Don't rush to judge councillors

Published on 2nd November 2006 in Letters

Sir - This letter is in answer to the one written by P. Thompson last week: Good and Bad Councillors.

Who is he to judge?

I also worked in local government for 13 years and also for the Inland Revenue for almost 20 years, so I do have a lot of knowledge. I also have local knowledge having lived in Goole for almost 50 years. I became an INDEPENDENT councillor almost eight years ago and my aim has always been to put Goole and its residents first, and I believe that all my actions have proved this.

I have stood up for Goole on many occasions dating back to the incinerator issue. I do not have the facility of a yellow letter or a white letter which are distributed by both the Lib Dems and Labour councillors. My actions are done quietly without publicity. If Mr Thompson, or indeed any person, would like to telephone me I WILL ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS.

Goole Town Councillors DO NOT get paid any expenses, but East Riding Councillors do, and there are four East Riding Councillors on Goole Town Council who do get paid by East Riding Council, including the two mentioned by Mr Thompson.

I would also like to point out to Mr Thompson that East Riding Councillors who are also Goole Town Councillors are not allowed to discuss at Goole Council meetings any planning items, no matter how important these planning applications are.

I also believe that there should be no politics at this level of local government. I think I have said this before, but I will repeat it, the council office doors are open for anyone to go in and ask any questions and look at any accounts.

I hope that Mr Thompson and all the other people who condemn the councillors will put up for election and see what they can do. This letter reflects my views only - not any other councillor.

Shirley Marshall

Independent Councillor

for Goole West Ward,

Elm Ave,

Goole