Barnet Council Tories celebrate their victory North Korean style !

A quick hat tip to Dan-il Hope Daniel Hope, formerly a member of the local politbureau Council, but now the proprietor of the Barnet Bugle, a not too bad blog about stuff in Barnet. Dan draws our attention to these posters which Barnet Council are putting up to tell us how marvellous they are. Strangely enough, I thought there was a recession, huge public spending cuts and a relentless drive against waste. A leading Tory has informed me that the posters are a "public service" to allow people to "recognise their councillors if they have a problem". He informs me it is nothing whatsoever to do with egomania and narcisism and helps them to perform a "vital public service".

Personally I'd have thought that if councillors really wanted to meet the people in the High Street, they'd have been better of  walking up and down and saying hello to them (but what do I know). It would certainly have been cheaper. My Tory friend informed me that these posters cost "nothing" as the poster company display them for free, in return for putting commercial advertising on the other side. Sadly, me being a swivel eyed Trot, I havea more business orientated view of the world than our local Tories. "Why don't they put commercial information on both sides and make a profit to keep tax down". He was ready for this question "Because this way we can get local information out to the people of Barnet for free".

Well this is the Barnet we live in.Earlier in the year, I detailed how Barnet Council had banned the addition of names of fallen servicemen to our local war memorials on cost grounds - read this blog -

http://barneteye.blogspot.com/2010/02/barnet-council-sticks-to-fingers-up-at.html

Barnet Council has got it so wrong. They will plaster the Borough with the names and pictures of local politicians, subsidised by advertising which could be spent on local community schemes or commemorating real heroes who have made real sacrifices. My local Tory friend also told me something else. He told me that they were rather pleased I lost at the council elections as they really didn't want me embarrassing them about crap like this in the Council chamber. A message to everyone who voted Tory in the Council elections - Happy Now?

I agree we're thick !

"I agree with Nick". For a few days this seemed to be the rally cry which would carry the Lib Dems into government. As it is, it seems to be carrying us into a shoddy deal to prop up a failed Tory Leader who blew a 44% lead in the polls against a Prime Minister described as "the worst ever" on election day by a member of his own party.

All of our canvassing in Mill Hill indicated that the Lib Dems would get in at the Council in Mill Hill. We thought we'd left nothing to chance and were canvassing all hours for weeks on end. I now realise that there's a huge swathe of Tory and Labour voters who only come out to play at general elections. These people will only vote for their own party. They don't read the other sides leaflets. They will be polite on the doorstep and listen to your arguments, but they ain't going to change where they put their cross on the ballot paper.

So could the Lib Dems have won in Mill Hill on a day when the Council Elections coincided with a general Election? This is a question I have been asking myself. The honest answer is "Yes, but only with hindsight or a Tardis". You can't fight the same campaign that you fight for purely locals. Former Lib Dem Councillors all over London have learned this harsh lesson. Sadly for Barnet, I think the election has delivered an awful result. One of the reasons I joined the Lib Dems last year was because I was impressed with how the Lib Dem Councillors had provided effective opposition on a whole range of issues (Iceland, Sheltered Housing, Future Shape). As Wayne Casey was standing down, he personally asked me to consider taking up the mantle because he knew I'd put the hours in and do my homework. It was not meant to be.

Sadly for the people of Barnet, I think that less effective scrutiny as they launch into Future Shape will be a disaster. I am at a complete loss as to how to head this off. I am sure that Jack, Monroe and Suzette will do a fine job as best they can, but with half the number of councillors it will be a daunting task.

Every conversation I had on the doorstep, every chat in the street or in the pub, made me think we we had got it right. The behaviour of certain people on the night of the election, convinced me of the need to get decency back into Barnet politics. Unless you were actually there, it would be impossible to convey how awful some of the people in Barnet politics really are. There are some very decent people on all sides, many of them backbench councillors who just do it for the good of the people they represent. I must say that I think the Mill Hill Conservative Councillors are decent men so I'm not having a go at them. I am sure you can guess who I am referring to. One such man sneered at me after the result was announced "What an idiot, he actually thought he was going to win".

Well my friend, to coin a phrase "I agree we're thick". Let me remind him of another one of my mantras "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger". Last time I looked in the mirror I most certainly wasn't dead. Let me remind him that Tory Mill Hill Councillor John Hart lost in 1994, 1998 and 2002 (and at a couple of byelections). Did he give up and hide under a stone? John and I have one thing in common. We are Mill Hill through and through (even if boundary changes mean he now lives in Hale!). I suggest if any Tories in Barnet think I might get fed up with all of this and give up, they ask John Hart how likely this would be. He understands. We may sit on opposite sides of the politcal fence, but we are both stubborn sods.

