Have Your Say This <strong>May</strong>! By Doug Pullen, Leader of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council As a somewhat regular columnist for this magaz<strong>in</strong>e, I have always been extremely careful to keep my pieces free from party politics – whilst also very obviously be<strong>in</strong>g a (part-time!) politician and wish<strong>in</strong>g to share what we are attempt<strong>in</strong>g to achieve locally. However, as I sat <strong>in</strong> the Council chamber a few nights ago, watch<strong>in</strong>g councillors from across the political spectrum work to improve our community, I was struck by the importance of local government and the need to encourage everyone to participate <strong>in</strong> the upcom<strong>in</strong>g local elections on Thursday 4th <strong>May</strong>. Dur<strong>in</strong>g that Council meet<strong>in</strong>g, I thanked councillors from all parties for their hard work and dedication to our community over the last four years. Local government is a reward<strong>in</strong>g, but highly challeng<strong>in</strong>g role that can take a personal toll on not only the councillors themselves but also their families and loved ones. As the Reverend that even<strong>in</strong>g prayed for those councillors who were stepp<strong>in</strong>g down and not seek<strong>in</strong>g re-selection, I semi-jok<strong>in</strong>gly asked that perhaps he reserve the most fervent prayers for those of us who may make it back <strong>in</strong> <strong>May</strong>, as we prepare for another four years of what can be a pretty brutal endeavour. Local elections are often overlooked, but <strong>in</strong> my (perhaps biased view) they are just as important as national elections. In fact, I th<strong>in</strong>k they may be even more important, as they affect the daily lives of people <strong>in</strong> our community <strong>in</strong> so many ways. District councils <strong>in</strong> England are responsible for a range of services, from waste collection to food hygiene <strong>in</strong>spections, park ma<strong>in</strong>tenance to plann<strong>in</strong>g and development (but not potholes or the NHS I hasten to add!) so the decisions made by those elected can have a direct impact on our enjoyment of our area. <strong>Lichfield</strong> District has a unique set of challenges – the historically affluent Cathedral city of <strong>Lichfield</strong>, former <strong>in</strong>dustrial communities around Burntwood and Armitage, suburbs of Birm<strong>in</strong>gham and Tamworth such as Little Aston and Fazeley, and remote villages border<strong>in</strong>g Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Derbyshire all provide opportunities, challenges and most of all strength to our District. Ensur<strong>in</strong>g that all 110,000 residents across these disparate communities are listened to, <strong>in</strong>volved (and that their b<strong>in</strong>s are emptied!) is a huge privilege, fraught with worries. Each of you read<strong>in</strong>g this will know that the Council doesn’t always get th<strong>in</strong>gs right – but I also hope that <strong>in</strong> some small way, and perhaps unknow<strong>in</strong>gly, you’ve been the beneficiary of when the council has got it right. By participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> local elections, you are contribut<strong>in</strong>g to a system that is designed to represent the people - and <strong>in</strong>crease the amount of times the Council “gets it right”! The more people who vote, the stronger the mandate of the elected officials. This helps to ensure that local government is accountable to the people, and that decisions are made <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the community as a whole. In a time that democracy is under threat on the borders of Europe, it’s worthwhile reflect<strong>in</strong>g on what a wonderful th<strong>in</strong>g democracy is – a fundamental part of our society, and by participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the democratic process, we are contribut<strong>in</strong>g to the social health of our communities and our nation as a whole. Local elections may not have the glamour of national elections, but they certa<strong>in</strong>ly are no less important. National elections capture the public imag<strong>in</strong>ation, but local elections have a more direct impact on the lives of the people <strong>in</strong> our communities. In recent years, however, voter turnout for local elections has been low, with many people choos<strong>in</strong>g not to participate <strong>in</strong> what they may see as a less important event. So regardless of where you plan to put your cross on <strong>May</strong> 4th, can I encourage each of us to get out and vote – and by do<strong>in</strong>g so ensure that the council we get is the one that is most reflective of the communities’ wishes – and maybe I’ll be back to write another column <strong>in</strong> June! Audrey Mason, formerly of <strong>Lichfield</strong>, passed away 13th March at Cherry Holt Care Home, Retford, aged 101. Reunited with Harry. A wonderful Mum, Grandmother and Auntie. Audrey was "Chair" of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ladies Circle 1958, and Tangent 1970. Donations to Scarborough RNLI welcome. Contact: Hancock Funeral Directors, Retford. Tel 01777 707503 or Email hancockfd2020@gmail.com Family Notices Readers are now able to place a notice <strong>in</strong> <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>e to let others know of an important event, occasion or celebration that is tak<strong>in</strong>g place. If you would like to place details of any births, deaths, marriages or other occasions, please contact Rebecca Hill at rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com or on telephone 07970 513144. Notices will consist of a maximum 50 words, plus an image, at a cost of £24 (<strong>in</strong>clusive of VAT). 10
11