Morris' 
Sent: Wednesday, 12 October 2011, 17:05
Subject: RE: Barnet council residents' forums

I disagree entirely with you and won't respond to all of our points.  If you do not think some of the Labour Party activists (I shan't name them) are not agitators who behave disruptively, we obviously live on different planets.

Cllr. Brian Gordon

Conservative, Hale Ward

London Borough of Barnet

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So we ask, what planet is Councillor Gordon on?

Here is my response :-

Dear Councillor Gordon,

As a signatory of the open letter sent to you, I note you suggest we live on different planets. I have long suspected that on occasion you talk out of Uranus and it appears that your original letter to the Edgware Press and this response confirms it. Whilst you are correct to note that the Mercury rises when certain local members of the Labour party attend, I hardly think a lively debate Mars the proceedings. Having observed you on several occasions chairing the Hendon Forum, it is fair to say that even though you are the less well known Barnet Brian, compared to your Plutocratic chum (Councillor Brian Coleman), you have let yourself down by resorting to the type of language we have come to know and love from him.

I believe that the "Macho" stance of the council towards the residents of the Borough should be toned down. I would suggest a little less Mars and a little more Venus in your approach to residents may pay dividends. If the Hendon residents forum is solely devoted to discussing the issue of litter outside the King Neptune (which I believe you know rather well) or the parking issues at Jupiter Court, then surely it is not serving the residents? 

As to your comment that we "live on different planets". Sadly that is not true. We all, not only live on Earth, we live in a tiny corner of it called Barnet. You have been entrusted by the people of Barnet with the job of chairing the Residents Forum and you get paid handsomely for your trouble (how much does it work out per hour?). All that any resident has asked for is a forum to discuss the issues facing Hendon Residents can be discussed openly, honestly and without the fetter of stupid rules. If you feel that you cannot deal with a couple of bolshy labour party members without a set of such draconian and ridiculous procedures, then hand it over to a Councillor who is up to the job.

Wishing you a happy Yom Tov, Succah friendly weather is forecast.
 

Roger M Tichborne

Barnet Bloggers Respond - Cllr Gordon tries to defend the indefensible

Barnet bloggers respond to Councillor Gordon’s defence of Barnet Council residents’ forums

Dear Councillor Gordon,

A letter was published last week in the Press group of newspapers from you concerning the Barnet Alliance for Public Services residents’ forum held on Tuesday 4th October.

We must correct a factual inaccuracy in your letter. The forum was not "private", it was open to all. All Barnet councillors were invited and would have been welcome to attend.

You state that Barnet Council’s own residents’ forums are not in any way hampered by the new rules governing them. Is this your opinion or have you asked the residents who attend, we think they would take a different view.

You state that the forums are "marred occasionally by the irresponsible actions of anti-council agitators". We ask you to withdraw this offensive remark. The undersigned have all attended numerous residents’ forums and have never witnessed an "anti-council agitator".

We have witnessed many local residents who disagree with the policies of the current administration, and we believe their comments are born out of deep concern for the direction of the Council and cannot be in any way construed as "anti-council".

We are also concerned by the description you give of the appropriate way to deal with residents and taxpayers. The phrase "with firm chairmanship, those individuals are fairly swiftly subdued" has highly oppressive overtones and clearly implies that residents are not welcome to express views at odds with the chair.

We would like to remind you, Cllr Gordon, that the forums exist for residents’ benefit, not for that of the chair.

We would also like to remind you of the circumstances in which you became chair, when it became necessary to instigate an investigation into the behaviour of the previous Conservative incumbent.

We remind you that Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has praised the concerned citizens of Barnet for their efforts in exposing the shambles that your administration allowed to develop in the Council’s purchasing department.

We are pleased that you have drawn attention to the next set of Council residents’ forums. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your comments with you and your colleagues at these events.

Yours,

Derek Dishman

John Dix

Vicki Morris

Theresa Musgrove

Roger Tichborne

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This statement has been prepared and jointly issued by five Barnet bloggers in response to the letter published in the Press group newspapers, written by Hale Ward Conservative Councillor, Brian Gordon (known in Barnet blogging circles as "Councillor Brian the Less important")

BARNETEYE TV - Live from Hendon Town Hall - Comedy moments from our local Tory Councillors

As it's Saturday, here's a few out takes from our Barnet Council meeting on the 13th. There are marvellous examples of the crass stupidity from Councillor Danny "Imber" Seal and Councillor Dim Thomas. Seal asks Thomas if he thinks it's marvellous that 20% of Council spending is "non compliant" (ie out of control). Thomas replies that yes, it's marvellous because a few other councils are even worse. He then says  it shows that Barnet is a "High performing Council". Of course I had to translate into plain English, but that is exactly what he says. Clearly Thomas gave Seal a sweetie for his "Patsy" question.