Barnet Council Elections - Mill Hill Ward

It seems like I'm a better blogger than I am Council candidate. I've had more hits than I got votes over the last two days. Congratulations to John Hart, Suri Khatri and Brian Schama who won for the Tories.

They are all nice guys who won with humour and dignity. They are probably the finest of the current Barnet Tory crop. I spent much of the day sharing jokes with them as the vote progressed. I've always believed that Mill Hill was a great place and even our Tories are a cut above the run of the mill bunch.

I must say a special word about John Hart. He lost in 1994 and contested every election till he got back in at the 2006 Council elections. Respect. A fine example to Kim, Jeremy and myself. I think we'd have done a better job, otherwise I wouldn't have stood, but if you have to vote for Tories in Mill Hill, you have the best of the bunch in Barnet.

Barnet Council divert 240 bus on eve of Election

The picture to the left was taken at just after noon today in High Street Mill Hill. As you can see a 240 bus is trying to squeeze down a road which is not on its route and is clearly not suitable for such large vehicles.

The reason? Workmen from Barnet Council had diverted the bus from its regular route on the Ridgeway. I was canvassing when I saw this incredible site. I was chatting to a resident who told me she'd never seen a bus come down her road in 60 years.

It is quite clear that such a diversion, with cars parked on both sides of the road is a hazard. Bus routes are agreed and planned so as to minimise disruption, risk to pedestrians and risk to parked cars. It is quite clear that Barnet Council needs to be made aware of this as a matter of urgency.

It's party time in Mill Hil Broadway !

It's Saturday morning. It's 11am. It's Mill Hill Broadway. It's party time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo I hear you shout. Sadly, I don't mean that it's time to have a party. No, don't all rush down with your bottles of champagne and your shortest mini skirts. I mean that all of the political parties are out in force. Now I have two perspectives on this. One as a blogger documenting the life and times of Mill Hill and one as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Council. So who did we have?

Well first up you had the A Team. The Mill Hill Lib Dems. in the picture are the three candidates for Mill Hill, Jeremy Davies, my good self and Kim Checchetto. Also present is Barnet Lib Dem Leader Jack Cohen and his good lady Ruth Cohen, who is a Lib Dem candidate in Golders Green. As you can see, we got up early and nabbed the best spot. I think it's fair to say we had the best stall, with balloons and pictures of Mill Hill, the Manifesto, a whole selection of leaflets and even "I agree with Nick" badges for sale. For us it felt as near to a carnival atmosphere as you are likely to get on a political party stall in Mill Hill. Even the local Conservatives were grudingly telling us we've had a good campaign and a good election so far.

Next up, outside Jennings Bookies was the Residents Association candidate for Hale. His name is Derek French. I had a chat with my Barnet Blogger hat on with Mr French. I was keen to understand why he was standing. If you click the above link, he's laid it all out pretty well. Now as there are Lib Dem candidates standing in Hale ward, I obviously want them to all get elected, but lets just say I would certainly like Mr French to come fourth in the polls behind our three candidates, if someone has to. I am a great believer in "localisation" and Mr French embodies this. He told me that before he started he had reservations about canvassing and standing on the street handing out leaflets. He tells me he's had a great reception and is warming to the task at hand. Whatever party you belong to, you should see it as a good thing that people believe in democracy enough to stand as an independent.

Finally outside Iceland we had the "B" team. The Conservatives (B is for Blue). There were four of them when I went up and asked if I could take their photo. One of them shrieked "He'll lampoon us and humiliate us, send him away" (or words to that effect). Councillor John Hart, wisely said "He'll take a picture anyway, so we might as well let him". The other two legged it out of shot, leaving candidates Suri Khatri and Councillor Hart to have their picture taken. Councillor Hart was collecting signatures to stop the development of sports facilities at Copthall. I had a peek and four people had signed  at that time (him and his three helpers possibly). I told John that he'd scored an own goal and explained why. He looked rather glum and told me "Well I didn't write it". I promised John I'd only print the picture if it was flattering (I hope he likes it). I must say I was disappointed with their stall. Given all of the lovely wonga that Lord Ashcroft has given the Conservatives and their recent sponsorship deal with a local commercial dog walking service, I fully expected neon lights and a brass band.

