Quote:
Originally Posted by garinda
That, unlike the meeting that was scheduled for today, is the one the public can attend...but can't air their views at?
Sounds about right.
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It is not only the public who can not air their views, it is entirely up to the chair of the meeting (our illustrious Leader of the Council) who apart from Cabinet Members can speak. If opposition councillors are allowed to speak only one can comment on any item (and then it is usually only if they are agreeing with the controlling group). When Graham Jones attempted to speak twice on an issue (about the planting of trees on the Coppice - on which he knew the answer to Peter's question) he was told (in no uncertain terms) that he had spoken once (so was not allowed to speak again)so Marlene Haworth would find out the answer. Graham said but I know the answer but Peter just adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes because of Graham's bad behaviour. I honestly think Peter thinks he can control the Cabinet meeting in the same fashion he controlled a class, when he was teacher.
If you want to see how democracy does not work in Hyndburn, please come on Thursday at 11 am to witness the farce, which is a meeting of Hyndburn Borough Council's Cabinet meeting.