Then we have some true comedy, as the Barnet Town Hall ghost decides he's had quite enough of Councillor Bwian Coleman and knobbles his microphone. Fortunately Councillor Wobert Wamsbottom wides in to wescue him. Coleman then goes on to blame everyone else for the appalling state of Barnet's road, which he's in charge of. It's all the fault of parents & utility companies and nothing to do with him.



Enjoy !!!!

Mill Hill Sports club to shut in September - Open letter to Hale Ward Councillors

I sent the following Email to Conservative Hale Ward Councillors this morning. I have yet to receive a reply
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----- Original Message -----

From: Roger Tichborne

To: cllr.h.rayner@barnet.gov.uk ; cllr.t.davey@barnet.gov.uk ; cllr.b.gordon@barnet.gov.uk

Cc: Cornelius, Cllr Richard Conservative ; Nick.Walkley@barnet.gov.uk

Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 7:46 AM

Subject: Urgent - Mill Hill Sports Club to close

Dear Hale Ward Councillors,

 

As I am sure you are aware, Mill Hill Sports Club has announced it is closing. My 11 year old son is a member of the boxing club sited at MHSC. He has been informed the club is closing. It appears that Barnet Council have forced the sale by renaging on an agreement to extend the lease to facilitate a redevelopment of sports facilities. It goes without saying that the loss of cricket, boxing, squash, football and music on the site will be a devastating loss. I will be seeking further clarification via FOI requests later today. I cannot believe that this can be seen as a positive development for the residents of Hale Ward or Mill Hill Ward

 

I will be launching a campaign to oppose the loss of sports facilities. I am seeking you views on the closure of the club and the role of the council in this. I am copying the leader and the CEO as I believe these are issues which they should be aware of.

 

Please be aware that I intend to publish responses to this email (and non responses) on the Barnet Eye. If you have any comments which you wish to convey to me privately and do not wish to be published, please email me a suitable contact number.

 

Regards

Roger Tichborne

The Barnet Eye

Barnet Council : Live in action at Hendon Town Hall 12/4/2011

Here is some video footage of Barnet Council in action last night at Hendon Town Hall.


As ever the stupidity of Barnet Council Council is unbelievable. They voted against a debate on MetPro, passed a motion in favour of Col Gaddafy's property rights, voted against allowing a debate on Pinkham Way Incenerator to be held first (inconveniencing the vast majority of people in the public gallery who'd come especially for this), and supplied a whole chain of non answers to members questions. As ever we had the pantomime of the Mayor telling us to stop filming and us ignoring it because he can't legally stop us. We also had the new private security force in action. Rather than paramilitary uniforms, they had nice suits and smiles. Maybe it means nothing, but it certainly gave the impression of democracy.

I suppose that if I have to single out a Tory Councillor for being an arse, Councillor Brian Gordon must win the honour for his insulting comments about the residents protesting outside about Pinkham Way. Sadly I missed this question on my video. Also missing was the Leader of the Council, Lynne Hillan. I hope she is on holiday again and it is not something more serious

A special mention to Mayor Anthony Finn, who finished his term. He didn't do a bad job and had the sense to slap down Brian Gordon, which was most appreciated by the public. I suspect that in another Council, with different colleagues, he's probably make a great councillor. The incoming Mayor, Councillor Lisa Rutter sat next to him. I suspect she probably was thinking that next time it'll be her job to keep order and keep things moving. I wish her all the luck in the world, as she'll need it.

Sorry for the shaky, blurry pictures. When they finally get rid of this ridiculous charade and broadcast and archive meetings, we'll all be happier. Oh and I'm now the proud owner of the Coffin for Barnet Council Services. More on that later.

Intrigue at Barnet Council

Following the masterful performance of twattery at the Chipping Barnet residents forum by Barry Evangeli, I've been receiving reports of even worse behaviour at the Golders Green Forum. Sadly this is not only from the Chairman, Dean Cohen, but also from various council officers. One resident reported a most unfortunate incident where David Howard of the residents association challenged an assertation by another official. Jeff Lustig, Borough Solicitor took exception to this and demanded that David leave the meeting or withdraw his comment. Now the good people of Golders Green took exception to this. Uproar ensued and Jeff Lustig backed down. It strikes me that these people seem to have forgotten that they are PUBLIC SERVANTS. They are employed using our taxes to serve us to the best of their ability.