Anyway, I made my way back to our stall. One thing I have noticed since the debate is the number of voters under 30 who have taken an interest in politics. It seems to me that all of these are swinging towards the Lib Dems. Our backroom computer guy came down to have a chat and told me something rather technical. I asked for an explanation. He said that thousands of people had registered to vote in Barnet recently. It seems that after a decade or two of declining interest, people are waking up to the fact that if you want to make things better you have to vote. As I drove to drop my son off for Gaelic football, I tuned into LBC to listen to the Ken Livingstone show. Rather oddly David Mellor was presenting it. It seems that Ken was poorly. They had "the UK's leading pollster" in to explain what is happening. His verdict? He hadn't got a clue. He was explaining how Labour could finish with least votes and get the most seats and how the Lib Dems could get the most votes and the least seats. When I'd finished dropping my son off, I went back for the last half hour.

A man asked me how I could possibly think a hung Parliament would be a good thing or how PR could possibly be good for Great Britain. I explained what the guy UK's leading pollster had been saying and said that I thought that Democracy meant that the majority of people supported the Government. Did he really believe that a system which could deliver such a perverse result was fair?

His answer seemed to be "Yes, if it means the Conservatives are elected". If you believe our electoral system is fair and works well, please consider the following.

The majority of voters at the last election voted for parties that have had no say in the running of the country. The Country has been lead for three years by a man who was not elected by the British people. Since this man took over, the country has fallen into the biggest financial crisis the country has ever faced in peacetime.

What about at a local level. Four years ago, Brian Salinger was leading the Conservatives. Immediately after the election, which his party won, they sacked him on ideological grounds. They are on their third leader. The elected one had the shortest tenure. In this time they lost £27.4 million in Iceland, £11 million on Aerodrome Road Bridge overspend. They have had to raid the cash reserves to prevent council tax from skyrocketing in an election year. None of these policies were in the manifesto which Salinger presented to the people of Barnet.

One lady bowled up to me and announced "The Tories said you were looking rather glum". I asked "Oh, do I look rather glum". She said "Actually no, you look quite cheerful". I then asked "How did they look". She replied "Oh, they looked rather glum, now you come to mention it".  I asked her if she would be voting for us on May 6th. She announced proudly "No". I guess I must have started to look glum myself, as she then announced "because I've already sent my postal vote off for you". At this I cheered up considerably. She then asked "Why aren't labour down here today?". A question which we've all been asking ourselves.

A Change is Gonna Come

This is dedicated to all of the mad people of all parties who have spent the last few weeks trudging the streets of Great Britain doing their bit for democracy. Enjoy your Saturday night. I know I will



If I was the Leader of the Lib Dems, this is the song I'd have picked for a campaign theme tune. Listen and enjoy (whoever you support). Have a great evening

Local Tories in Election Leaflet bungle

Readers of the Barnet Eye will have recently read of rather odd claims that "Lib Dems plan 500 seat stadium for Copthall Chase Lodge" from the Mill Hill Tories in a recent leaflet. Given that no local Lib Dems have a clue about any such plans, the Barnet Eye was keen to find out what the Tories were on about.

The Barnet Eye has spoken to various Lib Dem councillors and has discovered the source of the rumour. Local Tories have confused Lib Dem support for planned improvements to Chase Farm Hospital with the Chase Lodge football pitches.Local Lib Dems have spearheaded the campaign to retain and improve facilities at Chase Farm. This will ease pressure on the already overworked Barnet General hospital.

Barnet Lib Dems are happy to announce that they fully support improvements to Chase Farm Hospital. As to Stadiums at Copthall and Chase Lodge, we've seen no plans and none have been submitted for any form of planning approval. No Mill Hill Lib Dems have been involved in any schemes for stadiums (as alleged in the Tory Leaflet) or any other developments on the site and can only suggest that the Tories have got their wires crossed between Chase Farm pitches and Chase Lodge Hospital, where the local Lib Dems are spearheading the drive for improvements. If it didn't affect local residents it would be quite funny.

Is there an election coming up by any chance?
***** Update at Saturday *****
In response to a confused resident from Enfield who rather likes this blog. Lib Dems are not proposing that Chase Farm hospital be turned into a football stadium. We are proposing that the hospital services are retained and improved. Local residents may recall that the Conservative government closed Edgware General hospital (I know, I helped organise the campaign to oppose the closure). There is only one party which opposes hospital closures and stands up for the green belt in Mill Hill. That is the Lib Dems.

Dodgy Leaflet Alert

Following a spate of reports of leaflets/letters from local political parties containing (lets be charitable) questionable statements, the Barnet Eye is asking anyone who receives any leaflets, letters or otherwise to get in touch. We'll put these leaflets up on the blog and give you our verdict using the legendary Barnet Eye Spinometer ! - CLICK HERE TO EMAIL THE BARNET EYE - if you can scan them great, if you can't let me know and I'll collect them.

