Tuesday 1 May 2007

The end of the tunnel

This is probably the last time I shall post before the election, so final apologies for poor layout, no paragraphs and no pics. By tonight Richard Rout and I will have knocked on all 2,500 or so front doors in Abbeygate, delivered our election address and manifesto to all and shaken hundreds of hands. No babies heads have been kissed this time round. Our manifesto is 100% positive, and based on our record and desire to continue working for local people. Unlike our opponents there is nothing negative, and no one else is mentioned, let alone criticised. Yesterday I saw the LibDems latest leaflet for Southgate ward. The whole front page was about the County Council, and so was some of the back page. Poor old Stefan Oliver (not even standing in Southgate) was criticised over his brave stand re middle schools, while various vague green claims were made, forgetting that StEds is already greener than most councils. As usual the statistics were wrong. Under "The Tory Record" it said taxes "up 37%". In fact the StEds council tax rise inherited from the Lib/Lab/Independent coalition in 2003 was 9.9%. Today it is 2.9%. It said "Public Venue up £14M. In fact the scheme inherited from the coalition in 2003 was £16M and is now £4M less with an underground car park thrown in. I could go on, but as usual the LibDems have got it all wrong, and I doubt it is accidental. Whilst on leaflets, the "Independent" in Abbeygate (proposed by Labour campaign leader Mark Ereira - who was deputy leader of that coalition above) claims I "presided over the demise of the Manor House". In fact I supported campaigners when full Council took the decision in 2005. I was not appointed Cabinet member responsible for the political oversight of that decision until March 2006. I cannot leave without mentioning the poor old Green candidate, whose leaflet directs voters to the wrong polling station. What else in it is correct? Whatever the truth in these leaflets you can be sure of one thing. These candidates will not be able to change many of the things they criticise, and if they tried to it would cost you the council tax payer dearly. Conservatives have balanced good housekeeping with expanding services where possible, such as providing nearly 500 affordable homes since 2003 whilst saving £4M. The largest group of council tax payers pay StEds only £2.49 per week in council tax for all their services. Next time I post - win or lose - it should be with pictures. So watch this space on Friday...

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

councillor Farmer,
You have our support, but worse case senario, you lost, what will you do? Will you still run the blog?

Charlotte Howard said...

Thanks.

I'd certainly have more time to do so, but I think it would be even less interesting than now.

Hoffy said...

You haven't knocked on out door. Any reason why?

Anonymous said...

The end of the tunnel! That sounds like a near-death experience!!!!

Hope you won`t see a blazing white light and heavenly music! You won`t be able to blog from there!

GOOD LUCK!

Christina S said...

Paul,

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow.

Ruby.

Christina S said...

Sorry, I mean for Thursday, LOL.

Charlotte Howard said...

Thanks Anon, but I can always HOT desk from where I'm going.

Thanks Ruby. Your blog has been an inspiration while I have been banned from my ususal facilities. Can't wait to get that camera out.

Paul, you've caught me out. I was economical with the truth (blogger's licence). A very few doors I ignored, for reasons with which you may be all too familiar.

When you stood as one of my Conservative candidates in the Borough elections in 2003, you very sensibly ignored my then front door, knowing Angela's and my votes were secure.

Nothing I say to you on the doorstep will make any difference to how you vote tomorrow.

You may be interested to know that I shall be voting by proxy on behalf of someone absent in my ward. I am suprised I am allowed to, but I have the documentation to prove it.

Now how shall I cast my votes?

I shall wait until the candidates come knocking on my door...

Anonymous said...

If you don't get in, will you go on the dole?

Anonymous said...

I think you'll find it's "surprised". Have you considered hiring an editor yet?

Anonymous said...

Hot? So you DO have cloven hooves!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have come across this blogging site by accident. I am not from Bury St Edmunds. If I did I would vote for you. You are so diligent. I haven't got a clue who to vote for tomorrow because I don't know who my local councillors are or what they have done. I have had one scrappy leaflet through my door and that's it! Well done to you for your hard work. You deserve to get elected.

Anonymous said...

Good luck Cllr Farmer!
Joe