Now contrary to a big porkie put around by Brian Coleman that I attend every residents forum in the Borough, missing no opportunity to slag him off, I've never actually been to the Chipping Barnet or the Golders Green forum. I have been three times to the Hendon Forum. It is fair to say that I've no issue at all with the Chairman Brian Gordon or his deputy John Hart. They have thus far seemed to me to be even handed and fair. I've not seen any of the displays of stupidity displayed by Dean Cohen or Barry Evangeli. Council officers have behaved themselves pretty well.  The worst display was when former Edgware Tory Councillor Richard Weider tried to stop Vicki Morris from questioning them on future shape. He said "she can't ask this because she works for the council". Cllr Gordon said "She's a resident, there's no reason she shouldn't" and let Vicki proceed. Whilst it made no difference to the implementation of future shape, at least it showed Councillor Gordon has sound judgement as  chair of such a forum.

I asked myself what the difference was between poor chairmen such as Cohen and Evangeli and good ones such as Hart and Gordon. I think the answer may be that the latter first became councillors in an age when it was about public service. They know what they are supposed to be there for. Amongst the private emails I received about the hike in allowances, was one from a Tory councillor. I don't accept his argument, but it gives some idea of the climate in Barnet. He said he fundamentally disagreed with the rise, foresaw the furore and argued against it. He said that the reason he voted to implement it was because had he voted with his conscience, he'd have been completely marginalised and unable to have any input whatsoever for future discussions. He also felt that it would allow a certain useless lackey(my description) to exploit the opportunity for career advancement.

Perhaps the most interesting comment was the one explaining the reason for the rise now. "Brian wanted the business out of the way before he takes over" and the prediction of a new leader before the end of the year. I don't necessarily think this is a done deal. I suspect that the succession will be fought between Coleman and Harper, although it is less than clear whether Harper has the cojones for a tough battle. Coleman is pretty ruthless and will make it clear that it will be the end of Harper if he wins (a la Bulmer).  Interesting times

"A Tory with half a brain and common sense"

One of the more regular commentators on the local paper website is "RobDCH" of the Defend Council Housing Campaign. Rob is a strident defender of thing such as council housing, play areas for children and good social services. He's a trenchant campaigner for those with least in the Borough. He paid Deputy Leader of Barnet Council, Andrew Harper a rare compliment (believe me it was meant as one). Mr Harper had issued a statement dismissing the comments of some of his fellow Tory Councillors, who were backing a campaign by a small group of residents to prevent improvements to childrens facilities in a park backing on to the gardens. The residents felt that, having bought properties which backed on to a park, that they should have a veto on facilites which would encourage youngsters to use it. Sadly two local Tory Councillors, clearly grubbing for votes Councillors Gordon and Rayner had jumped onto this sorry bandwagon. Here's Councillor Harpers comments :-

“Stoneyfields Park in Hale ward was chosen as one of the eleven sites for the installation of new play equipment because it has the third highest number of under 14s in Barnet and it is something young people have been asking us for. Frankly we shouldn't treat young people as a problem. While I can understand why a few people might not like the decision, it is vital that young people have a say and that they are provided with the outdoor facilities they want. I am sure that the vast majority of residents will wish to work with us to make this a success, as they are in our other ten Playbuilder parks."

This prompted RobDCH to comment "What, a Tory with half a brain and common sense". I was hit by the same shock on reading the comments. Mr Harper had made a statement which sums up my exact feelings on the issue. There is much I disagree with Mr Harper about in Barnet, but he does seem to be emerging as the "sensible wing" of the Barnet Conservatives. Sadly he seems to be a in a minority of one at the moment. None the less, it would be dishonest of me not to acknowledge or recognise the fact that for the first time in ages, a local Tory has said something sensible, reasonable and absolutely spot on in a statement.

More common sense from Tory Councillor Brian Gordon

An interesting comment from Councillor Brian Gordon in the Hendon Times this week

Councillors should concentrate on what they are elected to do, rather than jump on personality bandwagons that will lead nowhere -Cllr Brian Gordon, Conservative, Hale Ward, Barnet Council

I can think of no wiser comment from any Barnet Councillor on any party in recent times. I sincerely hope that Brian Coleman reads this and gives it some serious thought.

Brian Gordon saves Mill Hill from hordes of sex crazed perverts !!!!