Mill Hill Conservatives are getting a divorce !

I have had the best laugh of the campaign so far today. If you click on the Conservative Council Election leaflet on the right, it will enlarge to full size. This leaflet has two themes. One is that the Green Belt is safe with the Tories and the other is a profile of it's candidates. Guess what one of their candidates (one who doesn't live anywhere near Mill Hill) does for a living? He's chairman of a "property investment company". His interests include "preserving Mill Hill".  I'll let the readers of the Barnet Eye draw their own conclusions.

The other thing which is even funnier is the claim in the leaflet that Liberal Democrats are planning a 500 seat football stadium for Copthall. Which Liberal Democrats are these? We were canvassing in Mill Hill East when a resident showed us the leaflet. Given that the Tories control Barnet Council, surely any such plans would require their approval. I can say with 100% certainty that no Lib Dems in Mill Hill have even heard of these plans, let alone are leading the project as the leaflet says.

They must really be desperate if they have to come out with old tosh like this. Maybe they are trying to deflect attention for Boris Johnsons plans for 15 traveller sites in the Borough, which are rumoured to be on the Green Belt. It seems that the Local  Tories are getting a divorce. From reality.

Expect more of the same

Is Gordon Brown a Homodoxian?

There is a great article on page 13 of todays Daily Express. It is all about rarely used words. Strangely enough many of these come in would come in quite useful when writing blogs about the current election.

For example HOMODOXIAN. This means "A person who has the same view as you". I immediately thought of Gordon Brown and his "I agree with Nick" - definate homodoxian if you ask me.

Then there is KAKISTOCRACY. This means "government by the worst citizens". Strangely enough. I suspect if any party wins the election outright, a majority of the British people will be ruled by a party they didn't vote for and will find this term quite useful. In all the arguments against PR, one which is never deployed is that at least the majority of voters will be represented by the government. Isn't that meant to be called DEMOCRACY.

Another word in the article is KECK. This means "To make a sound as though one were to vomit". I'm sure we've all done this as we've seen oily politicians lie through their teeth on TV in recent weeks.

One word I quite liked is MARIALITY. This means "Excessive or undue affection on the part of a wife for her husband". Whilst I don't expect any candidates spouse to come out and say "He's a blithering idiot and I only married him for the cash and the limo and if it wasn't for the kids I'd be off with the milkman", usually my reaction to any appearance from any spouse where they talk about their husband is to KECK.

How's about PARACME. This means "The point at which ones prime is passed". Nuff said really.

Another word which should be used more in the current campaign is TACENDA. This means "Things not to be mentioned, matters that are passed over in silence". Such as how to fund the defecit?

With all our MP's expenses, a word which may come in useful is QUOMODCUNQUIZE. This means "To make money in any way possible". Again Nuff said.

In the past when I've done blogs about unusual words, I've had a great response. People enjoy the more obscure reaches of our language. Many older readers will remember the TV game show "Call my bluff".  I was reading through the various parties manifesto and I sometimes think that these are like that show. I sometimes think it would be interesting to reprise that show with the three party leaders.

One other footnote. Being dyslexic, I'm afraid that I instantly forget these words. When I've done blogs on language before, people have spoken to me months later and said "That blog on COULROPHOBIA was brilliant". I had to confess I hadn't got a clue what they were on about until they said "You know, the fear of clowns", so please bear with me.

Mill Hill Lib Dem helps Tory Election Campaign

I have a confession to make. I've helped our local Conservative candidate, Matthew Offord with his campaign to be an MP. Now I didn't know I was helping him, but had I known, I would have still helped him. Does this shock you, knowing my views on Matthew?

Let me explain. I just got a Matthew Offord leaflet through the door. It is a two page newspaper style leaflet. On the back is a picture of a group of pensioners under the title "Labour cuts freedom pass". If you look carefully at the picture, there is a Lady at the back of a certain age, holding up her pass. She is a neighbour of mine. She lives on her own and I've known her for years. On many occasions we've helped her out in small ways. I don't mind, it's what a community does for each other.

About six weeks ago, she came down to see me. She was having trouble filling in her application for her freedom pass. I duly helped her complete the form and then walked around to the post office and posted the envelope. That was the end of the matter I thought. The next time I saw this pass was this morning on the Matthew Offord magazine. Had I known what she'd do, would I have given her the bird and told her to go away? No of course I wouldn't. So what if it helps Matthew Offord with his campaign. We are all entitled  to our views.

