Why is Anti Semitism rising in Britain? There is a blog from one of my favourite (ex) Barnet Council numpties, Richard Weider of this title. Richard Weider used to be a councillor in Barnet, before upping sticks and moving to Israel. Now given that Mr Weider clearly passionately cares about the subject, I expected an informative, sensible and dispassionate blog from someone who could view the situation with detachment and cast some new insight into the problem. Unfortunately, for a blog with such a promising title, I was left none the wiser.
It seems that Mr Weider thinks that because David Milliband criticised the Conservative Party for getting into bed with a bunch of Uber Rightists in the European Parliament, people up and down the country will now be joining the BNP. I can't quite see how he arrived at this conclusion, maybe he's enjoying the good life a bit too much.
I suspect that of all the reasons I've heard for the rise of anti Semitism, this is one of the least likely. Statistically, I'd guess that the majority of the rise is probably due to the changing demographics of Great Britain and Barnet. Many immigrants to the UK arrive from places where there is acceptance if not open support at governmental level of anti-semitism. These attitudes can take generations to dissipate. I'm not aware of any initiatives either in Barnet or nationally to address the prejudices we may be importing.
Is anti-semitism on the rise amongst the indigenous population? I would suspect that in areas where the BNP is organising effectively, there would be some degree of growth, but often this is offset by an equally strong growth in anti-fascist activity. Whilst there have been some appalling cases of anti-semitic activity in the Borough, I personally believe that these are more isolated incidents of mindless vandalism, than evidence of coordinated activity. Barnet has a large Jewish population and I think it's fair to say that this is overwhelmingly perceived as a positive feature of the Borough. Most people who have lived for any length of time in the Borough will have mixed with people of all colours and creeds and I'd say we're a pretty tolerant lot.
I suspect that probably the thing most likely to stir up trouble is people such as Richard Weider using anti-semitism as a tool for other purposes. His blog was really just an excuse to try and turn a few Jewish voters against the Labour party. When such an important issue is seen as being deployed to attack people such as David Milliband, who clearly are not anti semitic, it undermines credibility of people fighting real examples of the prejudice. Richard Weider is like the little girl who cried wolf. Let us hope that Mr Weider sees sense and in future writes blogs which are a bit more sensible, interesting and informative.
Showing posts with label Councillor Richard Weider. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Councillor Richard Weider. Show all posts
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Saturday, 6 June 2009
What do the Edgware and Totterdige byelection results tell us
Reading the local press coverage of the Edgware and Totteridge council byelection results, made depressing reading for a Labour supporter such as myself at first glance. Both Tory candidates had much improved majorities on their predecessors. Departing Councillor Richard Weider notes in his blog that Darrel Yawitch is the most popular councillor in the borough ! Whilst Darrel may put this down to the fact that he's a much better looking guy than poor old Richard, I suspect that the performance of David Cameron is probably a more valid explanation. Since the departure of Tony Blair, Prime Ministers Questions have turned into a weekly bear bating session. Whilst even at his lowest, Blair could always be relied on to put in a good performance, Gordon Brown's only conceivable strategy I can discerne is to go for the sympathy vote. Ministers resign, back benchers queue up to stick the knife in. Every Conservative friend I have and I have quite a lot, were in a state of pre-orgasmic delight at the posibilty of voting. I knew that the Tories would get a big vote. Even those who are, shall we say, not too keen on the local Barnet party, felt duty bound to "send Gordon a message".
Darrel Yawitch and Alison Cornelius did very well. I should imagine they could sit back last night and have a glass or two of bubbly and think "job done". From what I've been told, as Tories candidates go, they are both decent and hard working. I doubt that this time next year, after the full elections, they will be back down to the jobcentre, especially as they are in extremely safe wards. They are both safe pairs of hands and I'm sure they will do a good job.
What can we deduce about the Labour vote? As both seats were firmly Tory with no prospect whatsoever of a Labour victory, especially in the current political climate, I fully expected a catastrophic slump in both seats. I had contacted both the Labour and Lib Dem leader on behalf of the Barnet Community Campaign to ask them to stand asside so that we could have put up a single issue "anti sheltered housing warden cut" candidate. Both refused, saying that it was party policy to stand a candidate. I may be wrong, but I honestly believe that such a candidate would have given both Alison and Darrel a run for their money. One thing I know for certain is that there would have been a willing flood of volunteers canvassing. As it is, friends tell me that virtually no leaflets were dropped in Totteridge or Edgware. It was a shamefully missed opportunity. Oh and if you were wondering, I was strongly asked to stand, but being a councillor really isn't my thing.
