People Power - Recent referenda make politicians look out of touch

I had a pretty good idea that the the Manchester road congestion charge referendum would result in a massive 'No'. Ah! you might say, he would say that now the result is out. If you ask some of my colleagues they will tell you I was predicting a big 'No' in Trafford but I was unsure about the rest of Greater Manchester - although I should have guessed. How did I know? quite simple really - I listened to what voters in Ashton-Upon-Mersey were telling me and my other ward colleagues, Councillors Rigby and Whetton. During a Saturday morning in November last we struggled to find anyone who was in favour!

So, to my point. Government and by that I mean Ministers, MP's and Councillors, need to listen more carefully to what local residents and citizens are saying. The Irish told their government what they could do with the European constitution, The Danes told the EU what to do with the Euro, the people of the NE of England told Prescott what he could do with his proposed regional assembly and now the good voters of Greater Manchester have told the Government where they can stick their 'tax on going to work'. I hope the NHS listen very carefully to what people are saying about the proposal to add fluoride to the drinking supplies in the North West!!

Up the plebiscite!!

Listen to what people are saying

In a previous post (see 31st December 2008) I set out my views on adding fluoride to the drinking water supplies. This article also appeared in the ward newsletter distributed to about 7000 residents of Ashton-Upon-Mersey ward in Trafford, Greater Manchester. In the newletter article I invited residents to let me know what they thought about this issue. Many responded and while some favoured adding fluoride to the drinking water, I can report that a massive 94% of those who responded were opposed to the proposal. The NHS bodies responsible for making the final decision on this matter need to take note!