11 October (Part 1) - Gill Steward. Skilled in the art of trivia management
So what was the effect of
the Bexley Buffoon’s review of meetings aimed at giving
Councillors the opportunity to take an active part in their meetings? There was
more to it than the arbitrary removal of the Press Desk from the vast empty
spaces that you see in Photo 1.
If she had really wanted to ensure Councillors participate fully in meetings the
Buffoon could have done worse than suggest that Chairmen allow a debate on the subjects
listed in the Agenda. Last night we were treated to the spectacle of a Chairman
calling for a vote on subjects that had not been mentioned at all, but more of that anon.
As you can see from the two photos we now not only have a trip hazard to contend
with someone has gone to the expense of providing laminated notices on a handful of chairs.
The Agenda did indeed give guidance “on the new arrangements” as promised by the
Buffoon. However it was wrong on all counts. The Councillors’ desks were not
laid out as shown and the areas reserved for members of the public were not as
described by the diagram.
More subtle is the change of wording on the front of the Agenda packs. This is
how it used to be…
And this is how it has been since the Buffoon’s recent review.
Note the difference. The Buffoon thinks she can stop the public filming or
otherwise recording Council meetings if a Junior Officer might be present. How
does that work in practice? Does it mean no more group photos? Am I to turn off
my recorder the moment a Junior Officer speaks? Will I recognise a Junior
Officer when I see one? Will the Council’s webcasts be halted as and when required?
It must be borderline illegal. The Buffoon has spoken. Bexley takes a further step back in time.