Horsham Labour Party member, Jonathan Austin, aired his views on the recent county council elections in this letter which was printed in today's West Sussex County Times.In the aftermath of the recent council election, I would like to underline an important point. The turnout for this election was less than 40 per cent.
No candidate came close to commanding a majority of those able to vote. And some were elected on less than 20 per cent.
This doesn't change the result. But still, we should all stop and think about what this means. Is it acceptable that big decisions, on issues such as tax, education and elderly care are made without the engagement of almost two thirds of the electorate?
Personally, I found this election far too tribal. I read all the parties' leaflets with interest, but little space was given to their values and where they wanted to lead the council. Most attention was given to tribal politics. The yellow team clearly didn;t like the blue team. The blue team disliked the yellow team. And once again the red team were told that if they lent their votes to the yellows they could defeat the blues.
At least Jim Duggan to his credit stood for peace and got a good result.
So I am not surprised that people stayed away. If you weren't tribal, what motivation was there to vote?
Please in the run up to the next district elections can we have a proper debate about politics in Horsham? Can we try to lower the tribal temperature a bit an promote new ideas? To start with, can the County Times actively encourage more independents, minor parties and local residents groups to get involved and give them a platform?
And can you call time on the cheap party attacks in the councillor columns and demand that they talk about that they are doing?
Whatever party you support, it is clear that current local political culture is sterile and that will in the long run cause damage to our community.
Dr. Jonathan Austin
Horsham