Barnet's very own caped crusader Brian Gordon has won a famous victory for the the right thinking people. He was very worried that posters promoting pills to cure erectile dysfunction would transform the citizens of the Borough into sex made perverts. He said :-

"There should be an understanding that certain things are indecent. This poster, talking about longer lasting sex in such a prominent way, vulgarises and cheapens something that should be seen as sacred. There is no question that such a poster can pervert the minds of many right-thinking people, including particular children, who are very impressionable." 

The Hendon Times reports that he's won the battle and we can all sleep soundly (not much chance of any other action now) in our beds at night. I agree with Councillor Gordon that these posters are not suitable for public sites, where children may see them. Whilst I thoroughly agree with Councillor Gordon about the undesirability of these posters being seen by children, he certainly seems to have widened the issue considerably.

I'm rather interested by his comments that the poster cheapens something which should be seen as sacred. I am wondering if this announcement signals a shift in policys of Barnet Council towards a more puritanical stance on sex and personal relations. I wonder if Mike Freer and Brian Coleman will be reprising the Tories attacks on the gay community with Section 28 like legislation in the run up to the next election? This policy was very popular in Tory circles during the reign of Margaret Thatcher, who is a hero to both Brian Coleman and Mike Freer. These policies were at their height presumably about the time Freer and Coleman first joined the Tories, so one has to suspect that they agreed with them in some way.

Will Barnet Council be bringing in policies which favour married couples over those living in sin, to protect the sanctity of the sexual act? I wonder if Brian Gordon could possibly give us a few examples of "right thinking people" who've been perverted by posters such as this, so we can judge for ourselves how damaging these posters are?

Councillor Brian Gordon is assistant cabinet member for policy and performance. I wonder what direction policy will be going in future on the subject of the "sanctity of sexual relations". It's clear from his protest that he's less concerned with performance than policy in such issues.

I'd suggest that Councillor Gordon lays down a few proposals at the next Council meeting. It seems that he could liven the session up no end.

Brian Gordon is spot on !

There are some Barnet Conservatives that I quite like. They seem to me to be quite sensible. One who has impressed me is Councillor Brian Gordon. He chairs the Hendon Residents Forums and he doesn't do a bad job. He's in the press complaining about a large billboard poster for a product which improves sexual performance.

I've got three children and to be completely honest, the poster appalls me. Many children on buses see the poster on the way to school. I'm not a prude, but this is a wholly inappropriate poster. I agree with Councillor Gordon that children should not see this sort of thing on their way to school. Well done Brian.

Stalinism at the Barnet Tory Bugle

The Edgware and Mill Hill Times. My local paper. I used to look forward to it popping through the door on a Thursday. In the 70's & 80's, back when Dennis Signy was the editor, it used to be a great local paper. It used to win awards. Being a muso, I especially liked the local music scene coverage. There was a column called, among other things, "Pop Round the Corner". I can still name the writers. Kevin Black - a gregarious Scot who used to write great reviews of my band, The False Dots (without ever turning up). Then there was Joy Bentley. I suspect she didn't much like the False Dots, but she still wrote nice things. Then there was the superstar - Clarence Mitchell. He went on to ITN and was last heard of working as PR consultant for Madeleine McCann's parents. Clarence actually used to turn up. He was also a very nice bloke.

There was also a guy called Bill Montgomery, who was the Barnet Council reporter. He would attend the most boring of meetings and find something to make it seem interesting. He'd make & break the careers of up and coming politicos with a well placed wry observation.

Fast forward to 2009. The paper has morphed into the Barnet Tory Bugle. I detailed this in a blog recently. Whilst the paper is happy to run overtly racist and anti Irish articles and letters, hagiographic peans to promenant local Barnet Cabinet members and verbatim Barnet press releases, it doesn't put letters from opponents of policies such as sheltered housing warden cuts on it's website. Strangely the Barnet Press is full of such letters.

For those of you with an interest in 20th Century history, you will recall that in Stalinist Russia, once someone fell foul of the regime, they became a non person. Artists would carefully airbrush every trace of them out of pictures. References in books would be removed. In short they would cease to exist. Well it seems that following my criticism of the Bugle, they've airbrushed me out. As you may recall, I used to write a blog for the Times, until their in house psychic deemed that at some point in the future, I may get them into trouble. My services were dispensed with, but the blogs remained. I put a link at the side here, so that if anyone was interested they could have a look. For my audacity to criticise them, they've zapped me, if you click the link, you'll see I've gone. Now you may think that this is just a tidy up, but Mike Freer's blog, which ended around the same time is still there. I'll tell you a funny story about Freer stopping his blog. He announced it at a council meeting. I mentioned this in a blog and a reporter from the Times emailed me to prove the allegation. I immediately emailed back with a link to the written answers, posted a week before on Barnets website. I've spoken to David Miller, author of Barnet Council Watch about the Times on a number of occasions and he says they are always moaning that he beats them to stories. I've also noticed that many stories are nicked, with no ackowledgement from the Tory Troll website.

