17 July - Drawbridge up. Heads in sand
Whilst
contemplating this blog in recent days and the downturn in newsworthy items my
mind kept returning to this comment (see left) on the front page of last week’s News
Shopper. It was at the foot of a feature on Bexley council investing its pension
funds in tobacco companies. Several people thought I should put my own boot in but
I am inclined to think pensions should be invested where the returns are greatest
and a quick bit of research showed that tobacco has considerably outperformed
the FTSE100 over the past ten years. Were my own pension funds similarly
invested and if so would it be hypocritical to comment? (†) But the really
interesting bit of the story as far as I was concerned is that footnote. Teresa
O’Neill, full time Bexley council leader, couldn’t spare a moment to say anything
at all to Bexley people. It is becoming the norm and it is not unexpected.
In the three years I have been commenting on Bexley council they have managed to
curb their tongues in a variety of ways, even
one time habitual liars like councillor Craske has not come out with a juicy new one for months, possibly all year. They
have also learned to block their ears; whether it be the curtailment of
questioning opportunities at council meetings, rejection of legitimate petitions
or a tendency to ignore Freedom of Information requests. The one asking for a
copy of Will Tuckley's business diary
for May is now well overdue with no comment beyond confirmation that he is being
chased for a response. Another enquiring about the possible distribution of
largesse to failed officials who are asked to leave is outstanding after more
than a year of waiting. When it eventually comes to a head I can already see
Bexley council will look very silly.
So maybe things will pick up despite the council’s efforts to enforce blackouts.
I have several reports that demand a photographic sortie and if the dreaded bug
eventually succumbs to modern medicine I shall be out on the road collecting the evidence.
† My research indicates they are not. I can breathe easily.