As the Lab/Lib's wouldn't stand aside, we took the view that their was no prospect of success, therefore it would damage the campaign. If the anti warden cut vote had a three way split, we'd fail and I would not sanction such a monumental effort being totally wasted.
Which takes us on to the Labour and Lib Dem vote. As I said I expected a collapse. As it was they did better in Totteridge than at the last election and about the same in Edgware. The same is true of the Lib Dems. I expected them to be wiped out. Given the state of the party nationally, the fact that the seats were safe and the low level of canvassing, I had no expectation whatsoever of anything other than abject failure. Why did so many turn out for such a hopeless cause? As far as I am concerned, it is because of the hated scheme to scrap wardens. This will never derail a Tory in a safe seat, but I suspect that had either seat been a marginal, we may have seen some rather different results.
In hindsight, I honestly wish that the Barnet Community Campaign had persuaded Vicki Morris to stand as candidate in Edgware. We will never know, but we could have then compared the results of Edgware with Totteridge and really know how well supported we were. As it was there was no real candidate of protest.
Darrel Yawitch and Alison Cornelius did very well. I should imagine they could sit back last night and have a glass or two of bubbly and think "job done". From what I've been told, as Tories candidates go, they are both decent and hard working. I doubt that this time next year, after the full elections, they will be back down to the jobcentre, especially as they are in extremely safe wards. They are both safe pairs of hands and I'm sure they will do a good job.
What can we deduce about the Labour vote? As both seats were firmly Tory with no prospect whatsoever of a Labour victory, especially in the current political climate, I fully expected a catastrophic slump in both seats. I had contacted both the Labour and Lib Dem leader on behalf of the Barnet Community Campaign to ask them to stand asside so that we could have put up a single issue "anti sheltered housing warden cut" candidate. Both refused, saying that it was party policy to stand a candidate. I may be wrong, but I honestly believe that such a candidate would have given both Alison and Darrel a run for their money. One thing I know for certain is that there would have been a willing flood of volunteers canvassing. As it is, friends tell me that virtually no leaflets were dropped in Totteridge or Edgware. It was a shamefully missed opportunity. Oh and if you were wondering, I was strongly asked to stand, but being a councillor really isn't my thing.
As the Lab/Lib's wouldn't stand aside, we took the view that their was no prospect of success, therefore it would damage the campaign. If the anti warden cut vote had a three way split, we'd fail and I would not sanction such a monumental effort being totally wasted.
Which takes us on to the Labour and Lib Dem vote. As I said I expected a collapse. As it was they did better in Totteridge than at the last election and about the same in Edgware. The same is true of the Lib Dems. I expected them to be wiped out. Given the state of the party nationally, the fact that the seats were safe and the low level of canvassing, I had no expectation whatsoever of anything other than abject failure. Why did so many turn out for such a hopeless cause? As far as I am concerned, it is because of the hated scheme to scrap wardens. This will never derail a Tory in a safe seat, but I suspect that had either seat been a marginal, we may have seen some rather different results.
In hindsight, I honestly wish that the Barnet Community Campaign had persuaded Vicki Morris to stand as candidate in Edgware. We will never know, but we could have then compared the results of Edgware with Totteridge and really know how well supported we were. As it was there was no real candidate of protest.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Barnet Councillor apologises & legs it !
Barnet Tory Councillor Richard Weider has decided to set an example to his rather useless senior colleagues. He has apologised and emigrated. I wish Richard every success in his new life in Israel and hope that he learned something from his time in Barnet. I sincerely hope that he can pursuade Mike Freer et all to join him some time very soon. An apology from Freer for losing £27.4 million in Iceland would be nice, rather than the not me guv, he currently tells everyone. Maybe he could find something for Matthew Offord as well. It would be nice to hear an apology from him for the terrible cost overruns at Aerodrome road, rather than blaming it on Andrew Harper who took over once it started going pear shape. Maybe he could find something for Lynn Hillan as well. She really should start apologising for her scheme to make the Boroughs elderly residents vulnerable by abolishing the Sheltered Housing Wardens in the majority of the boroughs accomodation. As we all know, a few blocks will keep their wardens. The ever caring Hillan made sure her mum was in a home keeping it's wardens before the cuts were announced. Pure Coincidence, she bleated.
Anyway, here's what Richard Weider had to say in full. He say's he'd love to see us all in Israel. Thanks for the offer Richard, I'll pass that one by, but I'd love to see the unholy trinity detailed above join you :-
Dear Edgware Resident
I am writing to let you know that two weeks ago my wife Sonia and I decided to make aliyah (emigrate) to Israel. I have therefore decided to step down as a Councillor for Edgware Ward.