We are a tolerant society and I celebrate the fact that I get on with all sorts of people with all sorts of political views. It is sad that some politicians live in such an insular bubble that they can't see beyond their own narrow interests

Not all of the news on the campaign trail is good

On Saturday morning in Mill Hill Broadway. There's revolution in the air. The previous Saturday there was an air of euphoria, with many people coming up and congratulating us on Nick Cleggs surprise victory in the Leadership debate. The atmosphere was different this week. The polls have gone up and stayed up. Rather than euphoric congratulation, people were asking serious questions, raising real issues and telling us that they were on side. Of course not everyone in Mill Hill like the Lib Dems. Amongst the anti mob, there is also a hardening of attitudes. If you are an irrelevence everyone is nice to you. Until last week that was the case. There was a massive dollop of poison dumped on the Lib Dems in the week, so it was inevitable that this would affect some people. As I've spoken to many people on the doorstep and on the street, I can tell you how this has worked. The people who really hated the Lib Dems now hate us even more and they have better ammunition with which to be rude to us. The people in the middle who may or may not vote for us have read this and are really keen to discuss the issues raised. As a candidate for council, this works massively in my favour. As people want to talk to me, I can get the message across.

Another thing which I haven't anticipated is the number of people I've told on the doorstep to read my blog if they wanted to find out about my views. Quite a few came up to me on Saturday morning and congratulated me. That is nice. They asked why the local press didn't cover local issues in such depth. They were amazed at how many issues they'd never heard of. There was one piece of news which absolutely gutted me. I bumped into an old footballing friend, who played in several teams I've played in over the years. He told me he had Kidney cancer and it had spread. He was on an experimental drug and was hoping it would stop the cancer in it's tracks. My friend is not a shrinking violet, he's one of the most full of life people I've ever known. As we chatted, he announced to everyone who passed "Vote for this guy, he's the man". I pondered the fact that he'd make a great politician, a man of great charm, personality and charisma. Barnet Council needs dynamic people who are not stuffed shirts. I've long been of the opinion that it's too full of pomp and ceremony and that puts the man on the street off. If I get in on May 6th, I am going to dedicate the next 4 years to trying to get local people involved and local people making a difference. One of my Lib Dem colleagues joked that following my run in with theMayor last year, if the Lib Dems win, I'd make a great Mayor. Should that happen the first thing I'd do is sell they Mayoral Limo and the second thing I'd do is sell the Mayoral chain. I'd give the money raised to local sports clubs, to help get young people into healthy lifestyles. I asked why the Mayor needs a limo "So when he attends a function, he can have a drink and get taken home". If I decide to get pissed at the public expense, then it isn't work, it's pleasure and I'll pay my own busfare home. We need to make the council work for the people of Barnet and get rid of all of the indulging of public servants.

I hope that in four years time, my good friend is out on the Broadway telling everyone I'm still the man for two reasons - firstly because I pray to god he survives that long and secondly because I hope I've proven his faith in me to be justified. God bless you Gummsy !

Barnet Blogs update :- Buggles featuring Han Dope

As ever the Barnet Eye is keen to keep its readers up to date with the world of the Barnet Blogosphere

Probably the most notable recent addition is The Barnet Bugle. This is the work of former Barnet Conservative Councillor Dan Hope (or Han Dope as us dyslexics like to call him). Dan is an  interesting character, one of the many true blue Tories who have, shall we say, not been massively impressed with the local Tory council. Of all of the Barnet Tories I have jousted electronically for longer with Mr Hope than any of them. He understands electronic media better than any of the rest of the Barnet Tories (with the exception of Don't Call Me Dave). When he first cropped up on my radar, I coined the term "Bonkers Dan Hope" as I felt he had some rather odd views on issues such as road humps. As the local Tories became more entrenched in power and disaster followed disaster, I came to realise that Dan is actually one of the least bonkers of the Barnet Conservatives. The Barnet Bugle is running a local election diary and if you want to follow the election, it is a great place to look. I doubt that Dan really wants my endorsement, but I'd be lying if I said that the Bugle isn't one of the first blogs I check every day.

Another interesting blog, especially for those of my readers interested in Jewish issues and Israel is the blog written by Richard Millett, a former Mill Hill Conservative Candidate. This is notable as Mr Millett is not afraid to criticise the Barnet Tory Council or even David Cameron for his comments about East Jerusalem.

The Hendon Times is also running an election blog for the candidates. The Conservative challenger for Hendon, Matthew Offord has posted a few entries as has Matthew Harris, the Lib Dem. I am intrigued by Matthew Offords postings. He repeatedly tells anecdotes about what people have said to him in Mill Hill. Now I've spoken to thousands of people in Mill Hill on the campaign trail. It seems that they must tell Matthew completely different things to what they tell me. Is it possible that the people of Mill Hill are trying to cheer Matthew up? I don't know, but it is rather intriguing? The most interesting thing though is that there is no blog from Andrew Dismore, the Labour candidate (or any of the others). Wasn't he asked or couldn't he be bothered? Either way it's pretty disturbing.