I don't know if you've noticed how thin the Times has got recently. I suspect that this is due to advertisers deserting it. The Press meantime seems to get fatter by the week. I suspect that this is due to the more balanced coverage. I find it rather sad, to see the paper deteriorate by the week. One final twist of the knife from the Times to me. I typed my name "Tichborne" into the Times search engine, to see if any of my 61 blogs had escaped the cull. I found 3. The top one was

The Tragedy of Lady Thatcher - a personal view

This details my sympathy for the Thatcher family on a personal level, coping with their mums dementure.

The second was

The Big Match - Councillor Brian Gordon meets his nemesis !!!!!

Detailing how a local Tory Councillor had done an OK job chairing the Hendon Residents association meeting.

The Third was

Great Expectations (the male view) Part 2 - What's in a name?

Detailing my experiences naming my kids.

In short, anyone looking for my blogs would probably conclude I was a Tory childcare expert. Oh well, catch them while you can, I'm sure they'll be gone soon.

Well how does it feel to be Stalin'd??? In the words of the Rolling Stones

Who reads yesterdays papers, who wants yesterdays news
Who reads yesterdays papers, no one in the world.

I've no pretentions to be Shakespeare or Dickens, I find it rather funny.

The Hendon Residents Forum - 16/03/2008

So off we go again to the Hendon Residents Forum. A couple of big surprises. Firstly no Councillor Brian Gordon. The meeting was chaired by his able understudy, Councillor John Hart. The other, even more surprising absentee was Mrs Cohen, who has had a long running battle with a difficult neighbour. Maybe she only asks questions when Councillor Gordon is there?

Anyway due to childcare issues, I turned up late and I missed the bit I really wanted to hear. These were David Miller's questions about the Leader Listens blog. I suspect that Councillor Hart is ot too interested in political blogs, be it mine, David's or the glorious leaders. I suspect that he'd prefer to be read the news by a courier from the Indian Rifles division off of scrolled parchiament. I suspect that Councillor Hart is the only Councillor in Barnet who could answer an angry resident from Burnt Oak complaining about the cages on the streets by telling us that he was born near where the vegetable seller in Burnt Oak came from, that the vegetables were of the finest quality and that he rather admired people who worked hard.

It certaily was a fine crowd. Far more in Algenon Road, than at Broadfields school for the previous meeting. This was despite a rather late announcement. Various residents complained that the meeting was poorly advertised. Councillor Hart noted that "all of the usual suspects seemed to find out about it". One resident suggested taking a register and emailing those who came about future meetings. Councillor Rayner (Hale Ward) leapt up "Fine idea, I second that". I could just imagine Councillor Gordon taking the register "Miller, can't you ever show up late for a change" "Tichborne, we were hoping you'd decided to not grace us with your presence and as for Tucker...."

Anyway onto business. I arrived as question 12 was being discussed, with my 8 year old son i tow (none too chuffed by the prospect). On to question 13. Rats. Lets face it, after the nuclear war, we'll be gone, they will rule the world. It seems that even Councillor Hart's own abode is overrun. He informed us that Mrs Hart thought they were squirrels. He knew better "Squirrels don't have teeth like that". It seems that the bins at the Quadrant were overrun. Councillor Hart ordered Mr Murray to take matters in hand. A resident stood up to announce the solution "Chilli Powder, they don't like it, sprinkle it everywhere". Sadly, having worked in Brick Lane and seen the bins, I think our friend was mistaken. Another resident suggested "Don't feed the birds" Councillor Hart suggested that the communication team should get on the case. In a sideswipe he said "Mr Miller seems to think they get paid a lot of money, so maybe they should do something useful". Another resident suggested that Barnet rats knew how to operate lifts. Councillor Hart liked this idea. "I think we have the finest rats in London" He chuckled. As with many things, I suspect that this is a comment only Councillor Hart could get away with.