For the past three years I have felt privileged to serve, support, represent and help the people of Edgware both on their individual issues and those relating to Barnet Council.
I have also been proud to be part of the Conservative Administration running Barnet Council under the leadership of Councillors Mike Freer and Matthew Offord and hope you have experienced some of the improvements that I have helped to achieve.
These achievements have included amongst others:
- The improvement of Edgware Library and its opening on Sundays;
- Improvements to Stonegrove Park and Edgwarebury Park, which recently received a Green Flag;
- Continued improvements to local schools;
- The rebuilding of Broadfields Primary;
- The planning permission for Edgware Jewish Primary School;
- Improvements to recycling so that plastic and cardboard can now be recycled;
- Fighting for better health care;
- Good local cohesion;
- Working closely with the local police.
In order to save you the local taxpayers £10,000 cost of a by-election, my resignation will be timed to coincide with the European elections, scheduled for 4th June. In the meantime you will continue to be represented by my two colleagues:
Cllr Helena Hart – cllr.h.hart@barnet.gov.uk – 020 8371 0658
Cllr Joan Scannell – cllr.j.scannell@barnet.gov.uk – 020 8959 5921
My wife and I have decided to emigrate to Israel, because we believe passionately in Israel as the home of Jewish people and believe it is where all Jews should strive to live. Therefore, at this stage in our lives we believe this is the correct step to make.
Whilst, we are moving for positive reasons, we are also concerned about the rising levels of anti-Semitism in England, where Jews no longer always feel comfortable living as Jews and supporting Israel.
Over my life I have learnt to love Israel, and for the past ten years I have been doing my best to show this to others by supporting and representing Israel.
However, I also believe that it is time for us to contribute even more to Israel by living our lives here and helping to make it as successful a country as possible.
I hope that during my time as Councillor, you have appreciated what I have done, even if you did not always agree with it. I also apologies to anyone that I upset.
Finally, I hope to see you all in the future, either here in Israel or in London.
Richard
Cllr Richard Weider
Monday, 30 March 2009
Barnets most sensible Tory !
I have a radical suggestion for the Barnet Conservatives. One which will transform their policies and cut the tax bill to all residents, in the process making them massively popular. The cuts will not affect popular services such as the warden service for sheltered accomodation and will not alienate vast swathes of the electorate. All they will be doing is applying traditional sensible Conservative policies in a manner designed to help everyone in the borough. Now normally I would refrain from doing anything to help the Tories, but if the current bunch of crackpots who are in charge go on for much longer, I shudder to think of the consequences. When the first old lady who's sheltered accomodation warder has been dismissed dies, I won't be sitting there smugly, saying "told you so" I'll be weeping with impotent rage. That is why I'm prepared to give the Tories a way out.
Councillor Richard Weider, councillor for Edgware ward has resigned. There will be a byelection in June. This presents the Tories with an opportunity to get in someone who can do the job properly. They have the opportunity to appoint someone who knows what waste there is in the council and what to do about it. I think there can only be one candidiate. David Miller, who runs the Barnet Council watch blog is the ideal man. Today David published his 100th blog. I've read every single one of them. I don't agree with David's wider political views, but he's
a) Very Courageous, unlike his Tory opponents who won't put a name on their criticisms.
b) Very Meticulous, if like me you've read every word of his blogs, you'd know he gets detail.
c) Very Honest, he tells the truth about the council.
Not only that, but he has a plan to get Barnet finances back on track without killing old dears. I have long berated Mike Freer and Matthew Offord for lacking leadership skills. They have a golden opportunity. Make David Miller the candidate and announce that when he wins you'll immediately appoint him leader and back every decision he makes.
One last question you may want to know. Would I personally vote for him? Nope. I'd vote Labour, but then I'm a swivel eye'd Trotskyite Looney ! If however you are a sensible Tory and you care about Barnet, you really should.
Councillor Richard Weider, councillor for Edgware ward has resigned. There will be a byelection in June. This presents the Tories with an opportunity to get in someone who can do the job properly. They have the opportunity to appoint someone who knows what waste there is in the council and what to do about it. I think there can only be one candidiate. David Miller, who runs the Barnet Council watch blog is the ideal man. Today David published his 100th blog. I've read every single one of them. I don't agree with David's wider political views, but he's
a) Very Courageous, unlike his Tory opponents who won't put a name on their criticisms.
b) Very Meticulous, if like me you've read every word of his blogs, you'd know he gets detail.
c) Very Honest, he tells the truth about the council.
Not only that, but he has a plan to get Barnet finances back on track without killing old dears. I have long berated Mike Freer and Matthew Offord for lacking leadership skills. They have a golden opportunity. Make David Miller the candidate and announce that when he wins you'll immediately appoint him leader and back every decision he makes.
