Saturday, May 21, 2011

Post comment: New faces and a new opportunity

IT is odd that, even though Labour has tightened its grip on political power in Nottingham at the recent elections, there is still the potential for significant changes in how the city is run.

An important factor is the election of 21 new city councillors; 19 of them in the Labour Group. The group has not seen change on this scale in years.

The influx can bring new ideas and more vibrant debate within Nottingham City Council.

Some of these individuals have demonstrated ability in their chosen careers, and considerable energy in their campaigning. Their skills and enthusiasm could help push the council and city forward.

Today, in an open letter to the leader of the council, Councillor Jon Collins, the Post calls on him to make economic development and jobs the priority.

This is an area where the council needs to be more focused, outward facing, and ambitious. Under the guidance of more experienced members, the new talent can help progress existing projects, help shape a vision for growth in the city and help to deliver it.

Despite the economic downturn this could be an exciting period for Nottingham. But as we say in our letter to Mr Collins, the opportunity cannot be realised through a top-down strategy. The council cannot create growth, but it can facilitate it.

In addition, we report today on the prospect of a new police commissioner for Notts.

Elections are expected for the post next year, and Penny Griggs, the Sheriff of Nottingham, is the first to express an interest.

The appointment of a police commissioner will bring about a major change in how one of our key institutions is governed. We hope there will be a wide and competitive field to choose from.

In the same way we want more transparency in how the city council is run, it will be vital the commissioner's office is wide open to scrutiny.



Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/1502bab8/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CNew0Efaces0Enew0Eopportunity0Carticle0E357630A60Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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