Although we are in the midst of a general election campaign I still have Council duties to attend to.
Last night I chaired a meeting of the Council's Shared Campus Working Group - in between ferrying my son and 3 of his teammates to and from a football match in Paisley - and tonight I chaired a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
The shared campus group received an update presentation from the architects on their developing design proposals. Over the next few months they will consult with the various stakeholder groups - pupils, staff, parents, councillors, churches, community - to ensure that they have an opportunity to influence the design of the campus. This really is a very exciting project to be involved in.
At the Clune Park group tonight we received an update on ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government to try to agree a joint strategy for the area. I am hopeful that the Minister for Communities, Alex Neil, will visit Clune Park before the summer to see the area for himself and
discuss the way forward.
Tomorrow night it is back to campaigning. Only 8 days to go!
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Monday 26 April 2010
Lib Dem Arrogance
It looks as if the new golden boy of British politics - Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg - is in danger of over playing his hand.
Not only is he setting himself up as the kingmaker after next week's election, he now wants to decide who the Leader of the Labour Party is!
I am sorry Mr Clegg, we decide the Leader of our Party, not you.
This is just typical Lib Dem arrogance. Following a good performance in a TV debate and a boost in support in the opinion polls, he is getting a bit carried away with himself.
Don't count your chickens just yet Mr Clegg. As someone once said: "a week is a long time in politics".
Not only is he setting himself up as the kingmaker after next week's election, he now wants to decide who the Leader of the Labour Party is!
I am sorry Mr Clegg, we decide the Leader of our Party, not you.
This is just typical Lib Dem arrogance. Following a good performance in a TV debate and a boost in support in the opinion polls, he is getting a bit carried away with himself.
Don't count your chickens just yet Mr Clegg. As someone once said: "a week is a long time in politics".
Sunday 25 April 2010
The week ahead...
Another week of balancing Council, work, election and family commitments:
Monday
At work all day, and in the evening chairing a meeting of the Council's working group on the new shared campus in Port Glasgow.
Tuesday
Again at work all day, and in the evening chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 On the campaign trail
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Health & Social Care Committee
4.30 Leave Greenock to travel back to work in Glasgow (working until about 8.00 as attending a management committee meeting)
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
8.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh
10.00 Meeting of the CoSLA Labour Group
12.00 CoSLA Leaders' Meeting
1.30 Leave Edinburgh to return to Glasgow
3.00 Start work
5.00 Leave work to travel home
7.00 Attending the Provost's Ball
Monday
At work all day, and in the evening chairing a meeting of the Council's working group on the new shared campus in Port Glasgow.
Tuesday
Again at work all day, and in the evening chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 On the campaign trail
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Health & Social Care Committee
4.30 Leave Greenock to travel back to work in Glasgow (working until about 8.00 as attending a management committee meeting)
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
8.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh
10.00 Meeting of the CoSLA Labour Group
12.00 CoSLA Leaders' Meeting
1.30 Leave Edinburgh to return to Glasgow
3.00 Start work
5.00 Leave work to travel home
7.00 Attending the Provost's Ball
Saturday 24 April 2010
A pleasing sight...
I was in the Broomhill area of Greenock leafleting this morning and was pleased to see the new 3G pitch at Broomhill Park in use. We will also be refurbishing the pavilion shortly, which will ensure that Broomhill is an excellent facility for central Greenock and the wider Inverclyde area.
Talking of leaflets, I have just received my third leaflet from our Lib Dem candidate (they must have plenty of money to waste), in which he virtually writes off the chances of the Tory and SNP candidates, making himself out to be the main challenger to Labour's David Cairns.
This of course is wishful thinking from our young Lib Dem hopeful and one of their tactics at every election.
He tells us that "Tory support has been hit by their candidate's local pact with Labour on Inverclyde Council".
I would respectfully suggest to the Lib Dem candidate that if anyone is guilty by association it is himself. Being photographed with Alan Blair, Tom Fyfe, et al only serves to remind voters in Inverclyde of the disastrous 4 years of Lib Dem control of the Council between 2003 and 2007.