More Canvassing Stories - David Cameron on Israel and overdeveloped allotments

Unlike many people I really enjoy canvassing. I genuinely enjoy talking to people. Generally we tend to go out in teams, but if I'm honest, I prefer going out on my own. If you are part of a team and you get talking to someone who is really interesting, you feel the need to cut short the conversation and dash off to "catch up". I don't really like having that pressure. Some of the most interesting conversations are with people who won't vote Lib Dem, for various reasons. The conversations haven't been about politics, but about life in Mill Hill. I had a great chat gentleman in Sunnyfields who was a committed Conservative. He wanted to know what I thought of the "spin" aspect of politics. He told me that he thought John Major would be the last "real" Prime minister.He felt that the Leadership debates on TV were a terrible thing because it focussed on the person not the policies. As we parted he said "Do you really think voting in the Council elections makes a difference?". I replied "I'm not getting paid to do this, so I guess I must". I hope that if I'm elected, he won't ask me that question in four years.

Another Tory voter who I had an interesting chat with had problems with the allotments at the bottom of her garden. Strangely enough, it turned out that I'd been advising a friend (who is non political) who had been helping her to deal with the problem with Barnet Council. He'd sent me an email confirming that Barnet Council would be acting on the matter just before I'd left to go door knocking. She was pleased to hear this. Asked her why she hadn't contacted her local Conservative Councillor who is involved with the allotment society, as to me this would seem a natural thing to do. She replied "Oh, I was told he was too busy with the election" ?????

Another interesting chap was a Jewish guy who was a Lib Dem supporter. "Did you see what David Cameron said in the Financial Times about the West Bank?" He asked. I hadn't. He said "Wait here". After five minutes, he returned and said "Put this on your blog". He'd printed off an article and highlighted the text. As you have to subscribe to the FT (which you can do for free), this link may not work (you will be prompted to subscribe if you don't) :-

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c562cb5a-3cfd-11df-bbcf-00144feabdc0.html

If you don't want to subscribe, here is what he said :-

The would-be prime minister also gives an indication that he will be prepared to join Mr Obama in taking a tough line with Israel on the issue of settlements. “Unlike a lot of politicians from Britain who visit Israel, when I went I did stand in occupied East Jerusalem and actually referred to it as “occupied East Jerusalem,” he says. “The Foreign Office bod who was with me said most ministers don’t dare say [that].” He describes the lack of progress in the peace process as “depressing”.

We also had a chat about my blog. The chap in question is an avid reader of all of the Barnet blogs. "Do you chat to Don't Call Me Dave" was a topic of much interest. I told him we chat quite regularly. He asked if we coordinated blogs. As we sit at different ends of the political spectrum, but have the same opinion of many of the problems of Barnet, he thought we should. "Not really". I like David, I think he writes a great blog, but I think we are both far too independent in our thinking and perhaps a bit too competitive to do that.

The most difficult moment for me was when I knocked on the door of an elderly lady. There was no answer and I was just about to leave, when the door slowly started to open. She had clearly dragged herself with some difficulty from her chair. As I saw her, I felt I'd seen a ghost. She looked just like my mother, shortly before she passed away. She'd clearly had a stroke and had difficulty with movement and speech. Before my mum died, I used to go and have a cup of tea with her every day. This poor lady took the leaflet and smiled and gave me a thumbs up. My mum died in August 2008, but despite her problems, she voted in every election. She was gutted when Boris Johnson won they Mayoralty. Like my mum, this lady was living independently.  As I left, I felt bad with myself. I know first hand what problems she's facing. I felt helpless to do anything to help and useless for this. Then I thought back to my mums situation. I first started to get actively involved in local Politics in Spring 2007 when the Tories privatised the meals on wheels service. My mum was left high and dry with no lunch for several days. The quality of the food was awful at first. The meals were often cold when they were delivered. I suspect that many poor old dears were left hungry for weeks as the system was sorted out. I kicked up such a fuss that my mum was given priority and became the first meal delivered on her round. It became clear to me that such disruption caused stress and would probably have killed people. That was the start of a long journey that lead to me standing for the Lib Dems in Mill Hill.

As I left this ladies doorstep, I realised I was doing as much as I could to stop people such as her, being treated so awfully by Barnet Council. The best way to help and protect her was to have a council which really cared for the people it looked after. That is why I knocked on her door. That is why I will work tirelessly whatever happens to fight policies which hurt people such as her.