Questio 14 was about window replacement in West Hendon. It seems that 12 homes were left out. Councillor Hart suggested that the residents association liaise with Councillor Julie Johnson to get an assessor back. Another resident complained that Councillor Johnson did all the work and Lynn Hillan took all the praise. Councillor Hart chuckled "That's Politics, you know". He then went on to say that Councillor Johnson was a fine councillor. I rather suspect that Councillor Hart prefers the hard working back bench councillors on all sides than some of his more high profile colleagues (not that he'd tell me).

Then we had a spate of questions from Mr Heaphy about the Burnt Oak shops and cages. Mr Heaphy is upset. Councillor Hart explained that the council had done it's best. Mr Heaphy was not impressed. A resident queried the Council's answer that one such cage was "partially legal". Councillor Hart was just about to launch into a bawdy joke, when he thought better of it and batted it to his Council officer. Mr Heaphy stated that Burnt Oak was like "Beiruit on a good day". At this point I nearly stood up to berate him. On a good day, Beiruit is the playground of the Middle East. My Dad lived there for a few years and said it was the finest city on earth. The trouble is Beirut has ot had so many good days recently. I suspect that Councillor Hart also wanted to make this point, but refrained. It seems that the council think they've done a good job with the cages and the residents dont. I suspect that we've not heard the last of this.

On to questio 18, the one I'd come for. Pavillion Way playing fields. As I'd missed the deadline for questions, I thought I'd sneak my question in under this one. We heard how Councillor Johnson and Hart had a cunning plan. More praise for "our Julie" from Councillor Hart. It seems that something will be done. Anyway, seizing the opportunity, I asked about the appalling state of the Burnt Oak leisure Centre football pitches. Councillor Hart was suitably upset. Mischieviously he said "Ask your Burnt Oak Councillor to take this up". I responded "Councillor Hart, I'm a Mill Hill resident". Sharp as a needle he shot back "Then you are lucky to have an excellent Councillor to deal with this for you". He also informed me that he used to be the President of Watling Club, where my (now asleep) son, who had tagged along, plays football. He said "They got rid of me when I lost my seat", more in sorrow than anger.

Councilor Rayner stated that he often visited the Burnt Oak Leisure Centre. I asked if he'd ever checked out the state of the Pitches. He looked a bit embarrassed and said "No". He said that he would bear this in mind in future - fair comment.

With that, it was time to make my excuses and leave. My son was dozing off and wanted his dinner. As we left he said "Dad, don't bring me next time". I suspect that he thinks the adult world is rather strange, where people spend 20 minutes discussing rats in Hendon when they could be zapping dinosaurs on the Xbox.

Like the usual chairman, Councillor Hart had done a good job. Residents attend these things because they are fed up. If they leave with a feeling something might get done, then the process is worthwhile. Councillor Hart makes a good show of making us feel something might get done, if there is a practical solution. Really that is all we can ask of him as chairman. Let's just hope we get some action !

The Hendon Residents Forum

Being a good Catholic boy, having spent the week being rather beastly to the Leader of Barnet Council here, I thought I'd do my penance and take myself down to the Hendon Residents Forum at Broadfields Junior School. I'm not really someone who enjoys meetings, but there were a few issues on the agenda which I have an interest in, so off I trotted. There was a rumour that fellow Barnet blogger Vickim57 was putting in an appearance to grill the council on Future Shape, which swung it for me. I was interested to see Vicki in action & hear what she had to say. I'd not met Vicki before, so I was playing a little game of "Spot the Vicki" as various members of the public appeared. I knew here age from her blog profile, but by the time the meeting started, there were still three possible suspects.

Anyway our host for the night Councillor Brian Gordon kicked off the meeting, ably assisted by Barnet's very own Jedi Knight Councillor John Hart. I had a few preconceptions about Councillor Brian Gordon, but last night I noticed a strong similarity between the good councillor and a good mate of mine from my days at Orange Hill Senior High School. My good friend, like Councillor Gordon was from a strongly Jewish background. I still recall my friend bemoaning to me in the common room as we ogled the cover of the New Musical Express "If you brought Debbie Harry home and introduced her to your dad as your new girlfriend, he'd say - well done son - If I did, it would be a family disaster". I don't think either of us ever brought Debbie Harry home so the problem was rather academic.

Anyway the first three items were petitions. I was about to speak about item 2 when the guy who organised the petition for Item 3 spoke up. After a brief debate about parking in Sheaveshill Avenue, I jumped up to ask my question about point 2. It seems that having received assurances from Council Leader Mike Freer that the road through Montrose Park was dead and buried, the answer to petition 2 implied that it was back on the menu. Could the Council clarify this. The official to Councillor Gordon's right (sorry no nameplate) said that the road was back on the agenda. It was further explained that although the road went through the park, technically it didn't which was why Mike Freer gave his answer. I was assurred that it wasn't a ploy to distract the protestors. Am I reassurred? I'll leave that to you to decide.

