DT1 - absolutely! People elected to represent and work for us should expect to come under scrutiny, our only boundary is courtesy and I cannt see any discourtesy on this thread! It isn't hassling to ask for answers, it is a right, and I am sure Mr Watkins appreciates that - his response is up to him, and a seasoned politician will be well able to manage that!!
Unregistered User
I have no problems answering questions, indeed thrive on public debate. Anyone that knows me will tell I don't walk away from the cut & thrust of politics or fail to tell it as it is. What I can't give you is confidential matters between third parties or give you information that will prejudice deals. until After the DECISION is delivered & tied up I will give you the info. If I did what you ask it could foul up existing & future projects.I would be a pretty stupid politician if I negotiated or gave away vital points over the net. I CAN BE & AM SCRUTINISED IN PUBLIC & PRIVATE ON A REGULAR BASIS. Jan T , JHG & others have a right to question me on your behalf & you as the public, can ask questions at a Council meeting if you give notice.
Thank you for that Mr Watkins - I am sure you are well able to manage a bit of debate!! Most politicians I have known do thrive on a bit of a discussion!!! I think some of the posters on here are a little protective of you - probably a good sign that you have some good relationships going!
Guest 648- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 258
I think the word you are looking for is Respect.I have worked with Paul for over twenty years.We often argue however he shows respect for my views.A very good leader.Unlike some not in it for glory We share a common trait we realise you cannot be liked by all the people all the time.You should be in the council chamber when we are on the attack.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I think thats correct Sue. Paul is experienced and knows what he is doing. There are some of us here who have first hand experience of the type of problems and challenges that he is faced with in getting Dover moving...Knocking is easy, the easiest thing in the world to do, getting results and pulling together various 'semi interested or disinterested' parties to pull together is another thing entirely.
I can only agree - disagreeing is good, stimulates the debate, but it has to be courteous. We also need to bear in mind the example we set others, particularly the young - if we can demonstrate that we can disagree and discuss and argue, but remain courteous it sends out a powerful and much needed message!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
bern
you are quite right as usual, mind you if courtesy fails a punch up the bracket can stimulate better debate.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I'll remember that next time I see you howard
Howard, I hear good thngs about this "punch up the bracket" of which you speak. Methinks I may try it out....now, where is there a convenient windbag on which to practice...? I will try an elected official.........failing that, Whitehall may provide the answer. I treasure your advice.............
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
need we look any further than our very own victor.
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
In answer to Andy's question of June 2008
NO
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
You must have become the most negative person in Dover, David. You know from postings on the other (related) thread what is happening with the DTIZ.
Maybe you need an injection of positivity - to be leading the Town Team, you obviously have time for Dover and have already seen the positive comments the market has brought - even more so when you appoint a Market Manager to go out and about to other Towns and Farmers Markets and bring them here.
Roger
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
I've been censored by the look of things, my previous post has been removed
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
oh dear
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
# 36 ....I read it and was about to respond with a .....spot on....but it disappeared........
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Struggling to understand what people want the Council to do?
Kidnap the chief exec of John Lewis or Debenhams at gunpoint and force them to build a store in town????!!!!!
They can make it as easy as possible for an operator to build in town - they own a lot of the land and planning is mostly in place, but only the market can determine if someone comes to Dover.....
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
Very strange Reg, I really dont want to offend anybody but the same old record gets boring.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
david
your same old record is ok by me
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
Paul, in some respects of course you're right.
On the other thread I mention a plan at DDC that shows DTIZ, the cable car, the marina, Western Heights etc etc it makes Dover look like Monte Carlo. But does anything happen? No.
This is my issue, stick to emptying bins and get out of the way, let the private sector take over, they'll make it happen.
When you're next in have a look out of our back window, you'll see why I get upset. The highlight of the demolition was watching the Polish workers with an oxyacetalene torch! Priceless
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
Link below to a report by the Audit Commission in the late 90s, just as DTIZ was first being proposed, on the role of local authorities in economic development. I remember it being reported at the time and a lot of it echoes what David says above - local authorities' first priority is to ensure they have the best infrastructure and services they can provide to make people and businesses want to move to their area.
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/subwebs/publications/studies/studyPDF/1348.pdf
One of the specific recommendations - "Maximise the impact of core services such as planning, education, street cleansing and highways on the local economy - for example through town centre management schemes or local business partnerships."
