Some members do more and others do less, but I estimate that I spend a minimum of 25 hours on Council duty and usually a lot more. Some weeks I can spend just that time alone on emails! But I do read them and I tend to respond to them;those that detail local information and require a response.
Since I sit on the Planning Committee I tend to get a lot more;from every party for and against most applications. These require some attention, but not always a reply. In a Planning "run-up" it can be between 60-300 emails per application!
But there is much more! As a reactive member I meet most people that write or email me about a problem. As a Proactive member I write emails and letters to many to get a response about an issue that matters to me or my community.
I'm also strategic. I go to the top. I challenge Officers and key members.
I sit on Committees, I attend other committees as a visitor, I lobby groups both in the Council and elsewhere.I meet to discuss overall policy and strategy with my political group and I communicate to fellow members or to the County member or MP.
I attend Parish Council meetings when I can. I liaise with people like the Police and the Community Teams.
BUT I have a life! A council member does not get paid, we are volunteers, we CHOOSE to do the job.
I promise that I DO work hard at the role.
Perhaps I should list some major achievements? But they may actually seem petty!
A new litter bin and extra kitchen bins for some is hardly news!
A roof that caved in and got repaired and compensated is not relevant to anyone other than the resident that got that service!
Or a high hedge that offends, or a noisy neighbour, or a person that needs to be rehomed....maybe the declaration of the Low Weald, or exposing £2million of "lost" section 106s? Or even 3 consecutive managers for one post and £345k spent to achieve it? A few simple outrages and good causes or a number of personal problems do not excite most!
I just try and I try my best!
Since I sit on the Planning Committee I tend to get a lot more;from every party for and against most applications. These require some attention, but not always a reply. In a Planning "run-up" it can be between 60-300 emails per application!
But there is much more! As a reactive member I meet most people that write or email me about a problem. As a Proactive member I write emails and letters to many to get a response about an issue that matters to me or my community.
I'm also strategic. I go to the top. I challenge Officers and key members.
I sit on Committees, I attend other committees as a visitor, I lobby groups both in the Council and elsewhere.I meet to discuss overall policy and strategy with my political group and I communicate to fellow members or to the County member or MP.
I attend Parish Council meetings when I can. I liaise with people like the Police and the Community Teams.
BUT I have a life! A council member does not get paid, we are volunteers, we CHOOSE to do the job.
I promise that I DO work hard at the role.
Perhaps I should list some major achievements? But they may actually seem petty!
A new litter bin and extra kitchen bins for some is hardly news!
A roof that caved in and got repaired and compensated is not relevant to anyone other than the resident that got that service!
Or a high hedge that offends, or a noisy neighbour, or a person that needs to be rehomed....maybe the declaration of the Low Weald, or exposing £2million of "lost" section 106s? Or even 3 consecutive managers for one post and £345k spent to achieve it? A few simple outrages and good causes or a number of personal problems do not excite most!
I just try and I try my best!