Talking of leaflets, I have just received my third leaflet from our Lib Dem candidate (they must have plenty of money to waste), in which he virtually writes off the chances of the Tory and SNP candidates, making himself out to be the main challenger to Labour's David Cairns.
This of course is wishful thinking from our young Lib Dem hopeful and one of their tactics at every election.
He tells us that "Tory support has been hit by their candidate's local pact with Labour on Inverclyde Council".
I would respectfully suggest to the Lib Dem candidate that if anyone is guilty by association it is himself. Being photographed with Alan Blair, Tom Fyfe, et al only serves to remind voters in Inverclyde of the disastrous 4 years of Lib Dem control of the Council between 2003 and 2007.
Friday 23 April 2010
An interesting afternoon...
I had an interesting afternoon.
First of all I paid a visit to the Council's Community Service Team to find out more about their work. This visit was very informative, and included a trip to Gourock to meet a group of offenders who were cutting back undergrowth in Fletcher Avenue.
It was good to hear about some of the ways in which Community Service is benefiting both individuals and groups within the community, and at the same time providing the opportunity for offenders to make reparation for their offences, as well as learning new skills.
It certainly doesn't appear to be the easy option that some people think it is. Indeed a couple of the offenders I spoke to said they would rather have went to prison!
Later in the afternoon I had the opportunity to see Renfrewshire Council's new Youth Gym Bus, which , I am told , is the first of its kind in the UK.
It is what the name suggests: a mobile gym that will be used as part of Renfrewshire's youth diversion strategy, visiting hot spot areas, along with other services, to try and encourage young people to do something positive with their time.
It is certainly an interesting initiative which we may replicate in Inverclyde if it proves to be a success, and we can find the money to pay for it.
First of all I paid a visit to the Council's Community Service Team to find out more about their work. This visit was very informative, and included a trip to Gourock to meet a group of offenders who were cutting back undergrowth in Fletcher Avenue.
It was good to hear about some of the ways in which Community Service is benefiting both individuals and groups within the community, and at the same time providing the opportunity for offenders to make reparation for their offences, as well as learning new skills.
It certainly doesn't appear to be the easy option that some people think it is. Indeed a couple of the offenders I spoke to said they would rather have went to prison!
Later in the afternoon I had the opportunity to see Renfrewshire Council's new Youth Gym Bus, which , I am told , is the first of its kind in the UK.
It is what the name suggests: a mobile gym that will be used as part of Renfrewshire's youth diversion strategy, visiting hot spot areas, along with other services, to try and encourage young people to do something positive with their time.
It is certainly an interesting initiative which we may replicate in Inverclyde if it proves to be a success, and we can find the money to pay for it.
Thursday 22 April 2010
Comments welcome but...
Can I remind those of you who want to use my blog to have a go at me or my Party that you are waisting your time. If you want to do that set up your own blog.
One example from today.
Someone ludicrously suggested that since I was the Council Leader and the Lib Dem General Election candidate is a Council employee it is inappropriate for me to have a go at him.
What utter nonsense!
The candidate in question has openly criticised Labour Councillors - who are among his employers - in his leaflets and in the Greenock Telegraph. I have not made any complaint against him to the Chief Executive of the Council for doing this as I accept that it is legitimate for him to do this as an election candidate.
It is also entirely legitimate for me to respond to any criticism he makes of us.
One example from today.
Someone ludicrously suggested that since I was the Council Leader and the Lib Dem General Election candidate is a Council employee it is inappropriate for me to have a go at him.
What utter nonsense!
The candidate in question has openly criticised Labour Councillors - who are among his employers - in his leaflets and in the Greenock Telegraph. I have not made any complaint against him to the Chief Executive of the Council for doing this as I accept that it is legitimate for him to do this as an election candidate.
It is also entirely legitimate for me to respond to any criticism he makes of us.
Tuesday 20 April 2010
A few narrow escapes
It has been a busy few days on the campaign trail.
Saturday morning was spent in Greenock Town Centre delivering leaflets and direct mail. On Sunday I did a bit of leafleting in the afternoon in Kilmacolm and spent a couple of hours up lamp posts, ably assisted by my oldest (payback for allowing his pals to stay overnight).
