Maidstone Borough Council Induction

The evening of the 28th May was the new members Induction. It was basically the introduction to Chief Officers and some ways, means and processes. Having been a Parish Council Member for some years and a community and rural activist for many of those years I was aware of the names and positions and their roles they fulfill together with many of their functions and processes. It was nice to meet them directly and get to know where they work in the building. It was also good to meet my new fellow members from all parties. I had hoped to get away for another meeting, but this one lasted from 6pm to 9.30pm and the other one was only in the opposite room in the Town hall, but it started later and finished much sooner.  It was a KALC meeting, where the Kent Association of Local Councils includes Borough and Parish Councillors   discussing wide issues affecting all across the county. It is often meaningful and full in its exchanges. There are clashes that are more than politics! Its important to be there stating you case and in my case its about Rural communities getting a fair hearing when so many turn deaf ears to rural areas. We don't have the critical mass-enough numbers-to make certain things worth while so some say! I disagree, we need rural communities and all the different things and values they offer and have. Headcorn more than any other has great assets, opportunities and qualities I need to expose to others and find ways to optimise them, as well as counter the demand for the ruination of green fields in various guises. I DO appreciate the need for housing, but under MANY terms and conditions with limitations!

I started my induction as I mean to go on-promoting rural identity and its values. I fear I may have to spend a lot of time and energy on this and tackle it across many aspects and then once awareness is roused and they know me, then I can make a difference.

I need to be on or attend key Committees. I need to let the leaders know I will be more than a "nod, grunt, moan and attend" type member. But first we don't know who our leaders are! The Leader as of pre-election has resigned. As Conservatives we need to elect a leader and then at Full Council we need to do so too. The next few days will be politicking in many ways until a vote at Council on Saturday June 10th.

Many meetings loom!