Published 12 May 2011
I cannot disguise the fact that I love elections. Whatever anyone feels about politicians or our political system, Election Day is the moment of truth for candidates.
It is true, that some elected positions appear “safe”, and incumbents have such substantial majorities that one can wonder whether there is any true election taking place. But there is. There always is. There is always a chance that voters will turn against someone or for someone else. Nothing is certain where elections are concerned.
Last week we had a triple set of ballot papers to handle in Rye and in some of the surrounding villages. The vote to change the voting system (AV) was overwhelmingly rejected, and what I was particularly pleased about was the higher than expected turnout. Nobody expected the national turnout to be 40% or higher and in fact it was 42% nationally. What it showed, was that the voters do care. They are not indifferent to our voting system. They assessed the proposal and they rejected it.
And here in Rye we had our own District Councillors and Town Councillors to elect. The finish for the District Councillors was nail-biting. Certainly, there were important national trends to be factored into the vote, but mostly, as always with local elections and as it should be, the personal vote counted loudest. Both elected Councillors for Rye are well-known to the town and have served their community well. Their party allegiances were almost secondary, despite the highly visible and many (too many?) rosette wearing campaigners stalking residents up and down the town during the run up to the Election Day.
And in the Countryside around Rye for Easter Rother, Marsham and Brede, all current existing councillors were returned with massive majorities. That is testament, not to their rosettes, but to their individual performances.
And at town council level we have a new slate of Councillors to represent the town. Town and Parish councils are not political. They are elected as individuals irrespective of Party.
I am sure that this one in Rye will operate successfully speaking up for Rye, while working with our District Councillors, are of course, are also elected to serve the town of Rye.
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