One last question you may want to know. Would I personally vote for him? Nope. I'd vote Labour, but then I'm a swivel eye'd Trotskyite Looney ! If however you are a sensible Tory and you care about Barnet, you really should.
Monday, 16 March 2009
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 !
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 !
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Councillor Richard Weider - Barnet's Most Useless Councillor?
Barnet Council's very own Mr UselessThere is some hot competition for this title, but from what I've seen of our estimeed friend in action, Councillor Richard Weider must surely take the title. How do you measure the uselessness of a Councillor? Well it's hard, but I'd say a good place to start is by seeing if they've actually done what they said they'd do.
Now our current hapless numpty, Richard Weider recently came to my attention at the Hendon Residents forum. His rather clumsy attempts to bully local resident Vicki Morris were comprehensively slapped down by the Chairman, his esteemed colleague Councillor Brian Gordon. I though to myself, maybe I'll take a little look at what Mr Weider has been up to recently - I shouldn't have bothered.
Firstly I looked at the council questions. Well Mr Weider has asked one in the last few months - How many Freedom of Information requests have been asked by MP's. Well done Mr Numpty - now it's recorded for posterity that Hendon MP (Weider's own Labour MP) is the hardest working in this department. He's asked the most. Now when Weider goes canvassing and his constituents ask "Is Andrew Dismore hard working?" He can either say "Yes" or tell a porkie. Well Done Richard, great own goal.
Now the reason I was checking his questions is because Councillor Weider runs a blog. In November he asked for some questions to ask http://richardfweider.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html
Guess what? He got one :-
Blogger Rog T said...
Hi Richard,
Great idea having this forum. Well done.
I have a question for you. Can you get an update on the situation regarding Darlands Lake and the plans going forward.
Now as you can see I asked a non contentious, non party political question, but unfortunately Councillor Weider was too busy scoring own goals to bother. We are none the wiser as to the council's plans for this important nature reserve as old lazybones didn't actually bother. Now I could understand if he'd got a hundred replies, but he only had one !!!!
On his blog for this year, as the credit crunch eats into our livelyhood, Councillor Weider has managed a mere 2 entries. What are they about? What does Councillor Weider think will most get the pulses of his voters racing?
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Israeli Elections
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Live Blog of Israeli Election Results
Not quite what we had in mind when we read the title of his blog :-
I hope this is a way in which people will be able to hear what is going on in Edgware while also being able to communicate with me.
Now I don't know much about the Israeli elections so I thought I'd see what Councillor Weider's analysis would tell me :-
21:50 - Thats it for tonight more comment tomorrow
21:45 - Shas are recommending Likud as the main governing party and Netanyahu and Lieberman are speaking on the phone.
21:40 - Is this the end of Barak and Labour. Yes to the first, increasinly likely to the latter. What are we to make of the continual decline of the founding party of Israel.
21:10 - Sky news are suggesting that Kadima, Likud and Labour could form a grand-coaltion. While, others are trying to suggest and workout how Kadima or Likud form their own coalitions, I think the grand-coalition is quite likely.
Well, that's OK then. The last message left at 21.50 on Tuesday - still no new update - Councillor Useless strikes again !!!! I think next time I'll tune into Sky News.
Friday, 6 February 2009
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 :-
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.
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.
Friday, 21 November 2008
Best Tory Councillor in Barnet Competition - Current Leader !!!!
Credit where credit is due. You may think that all I do is go around moaning about how useless various Conservative Councillors are and finding faults with everything they do. In actual fact, nothing could be further from the truth and I'm happy to write nice things about any Councillor who deserves it and is doing a good job.
One Councillor who is clearly doing a great job is Hale Councillor Richard Wieder. He runs a blog (a free one on blogspot). On his latest entry he has mentioned he's attending a Council meeting and is asking for us to give him any questions to ask which we may have. I think that this is a really interesting and innovative idea and hope that many people come up with useful questions.
It seems to me that Richard is doing what a local Councilor should in an interesting and dynamic way and deserves some recognition for it. I hope people use his forum and post good questions. That is how local democracy should work.
Click HERE for Richards blog
One Councillor who is clearly doing a great job is Hale Councillor Richard Wieder. He runs a blog (a free one on blogspot). On his latest entry he has mentioned he's attending a Council meeting and is asking for us to give him any questions to ask which we may have. I think that this is a really interesting and innovative idea and hope that many people come up with useful questions.
It seems to me that Richard is doing what a local Councilor should in an interesting and dynamic way and deserves some recognition for it. I hope people use his forum and post good questions. That is how local democracy should work.
Click HERE for Richards blog
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