Why vote? (From Barry And District News)

Why vote?

CAN someone enlighten me as to why we hold elections to elect councillors and not, for example, the chief executive, or finance officer, etc, at local councils?

These seeming to be the people with the power and information to make decisions, not the elected councillors.

I speak as one who recently made an enquiry regarding a renovation grant.

Being advised these were no longer available I queried what, if anything, was replacing said grants.

I was ferried through various departments until finally speaking to the principal housing renewal and grant officer (grand title).

He could only tell me the council would be "looking at what is available" during the next 12 months.

In my innocence I went to my local councillor who, I was certain, would have more information.

Guess what?

He had to go to the civic offices to speak to the same people I had to, to ascertain the position. To date he has not got back to me.

Once again, I ask why do we hold elections when the actual decision makers are civil servants within the civic offices and not our elected councillors.

Obviously the comedy Yes Minister was not quite so fictional after all.

E Harris (Mrs) Castle Street Barry