Chairman's Forum (Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats)

Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats <info@esherandwaltonlibdems.org.uk>

Dave Loader, Vice-Chairman of Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats writes....

There are many things that are wrong with the way in which politicians have behaved for example the MPs expenses scandal etc, and yet sometimes it is much nearer home that politicians are behaving badly. Why was so much time and local residents' money wasted by the Tories that run Surrey County Council? I am of course talking about the Parking debacle that ended with the Tories finally doing a U-turn.

It must have been obvious to anyone, let alone the Tories at County Hall, that the proposals were not wanted by the very people these politicians are supposed to serve. The Lib Dems opposed the proposal from day one and a 26,000 signature petition coupled with relentless pressure for the Lib Dems finally made the Tories back down.

This is a good thing but the question remains - why were the Tories so out of touch?

The same thing is happening with proposals concerning libraries and it is not acceptable for the Tories to say they have to make savings.

We all know that, and equally we all know that savings can be made elsewhere, rather than cutting much needed and valued services. Trendy and young Tories may consider Kindles and "apps" are all that matter but many senior (and not so senior) people still want to read a book!!

Politicians stock is already low and continuing to ignore the public and treat them with contempt, as the Tories on Surrey County Council seem hell bent on doing, can only turn more people away from taking an interest in politics.

As the evenings draw in and the long nights are once again with us I look back on the summer of 2011 with great sadness because of the passing away of our long standing member, activist and Secretary Derek Berry. Derek died whilst on holiday on his boat on the Norfolk Broads and he will be sorely missed by the Party and by the many who knew him. He was quite simply a fountain of knowledge on the constitutional issues that are so important for the Party but also an active participant in many non Lib Dem activities .

To find out more about the Lib Dems locally email info@esherandwaltonlibdems.org.uk