25 May (Part 1) - Not Dim and not Dour. Definitely not
I
watched yesterday’s Council meeting on my TV at home. It’s a lot safer and more
convenient than risking one of Bexley’s motoring traps. It was not a proper
Council Meeting, more a Coronation of Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush as Mayor. To be
honest I had entirely forgotten that we were due a new Mayor but it was a
pleasant surprise to see Andy elected unopposed. One of the few Conservatives
who may deserve our unqualified respect. Well almost unqualified.
His assertion that 30% on parking charges is only a few pence still grates
somewhat but maybe I am too much of a skinflint. Only 20
minutes ago I called the manager in Sainsbury’s over 50p when the check out
assistant refused to honour a shelf price. (I won!)
Just as pleasant but not a surprise because it was in the Agenda published
a week ago was Richard Diment’s appointment as Places boss to replace the
disreputable Craske. Places is a bit of a Poisoned Chalice but Richard is
thoughtful with not even the slightest hint that he might turn out to be yet another liar.
Caroline Newton takes Richard Diment’s place as Headmistress. (Cabinet Member
for Education.) Another good choice hopefully.
Deputy Leader David Leaf made an informative, amusing and occasionally self-deprecating
speech about Mayors old and new and for once nobody complained about its
length. It was really rather good. Labour Leader Stefano Borella similarly
praised both albeit with some jokes that went over my head. (I know sweet F.A. about football!)
Bexley’s Cabinet appears to have taken a small step towards honesty and competence
but we still have three out of eight who have taken active steps towards putting local bloggers behind bars.
There is a way to go yet.
Note: This was the last Council meeting to be supervised by
their right hand man Dave Easton who long term readers may remember was always
polite and helpful to me at meetings when Councillors generally were not. I wish
him a long and happy retirement.