15/2/2007
Letters
Fatal combination that has spawned ineffective councilSadly, the paper by Hart District Council’s new chief executive, Geoff Bonner, confirms what many residents have suffered for years — a dysfunctional council run by too many self-serving officers and elected members who seem mostly focused on political infighting and point-scoring. It is a fatal combination that has spawned an inward-looking, inefficient and ineffective organisation which is not fit for purpose in many respects.
His proposals to remedy this dire situation seem pragmatic, balanced and certainly necessary if we are to break the mould. However, officers and members will need to embrace a radically different approach to their responsibilities. Let us all hope that the new chief executive can win their hearts and minds — no mean task.
Council tax payers will need to play our part. We should make clear our views about priorities, and be prepared to live with and support the difficult and painful decisions which are needed. In this way we may at last get the council we deserve, one that is customer focused and results driven, an organisation that strives for excellence and one we can all be proud of.
But there is a high mountain to climb and Geoff Bonner will need all the help he can get to reach the summit. Let us all support him. What a challenge — but what a prize!
Ian Handyside
Via emai First printed in:
Aldershot News and Mail
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