Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#1
You will be enjoying I am sure the report and pictures currently on our frontpage of the super events in Connaught Park to mark the 125th celebrations. This was a DDC event and they were rightly proud of it...but it has emerged that our Current Mayor Cllr Diane Smallwood, of the Dover Town Council, wasnt even extended an invitation to the event, official or otherwise.
The Mercury in its Editorial Comment page 2 says...
"On behalf of the people of Dover, The Mercury feels that our leading citizen has been insulted."
Of course this is not the first time DDC have got the Mayors invitation lost in the post, one remembers the High Speed Train day and the New Bus Service launch day. There was certainly a spot of furore on the old doverforum on that one.
Diane Smallwood has said herself that she will try and improve the working relationship between DTC and DDC but as you all can see her tenure has got off to a rocky start. We have a picture of Diane in 'civvies' which I will add shortly.
The Mercury sounding quite forceful on this, went on
"In future we expect to see The Mayor -
whoever it may be - invited to such events. "
...so there you have it. The citizenry are not happy.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#2
Councillor Diane Smallwood, the Mayor of Dover strolling in Connaught Park last sunday in her "normal" clothes.
She wasnt invited to the party.
Picture from Colette Boland.
#3
I was quite suprised to see that our Mayor was not there in her offiicial role. Was she at the new play park opening?? I didn't see her in the picture.
I know that the organising of the new park came down to DDC, but I would have thought that the mayor should have been there.
It is sad to see that just because the 2 councils cannot agree on stuff that they cannot work together for the sake of Dover.
Dover Town Council and it's councillors have been working really hard over the last few years to raise the profile of Dover, and it is such a shame that all that hard work is being overlooked by those up at District.
Come on guys start working together on events like this. If you want the town to come together, then work together.
Mandie
#4
This isn't a story as indeed the relationships between the Councils are on the up - with thanks to our new Mayor who is leading that entente.
Diane and all Mayors do so many visits etc that many people don't realise makes it a full time job.
I am sure she was pleased to be in mufti for once.
Civic service on sunday morning at St Marys Church - unfortunately I will miss it for the first time as I am working in London. I understand that the town will have visits from many dignataries - so it may be worth a look - should be leaving maison dieu about 1030 =- but please check
D
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
thanks for the tip off.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#6
Mandie I didnt get an invite to the opening of the playground so I dont know for sure if Diane was there, but I see The Mercury got a picture and she wasnt in it, so I guess not. I reckon they didnt want to upset the papers by inviting me, because when we get pictures on here they usually appear days before the papers. However the Dover Express didnt even cover it...so there we are.. But Im rambling off....
Perhaps it wouldnt be expected on that one as it was a simple opening photoshoot. But generally on Big Events like those coming up on the seafront in August one would expect to see the Mayor there in full regalia. But has she been invited?? Maybe not. The Mercury are clearly adamant that this state of affairs shouldnt go on.
Guest 648- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 258
#7
Just to keep the record straight The Town Mayor will be at the sea front event in August.Dover Town Council are contrubuting to the costs.No the Town Mayor was not at the Play Area opening and neither was the Mayor of Deal at Marke Wood opening.Pencesters is owned and run by the DDC and as such its DDC Chairman and cabinet members who get the invites.Perhaps the protocol needs to be sent yet again to the papers.
It was DDC officers and members who did all the work in obtaining the funding etc.
Maybe residents are not clear as to which council does what.
#8
I am not sure that it is the people of Dover not knowing what each council does that matters here really Sue.
I can only speak for myself as a resident of Dover, and to see councils arguing (not arguing, bit of a strong word) Let's say not playing nicely together regardless of who is doing what, is quite sad to see.
For me it doesn't matter who found the funding for what, who put the idea together, surely it should be more about acheiving stuff for Dover together.
How can we expect people of Dover to respect the work the respective councils do, and in the main do well, when we see comments such as "It was DDC officers who did all the work in obtaining funding etc"as a reason for not asking DTC to help with the launch.
It does somewhat remind me of playground fall outs.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
#9
Now then boys and girls, im not known for being strong on supporting the town council, but what i will say is Mandie has a point, i'm sure EVERYONE not just councils would have lobbied for this play area, and i'm certain that it WOULD NOT have been achieved if it could NOT have been shown tha locals/town councils etc were supporting it.
No one is saying the Mayor is bigger than the chair of the council, just would have been nice for the mayor to have had sent an invite, its all about working together, Isn't it????
Guest 648- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 258
#10
Who pays for the officers time Keith??Come on you were on there long enough to know how it works.The Town Council can precept as much as it likes and is not capped.I think they did precept quite high last year.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#11
i read the article in the "mercury" today.
the comment from the district council states that it was a district council event.
hence "yah boo sucks".
perhaps one person could be employed to make sure that an event involves the town council, district council and the harbour board.
one only has to listen to the average dovorian, they all seem to say that egos on all 3 bodies precludes taking the town forward.
#12
I am constantly amazed at the extent to which local officials, elected and otherwise, fail to understand the concepts of PR, inclusion and community!!! It really does have an impact on the effectiveness of council efforts.
Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
#13
I'm sure as always the protocol was observed sometimes its nice to lose the chain once in awhile and turn up as yourself, and yes there is the beginnings of the district working with the town.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#14
what use is protocol if personal egos dominate against the good of the town and district?
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
#15
Protocol, well it seems to me that this word is constantly bandied around as an excuse for all sorts. Surely harmony amongst all 3 bodies can only be good for dover and its people. The concept of PR, inclusion and community certainly needs to be tightened up and fast for the good of all.
#16
Hear Hear.
Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
#17
I agree and although its early beginnings there are some of us who want to work together for the good of our town
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#18
I am always available subject to shifts to attend any DDC or DTC event,on Friday I am at Deal Carnival pushing the Olympic event on Dover Seafront in August along with 4 other Councillors and a group of Officers,
I didn't make the Kite flying as I was at Buckland fun day,(dog won another prize) then home for some sleep as i'm on nights,next week-end is the Regatta something close to my heart,so after work I will be down there with the Lions.
Since becoming a District Councillor I rarely get invited to anything the Town Council put on,although I work closely with my fellow Ward Councillor on the District Cllr Diane Smallwood.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#19
John
The Deal Carnival is this THURSDAY not Friday..hope to see you there..if you make it on the right day..lol.I will be in front of the paddling pool opposite the pubs and chippy!!
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#20
Thats what I meant Marek,mine is a Coke without Ice!
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