At this point things got rather confused. A lady arrived and asked what item we were debating. Councillor Gordon replied Point 2. She said "Ah good, I've not missed point 3". Councillor Gordon responded that we'd already debated that. The lady got upset because Councillor Gordon hadn't anticipated her arrival and Broadfields School had adopted stealth mode, making it invisible, so she'd arrived late. Councillor Gordon responded that it wasn't his fault she was late. She clearly thought that she'd been nobbled, sadly it was cock-up rather than conspiracy. She then announced she was representing Andrew Dismore and he sent his apologies. Councillor Gordon rather wittily responded that he was "always happy to receive an apology from Andrew Dismore". As I finished off making my point, Councillor Gordon commended me for my witty write up of the September forum in the Edgware Times. It makes a welcome change for a local Tory to make a comment about a blog under his own name in public, so he definately moved up in my estimation (even if as I suspect he was humouring me).

Next up point 4. A Raymond Raven stood up and gave us a sales pitch for an electric bike. The assembled mob were not too impressed. Councillor Gordon, seeing his chance to inflict some pain on us riff-raff, ruled the point in order and let Mr Raven drone on. I helpfully suggested that if we had to listen to sales pitches, maybe the companies could provide tea and biscuits. As various members of the audience got more agitated, Councillor Gordon started to enjoy himself. Next up another local blogger DONT CALL ME DAVE with a whole raft of points detailing the various failings of the council. Councillor Gordon adopted his sarcastic Schoolmaster persona. You know the approach "Yes David, Marvellous point, next". Being a lawyer, Councillor Gordon is ideally suited to this role. As for poor John Hart, I suspect his main concern was whether to start with red wine when he got home of go straight to the fine Islay Malt Whisky. I suspect that John Hart is very pro these forum's but he just wishes a better quality of people would come who would ask more interesting questions. I suspect that John would much rather the questions were of the form "We're having Venison for dinner on Sunday, could the council recommend a full bodied red to compliment the rich texture of the meat". Maybe I'll ask next time?

Question 7 from David extracted the most interesting answer. Councillor Brian Gordon assurred us that Council Leader Mike Freer "Isn't shy". I asked whether the failure to respond in time to FOI requests was "because they were incompetant or hiding something" Councillor Gordon responded "Neither" but couldn't really suggest an alternative explanation other than "these things take time"

Question 8 was about why votes at council were not recorded. Councillor Julie Johnson (Labour) asked why electronic voting wasn't used. Councillor Gordon respond that Labour wouldn't like it. Poor old Councillor Johnson looked suitably perplexed by this. For those of you who are interested, I can offer this helpful guide. If the motion says the Tories are marvellous the 33 Tories all vote for it and the opposition all vote against it. If it says the Tories are rubbish, the opposite happens. If the Lib Dems propose anything, the Tories all vote against it and the Labour Councillors ignore it.

An interesting aside came during the course of this debate. A member of the public asked Councillor Gordon why he skived off early from the last Council meeting. Councillor Gordon looked rather sheepish. He responded that this was the first ever meeting he'd done a bunk from and it was due to a family wedding. The questioner (rather strangely) shouted "Lies". Councillor Gordon responded "I can assure you I'm not" I helpfully suggested that he got a note from his mum. Councillor Gordon ignored my attempt to help him.

Question 10 was about hire vans parking at Apex Corner. John Hart said he'd counted 7 of them, it was terrible and the council could do nothing.

The next raft of questions were from Stonegrove Campaigner Myk Tucker. The drift of them was that due to the credit crunch, we're all doomed. The Council officers responded that we're not and it's all on track. It was one of those rather surreal debates, where none of us have a clue what's going to happen so we all pretend we are 100% correct. Myk challenged the council's assertion that the scheme was well supported. "Where's the evidence?" Councilor Gordon responded "Well it's not here". I suspect that the Stonegrove redevelopment is popular in the same way as syphilis. Tonight plenty of people will catch syphilis. They will enjoy catching it, but it's not what they wanted and they will regret it once the full impact becomes clear. It's all a question of how the question is presented. If I said "would you like a night of passions with your ideal partner" You'd say "not half". You may change your mind if you knew you'd catch the clap, but if you weren't told? As Barnet is concreted over, quite a few of us are realising that we weren't told the whole picture.