Last night and tonight we were in my own ward in Port Glasgow delivering leaflets and direct mail. Fortunately I avoided being bitten again, although tonight I did have a few narrow escapes.
One of the benefits of electioneering is that it gets you fit, particularly when like me you normally don't have time for much exercise. In the past it has also been a good way of losing weight. Unfortunately the older you get the harder this becomes!
Saturday morning was spent in Greenock Town Centre delivering leaflets and direct mail. On Sunday I did a bit of leafleting in the afternoon in Kilmacolm and spent a couple of hours up lamp posts, ably assisted by my oldest (payback for allowing his pals to stay overnight).
Last night and tonight we were in my own ward in Port Glasgow delivering leaflets and direct mail. Fortunately I avoided being bitten again, although tonight I did have a few narrow escapes.
One of the benefits of electioneering is that it gets you fit, particularly when like me you normally don't have time for much exercise. In the past it has also been a good way of losing weight. Unfortunately the older you get the harder this becomes!
Sunday 18 April 2010
The week ahead...
A relatively quiet week in terms of Council commitments but continuing involvement in the General Election campaign:
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
4.45 Leave work to travel to Port Glasgow
5.30 Meeting of the Woodhall Task Group
6.45 Electioneering
Tuesday
At work all day and electioneering at night
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 Electioneering
Thursday
At work all day. Taking the evening off electioneering to go out for a meal with my boss who is retiring.
Friday
9.30 Start work in Glasgow (in later as dropping the kids off at school)
1.30 Leave work in Glasgow to travel to Port Glasgow
2.00 Visit to the Council's Criminal Justice Team to be briefed on the Council's Community Service strategy
6.30 Electioneering
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
4.45 Leave work to travel to Port Glasgow
5.30 Meeting of the Woodhall Task Group
6.45 Electioneering
Tuesday
At work all day and electioneering at night
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 Electioneering
Thursday
At work all day. Taking the evening off electioneering to go out for a meal with my boss who is retiring.
Friday
9.30 Start work in Glasgow (in later as dropping the kids off at school)
1.30 Leave work in Glasgow to travel to Port Glasgow
2.00 Visit to the Council's Criminal Justice Team to be briefed on the Council's Community Service strategy
6.30 Electioneering
Saturday 17 April 2010
Typical Lib Dem
I have just received an election communication from our Lib Dem candidate - still can't remember his name - in which he accuses Labour councillors of opposing school building projects and cutting teacher numbers in local schools.
There was me thinking we had just completed the building of two new primary schools and that two new secondary schools are currently being built. We are also in the process of designing the new shared campus in Port Glasgow, which will provide new schools for Glenburn/Lilybank, Port Glasgow High and St Stephen's.
What our young Lib Dem friend means, of course, is that Labour Councillors opposed the busing of hundreds of young people each day from the east end of Greenock to Port Glasgow for their secondary education. I am proud of the principled stand that we took on this matter and the far more inclusive solution to secondary education that we came up with. I am also enormously proud that we have put special needs pupils at the heart of our school estate strategy, when they had been overlooked by the Lib Dems.
As far as reducing teacher numbers is concerned, the Lib Dem candidate knows that during their time in control of the Council his colleagues reduced teacher numbers in line with reducing school rolls. We have done exactly the same during this Council term, with his Lib Dem colleagues again proposing this in their budgets.
Where we did differ however was in the recent budget changes agreed in February of this year. We set aside funding for an additional 5 primary teachers in our budget, which was opposed by the Lib Dems, who included nothing in their budget for extra teachers.
Isn't this just typical of the Lib Dems? They say one thing and do another.
You would have thought that as a teacher the Lib Dem candidate would at least get his facts right.
There was me thinking we had just completed the building of two new primary schools and that two new secondary schools are currently being built. We are also in the process of designing the new shared campus in Port Glasgow, which will provide new schools for Glenburn/Lilybank, Port Glasgow High and St Stephen's.
