A tough job, but somebodys got to do it

Another week in the life of your recently elected Millbrook Councillor! I do hope that my updates give you a sense of whats going on in my role as your elected representative. I sit here most sunday mornings and settle to write my blog, not because i want to push ideology down your throats but because I think that in this day and age you deserve to know what i've been spending my time on.

On Monday evening I spent the evening in the presence of Councillor Furnell (also Millbrook) and Mary Lloyd, the Labour Freemantle Campaigner. We attended the Freemantle and Shirley Community Association who aid the running of the Freemantle Community Centre on Randolph Street. These volunteers are a committed bunch who have taken it upon themselves to make the centre as accessible to the community as possible. They are doing a great job, but feel free to go along and make contact with them as this is a community centre for the whole community. I will certainly be hosting more events their in future, as well as continuing to have our local Labour Group meetings there.

Tuesday evening was supposed to be an evening of Environment and Transport (E&T) Policy Forum - where all members of the local party can come together to share ideas - and a meeting with the Leader of the Labour Group on some work I am undertaking. However, due to an unforeseen family commitment I had to send my apologies for both. Thankfully I was able to reschedule with the leader and send my comments on policy proposals via email to the group.

It did strike me this week, that I do have to start prioritising some of my commitments. Currently as well as being your councillor, I serve on the Health Scrutiny Committee - more of which after my first meeting. But I also serve as Secretary to the Test Branch of the party and now Secretary of the Labour Councillors. This is in addition to my membership of both the E&T and Economic and Leisure Policy Forums! Time to have a sit down and work out which is best for me and which is best for our community. Interestingly Councillor Furnell will be taking the lead for the local party on all issues coming out of the Biomass Power Station. It is good that our local councillor will be taking the lead on this important issue.

Wednesday. This was a busy old evening. Straight after work I had a meeting with the Director of Communications at the Council, so that I could understand the role and function of the department. It was extremely useful to gain insight into the balancing act played by the department in trying to get the Councils message across. After that meeting I attended a training session on Safeguarding Children. I felt that this was very important to attend as a new councillor and given the politics of the day e.g. some people suggesting that our hardworking staff were putting vulnerable people at risk.

At this point I will quickly mention the strike. For me the clear message as to why this strike is important to each and every person up and down the country is this:

Is it right that your boss could walk in on Monday and say, "Times are hard, so take a pay cut or your fired!". Its not right, and this could happen everywhere if it goes through in Southampton. Employers and Councils across our country are waiting to see if the strike fails and the Council drives through its threat. You or I could be next. I don't think its fair or proper.It makes your contract pretty much worthless.

Back to the week that was. On Thursday I sent in the response from myself and Councillor Furnell to the Regents Park Learning Trust Public Consultation. Before which I had my rearranged meeting with the Leader of the local Party to discuss and issues I may have been having, hints and tips, future work areas - so really like a one 2 one with your line manager.

On Friday evening I went food shopping and saw my wife. Its important to remember why we do this. Going to the training on Safeguarding Children and seeing my wife on Friday drove it home to me, that above all, the reason why we get involved is to help vulnerable people and to try to make everyones life better. Its a tough job but somebodys got to do it.