I miss my mum. She was a feisty old soul and if she was still around she'd have been telling me to get out and work harder. Thats why I enjoy canvassing. It reminds me of why I am doing all of this.

Leading Barnet Tory attacks Barnet Council Parking Policy

One of the up and coming stars of the Barnet Conservative Party at the last Council election was Richard Millett. He stood for the Mill Hill ward and I whiled away many happy hours discussing the folly of his policies. Happily the people of Mill Hill agreed with me on this issue. Richard now writes a blog and it seems that he's coming around to sharing my views about the Tories at Barnet Council. He wrote a rather good piece on the scrooge like parking policies of the local Tories.

http://richardmillett.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/parking-meters-on-yom-tov/

Richard was rightly upset that Barnet Council traffic wardens turned Easter Sunday into a nice Cash earner. Like many local Jewish people, Richard takes a rather sensible view on other peoples religions and recognises that to many people, easter Sunday will be considered as a special day and that parking restrictions should be relaxed. He states :

Barnet Council’s denigration of this holy sabbath shows lack of sensitivity for the Christian religion, for Londoners and even, if they wanted the day off, the wardens themselves.

Richard sensibly goes on to state :-

Barnet Council’s denigration of this holy sabbath shows lack of sensitivity for the Christian religion, for Londoners and even, if they wanted the day off, the wardens themselves. Barnet Council should make Easter Sunday more holy next year by treating it like the bank holiday it feels and if they don’t then they need to erect big “Parking Meters operating today” signs - Easter Sunday; a good day to be a traffic warden.

I am not so sure about it being Barnet Councils job to make any day more holy, but I fully agree with Richards comments that the Parking Wardens of Barnet Council use such occasions to catch people out. It is clear to me that the practices of some parking wardens in Barnet has greatly upset many people. As Barnet Council earn huge sums from these practices, it seems pretty clear to me that there is a policy of maximising revenue.

It is crystal clear to me that if Barnet Council and the local police put a fraction of the effort they put into catching out motorists into dealing with anti social behaviour, graffiti, rogue traders, burglars and enforcing property development rules, then Barnet would be a much better place to live.

Sheltered Housing - more than just a political football

Yesterday I visited Moreton Close in Mill Hill. This is what we used to call sheltered housing. I had a cup of tea and a chat with the residents. Barnet Council got rid of their onsite warden 2 years ago. How does the new system work. Not very well. Recently the travelling warden who also looks after Derby House in Hendon was called at 7am. They turned up at 10.30am. When you are vulnerable and need assistance that is a hell of a long time to wait. The residents were keen to know the Lib Dems position on wardens. I explained we would keep them. I asked what they thought of the parties. They told me they were disgusted by the behaviour of MP's and the expenses scandal.

I asked what they thought of the Council. There was barely concealed outrage at the way the Council has behaved. Then I got a surprise. I asked what they thought of our local MP. They were outraged. It seems that two people had turned up from the local Labour party at 8.45pm on a recent evening. They had gained access to the building, circumventing the entryphone system and had started banging on doors. As residents never get people banging on doors at this time, it scared the life out of the residents. They were livid. They asked me to pass on the message to all parties and all canvassers that residents do not appreciate late night calls in this manner. They were happy to chat and pleased that someone was taking an interest. I was pleased to have a rather nice cup of tea on my travels.

There is a lesson for all of us in here. Sheltered housing is more than a political football. It is a fundamental lynchpin of peoples lives. In all the excitement of Nick Cleggs fine performance in the debate, lets not forget who we are doing this for and why we are doing it.

I'm not interested in politics and I'm not going to vote

Whilst out campaigning and knocking on doors in Mill Hill I've learned a very interesting thing. I learned that many people who think they have no interest in politics are actually passionately interested, they just aren't being listened to. In the course of the week, I've spoken to two people who have given me a huge insight into how the people of Mill Hill think and how they view politics. Both started by saying "I'm not interested in politics and I'm not going to vote". In both cases, I asked why they felt like that. In both cases it turned out that they were highly interested. They just felt no one spoke up for them.

I explained my reasons for standing for the local council. I've lived in Mill Hill all of my life and I'm interested in making sure that it remains a good place to live. Both of the people I spoke to felt that it had become a less nice place in recent years. When I discussed the issues, many of these were beyond the scope of a local council to sort out. I discussed what a local councillor does and how a good local councillor spends many hours dealing with problems local people have with the council. Neither of the people I spoke to realised that local councillors hold open surgeries where people can come to discuss their problems with the council. My Lib Dem colleagues spend every Saturday morning at Mill Hill LIbrary. Anyone can drop in and discuss any issue. Many people have been helped as a result of these sessions. It is fair to say that councillors of all parties do the same.