What our young Lib Dem friend means, of course, is that Labour Councillors opposed the busing of hundreds of young people each day from the east end of Greenock to Port Glasgow for their secondary education. I am proud of the principled stand that we took on this matter and the far more inclusive solution to secondary education that we came up with. I am also enormously proud that we have put special needs pupils at the heart of our school estate strategy, when they had been overlooked by the Lib Dems.
As far as reducing teacher numbers is concerned, the Lib Dem candidate knows that during their time in control of the Council his colleagues reduced teacher numbers in line with reducing school rolls. We have done exactly the same during this Council term, with his Lib Dem colleagues again proposing this in their budgets.
Where we did differ however was in the recent budget changes agreed in February of this year. We set aside funding for an additional 5 primary teachers in our budget, which was opposed by the Lib Dems, who included nothing in their budget for extra teachers.
Isn't this just typical of the Lib Dems? They say one thing and do another.
You would have thought that as a teacher the Lib Dem candidate would at least get his facts right.
Thursday 15 April 2010
The great debate
After leafleting in Greenock tonight - I never realised that Gateside Gardens was such a long street - I got home just in time to watch the great debate (my youngest was a bit upset when I turned the TV over as he was watching Sponge Bob).
I thought all three Leaders gave a competent performance. No one made any major gaffs - apart maybe from David Cameron mentioning the Chinese as a potential nuclear threat - and no one landed a knock out blow.
While most commentators seem to think that Nick Clegg came across best, for me Gordon Brown was the one who looked and sounded like a Prime Minister.
I thought all three Leaders gave a competent performance. No one made any major gaffs - apart maybe from David Cameron mentioning the Chinese as a potential nuclear threat - and no one landed a knock out blow.
While most commentators seem to think that Nick Clegg came across best, for me Gordon Brown was the one who looked and sounded like a Prime Minister.
Anyone for putting?
The putting green in Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm is due to open for the new season tomorrow (16 April).
I asked officers earlier this week if they could open the green and they have carried out the necessary work.
Clubs and balls can be hired from the Inverclyde Leisure desk in the park pavilion.
Hopefully we will have a better summer this year than last so that more people can enjoy a round of putting.
I asked officers earlier this week if they could open the green and they have carried out the necessary work.
Clubs and balls can be hired from the Inverclyde Leisure desk in the park pavilion.
Hopefully we will have a better summer this year than last so that more people can enjoy a round of putting.
Monday 12 April 2010
An occupational hazard?
I was up in Leven Road tonight delivering leaflets and direct mail to postal voters on behalf of our candidate David Cairns. I know the area well as I represented it between 1999 and 2007.
Everything was going fine - it was a reasonably pleasant evening - and I was pleased to see the positive developments that had taken place over the last few years: the refurbished houses in South Maukinhill; the new All Saints Primary and Nursery Schools; the new housing being built in Maukinhill; and the 3G pitch at Lady Octavia. I was also pleased to have the opportunity to chat to James Higgins, one of my former constituents.
Then it happened!
About 10 doors from the end of my run I pushed a leaflet through a letter box only to feel a sharp pain in the index finger of my left hand. Quickly pulling my hand out I realised that I had been bitten and the blood started to flow. Just then the door opened and out jumped two dogs followed by the owner who told me not to worry as "they would not touch me". Unfortunately one of them already had!
One wag who was cutting grass nearby turned to me and said: "I suppose that dog won't be voting Labour then?"
I realise that dogs are an occupational hazard for leafleters but I seem to be particularly unlucky, having been bitten 3 times also during the 2007 election campaign.
Hopefully bites don't always come in 3s!
Everything was going fine - it was a reasonably pleasant evening - and I was pleased to see the positive developments that had taken place over the last few years: the refurbished houses in South Maukinhill; the new All Saints Primary and Nursery Schools; the new housing being built in Maukinhill; and the 3G pitch at Lady Octavia. I was also pleased to have the opportunity to chat to James Higgins, one of my former constituents.
Then it happened!
About 10 doors from the end of my run I pushed a leaflet through a letter box only to feel a sharp pain in the index finger of my left hand. Quickly pulling my hand out I realised that I had been bitten and the blood started to flow. Just then the door opened and out jumped two dogs followed by the owner who told me not to worry as "they would not touch me". Unfortunately one of them already had!