Question 12 lead to a rather interesting debate. It seems that a couple of Barnet Council officials went to a conference in Cannes at a cost to the taxpayer of £4932.74 each. Now you could go on a 6 week cruise up the Amazon for that, so it seems a bit excessive. Councillor Gordon looked embarrassed. Councillor Hart had a silly grin. I suspect that the mention of Cannes had conjoured images of Sophia Loren and Brigit Bardot, which were infinately preferable to cold damp meetings in Edgware.

After David and Myk's questions we got the star of the meeting, Mrs Cohen. If you read my previous blog, you'll know that Mrs Cohen is not someone to be trifled with. Last time she'd wiped the floor with Councillor Gordon, this time he was prepared. As with the last time, out came the long speech. I stared intently at Councillor Gordon, waiting for his concentration to crack and Mrs Cohen to pounce. I thought, "He's been practising in front of the mirror". As she finished he agreed it was terrible and that the council would be responding tomorrow. He demanded that he be copied on the council's response so he personally could make sure she was dealt with correctly. Councillor Hugh Rayner had snuck in and he piped up that he wanted a copy as well. Councillor Gordon strangely looked rather put out by this. I suspect that he want's the final victory over Mrs Cohen to be all his. He helpfully suggested that as she has such and excellent and hard working Councillor in Julie Johnson, she direct all her enquiries through her.

Next up Vicki Morris. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. Of the 3 possible Vicki Morris's one had left. I had a 50/50. I guessed wrong. I was gutted. Vicki started. She revealed that £650,000 had been spent on future shape. This figure was challenged. Vicki responded that these figures were taken from minutes of council meetings. Then a rather disturbing thing happened. Councillor Richard Wieder stood up. He interjected that Vicki Morris was a council employee, so she shouldn't be allowed to speak. The assembled audience were affronted. Vicki stated that she was a local resident and that she had every right to speak. Councillor Weider persisted. At this point John Hart whispered something to Councillor Gordon. Much to his credit Councillor Gordon announced. "She's a local resident, she's every right to speak, there's nothing to hide here". What particularly disturbed me was this comment left on my blog about Vicki prior to the meeting :-

04 February 2009 12:31
do call me dave said...

Umm doesn't Vickim work for the Barnet's TUC and run an anti blog? Funny old world...

It seems to me that maybe Councillor Richard Weider's interjection was not entirely spontaneous. Much credit goes to Councillor's Gordon and Hart for having nothing to do with this attempt to cow and intimidate Vicki. She made her point well. At this point, I had to leave. I had to play 5 a side football at 8.30.

A strange thing happened. Councillor Richard Weider, clearly gutted at being slapped down also got up to go. We walked down the corridor, him with a face like thunder and myself not relishing the company of this slimy toady. Then I thought "He's clearly a fan of Future Shape, I could use this opportunity to ask a couple of questions" as we made our way out.


Richard Weider



ROG T : "So councillor do you think that £650,000 is money well spent on future shape consultants"

RW : "Yes, it will save millions"

Rog T : "How can you possibly say that?"

RW : "Look at Gas and Electricty privatisations"

Rog T : "They are completely different to local authorities. Do you really think that the £1,000 a day consultants understand the workings of the council"

RW: "You are out of touch, they cost much more than £1,000 a day"

Rog T : "What do you know about outsourcing, what do you do for a living"

RW : "I know all about it, I'm a civil servant. What do you know?"

Rog T : "I worked for a few years for BT in the division which provided outsourced service solutions for the Government. I worked on some of the largest outsourcing projects. I've also worked on evaluation of outsourcing tenders for other companies. Don't you think there is a conflict of interest taking a director of BT on secondment to draw up the outsourcing contracts"

RW : "That would be true of any consultant such as PwC"

Rog T : "PwC don't run outsourced solutions in the way BT do. That director's future bonuses and career will be defined by his work for Barnet. I can't believe you can't understand that there is a conflict of interest"

RW : "Um, Er, goodnight"

Rog T: "Goodnight Councillor"

At that point we both made our way to our cars. As I drove back, I pondered on what I'd seen tonight. A few decent councillors from the various parties doing their best for the local community. Then I pondered Councillor Richard Weider's clumsy attempt to bully Vicki Morris. I rather hope that he learned something from his wiser and more senior colleagues. Given the look on his face as we bade each other good evening, he clearly wasn't happy. For your own sake Richard, please heed this advice. No one likes a bully.