News

Could this be the first split between the ‘INDEPENDENTS’?

The brand new party standing for District Council elections in our ward: North Downs East. The Pigeon sitting high on the rafters of the Hawkinge Partnership building, observes a spat between two of the Candidates standing in the May elections as ‘Independents’ wondering how they can be named as such when they all are ‘Independent’. Presumably including of each other. Bit of a contradiction in terms perhaps.

If they cannot agree amongst themselves before the elections what should the voters expect to happen afterwards.

Back to the Spat: It appears that Cllr. Peter Smith is using the photo copier in the Partnership building to produce his campaign leaflets. Fair enough you may think. The facilities in the building are for use by the community of which Mr Smith is one.

Then, in comes his fellow District and Parish Councillor and prospective fellow ‘Independent’ party member David Callahan and espies what’s happening. No, no. no. Thinks he. This, surely, cannot be acceptable. Bulk printing on the Partnership’s property of which I am a Board Member; bit much that, using our equipment.

The Pigeon heard mutterings including Mr Smith saying he was paying for the materials used.

The result: Mr Callahan has written to the Partnership to complain.

A list of questions ensuing from the noble Partnership Board Member. The Partnership Manager now has to account for allowing her office and public facilities to be used for ‘Political Purposes’. Oh dear! thinks the Pigeon this could get nasty. Isn’t politics part of the scene of things that the Partnership may help with ?

Lets hope the Partnership Board, if they consider the matter, see that the residents will benefit from a flow of information by whatever means, before the election, and let common sense prevail. Communication is all at this pre election time. Surely the Partnership cannot object to that.

The Pigeon