One wag who was cutting grass nearby turned to me and said: "I suppose that dog won't be voting Labour then?"
I realise that dogs are an occupational hazard for leafleters but I seem to be particularly unlucky, having been bitten 3 times also during the 2007 election campaign.
Hopefully bites don't always come in 3s!
Sunday 11 April 2010
The week ahead...
Back to work tomorrow after a week off and ready for a busy week ahead:
Monday
9.00 Start work in Glasgow (a later start than usual as I have to put my car in for an MOT)
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Attending a briefing for Elected Members by CoSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)
4.30 Meeting with Jonathan Findlay, the new Chair of SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport)
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 Meeting with a consultant who is carrying out a feasibility study on a new community facility for the Woodhall estate in my ward
6.00 Surgery at Boglestone Community Centre
7.00 Out on the campaign trail
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Meeting with officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Meeting with officers
3.00 Meeting with Women's Aid
4.00 Meeting of Inverclyde Council
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Friday
I am due to be at work all day today. I will be taking the night off campaigning to attend my Sister's Silver Wedding.
Monday
9.00 Start work in Glasgow (a later start than usual as I have to put my car in for an MOT)
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Attending a briefing for Elected Members by CoSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)
4.30 Meeting with Jonathan Findlay, the new Chair of SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport)
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 Meeting with a consultant who is carrying out a feasibility study on a new community facility for the Woodhall estate in my ward
6.00 Surgery at Boglestone Community Centre
7.00 Out on the campaign trail
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Meeting with officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Meeting with officers
3.00 Meeting with Women's Aid
4.00 Meeting of Inverclyde Council
6.30 Out on the campaign trail
Friday
I am due to be at work all day today. I will be taking the night off campaigning to attend my Sister's Silver Wedding.
Saturday 10 April 2010
Welcome back
After a few days holiday in the north of England - it was great not having to show my passport at the border or pay to change my pounds into euros - I am back and ready to do my bit in the General Election campaign.
In fact I was out this morning in Port Glasgow delivering direct mail to voters. Due to the good weather I got the opportunity to speak to a few people. The response from traditional Labour voters was very encouraging. They, like me, have not forgotten the damage that the Tories did to our community and they can see through David Cameron's new Tories.
Time is running out for people who are not on the electoral register. You have until Tuesday 20th April to register otherwise you won’t be able to vote in the General Election on 6th May.
Registering to vote only takes a few minutes: print off a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, the website of the independent elections watchdog the Electoral Commission, or telephone 01475 790135.
In fact I was out this morning in Port Glasgow delivering direct mail to voters. Due to the good weather I got the opportunity to speak to a few people. The response from traditional Labour voters was very encouraging. They, like me, have not forgotten the damage that the Tories did to our community and they can see through David Cameron's new Tories.
Time is running out for people who are not on the electoral register. You have until Tuesday 20th April to register otherwise you won’t be able to vote in the General Election on 6th May.
Registering to vote only takes a few minutes: print off a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, the website of the independent elections watchdog the Electoral Commission, or telephone 01475 790135.
Sunday 4 April 2010
Happy Easter
A Happy Easter to all my regular followers.
I am taking a break this week to spend time with my family.
Normal service will resume next week.
I am taking a break this week to spend time with my family.
Normal service will resume next week.
Saturday 3 April 2010
Parklea Bowling Club
I see from today's Greenock Telegraph that my fellow Ward 1 Councillor Jim MacLeod hopes to help save Parklea Bowling Club.
Having already asked officers to work with the club to address any repairs that are required and provide guidance on funding sources, I am pleased that the club also has Jim's support. I am sure that David Wilson will be adding his backing too.
Not so sure however about the other chap who purports to represent Ward 1.
Having already asked officers to work with the club to address any repairs that are required and provide guidance on funding sources, I am pleased that the club also has Jim's support. I am sure that David Wilson will be adding his backing too.
Not so sure however about the other chap who purports to represent Ward 1.
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