I asked about what they felt a councillor could and should be doing. They told me of various things which they felt to be important. Both agreed that issues like potholes should have been dealt with in a more timely manner by Barnet Council. Both were worried by the effects of overdevelopment. Both were disgusted by the refusal of the Barnet Conservatives to add the names of servicemen who have died since World War II to local war memorials. One of the residents was a serving police officer. I asked him if he had any advice for me if I was elected.He said "Go out on a night shift with a patrol on a saturday night and don't go out with the chiefs". He said then I would see the real issues for normal police officers. I am a firm believer in seeing things from the ground level. This is one suggestion I will most certainly follow up if the people of Mill Hill see fit to give me the opportunity.

Both of the respondents were formerly in the forces and were scathing about the treatment of former servicemen. I would like to see a veterans bureau established which would put dealing with our servicemen at the forefront of our priorities. This is what happens in the USA and it works well. Suicides and depression is prevalent amongst our ex servicemen. I personally would like to see Council such as Barnet actively recruiting ex servicemen as they are hard working, punctual and committed. Again both of the people I spoke to agreed with this concept. Both would like to see low level crime addressed.

In both cases as we parted company on the doorstep, after a long conversation, I said "I though you weren't interested in Politics, we've been chatting for a half an hour" Both responded with the same comment "No one's ever listened to us before". Maybe there's a lesson in there for us all.

Barnet Tory Manifesto - What it doesn't say

Have you read the Barnet Conservative manifesto. Strangely there are several important words and phrases you won't find in there. These are phrases which have formed a key part of the Barnet Conservative agenda over the last few years. Click on the link at the bottom and try searching for these keynote policies.

EASYCOUNCIL
FUTURE SHAPE
SHELTERED HOUSING
WARDEN CUTS
ICELAND
ABOVE INFLATION COUNCIL TAX RISES
AERODROME ROAD
PRIVATISATION
POT HOLES

They don't mention that since the Tories took power Council Taxes have risen so high that they are now greater than the London Boroughs of Brent and Camden (both run by the Lib Dems). Barnet had lower Council taxes when the Tories took over in 2003.

They say they will prevent Property developers from building on Gardens. Why have they waited seven years to do it? They talk about protecting the green belt. They have been in power for seven years and not done anything to strengthen the green belt rules. They say they will retain the weekly collection of refuse, but it was their own suggestion to charge residents extra for collections as an example of Easycouncil. They say they will transform services so that they will focus on you the customer. If this was true, how come they ignored the 85% of customers who live in Sheltered Housing who said they wanted to retain their on site warden?

The Barnet Conservative manifesto is a fascinating document. I had wondered how they would address all of the issues which have affected the man on the street. Now we know, they are just going to pretend that none of it happened.

You can read this litany of shameless distortion  here :-

http://www.conservativesintouch.com/uploaded/files/conservatives4barnet2006_com/2010Manifesto.pdf

Paying the price for a Barnet Conservative Campaign blunder

As I found out yesterday, to my cost, Politics isn't always fair. Yesterday, after a hard day knocking on doors I nipped down to Marks and Spencers to buy some bread and bagels for my breakfast this morning. As I surveyed the rather tasty selection of smoked salmon, I was approached by a rather cross looking lady. "You're standing for Council aren't you. I've seen your picture". I said "yes, how can I help?". She responded "Don't you stupid idiots realise that by leaving leaflets sticking out of letter boxes, you are advertising to burglars which houses are empty". Now as a former paperboy (many years ago), I know that this is something you don't do. I said "Yes, you are quite right. We tell our helpers to always ensure the leaflets are properly pushed through. Tell me which road you live in and I'll have  word". She replied telling me where. This rather puzzled me. I asked "When was the leaflet left?" She responded "at about 2pm". I happened to know that we weren't working on that road at that time.  I then asked "Was it a leaflet for the Lib Dems?". "No" she responded. "It was for the Conservatives".  She then told me how she was a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator and she was disgusted that we could be so stupid. 

Anyway, having reassurred he that I totally agreed with her and that I'd ensure all local Lib Dem leafletters got the message, she asked me what I was going to do about the Conservatives. Resisting the temptation to reply "Beat them in the election", I replied that I would write a blog to inform them that they should be more careful when delivering their leaflets and to show a bit more. She asked "Do people actually read your blog?" I replied "Oh Yes, especially our local Conservatives, I'm sure they'll take note".