A vote for Labour in Barnet is not just a vote against the out of touch Tories, but a vote for a Better Barnet.
There is a lot of commentary on the Barnet blogosphere which is let’s just say ‘critical’ of the ruling Conservative administration in Barnet. Most of these blogs and activist groups would advocate a vote for Labour in Barnet, in some cases, just to get rid of the current Tory administration.
I get the feeling that the message has gotten through to the public. The public are on the same page as many of us. They agree that something is deeply wrong with Barnet Council and the way it has been managed over the past several years, and the mood has been set for the Tories to be ousted in two years’ time. Brunswick Park is proof that this feeling is growing, and that the GLA and East Finchley elections were not one offs.
But, I don’t really want people to vote for Labour in Barnet unless they know who and what they are voting for. Of course, I have no control over the Barnet Labour Party’s manifesto pledges, promises or plans for governing Barnet, but I do know that a vote for Labour in Barnet is more than just an anti-tory vote.
In 2014 a vote for Labour in Barnet would mean:
- An administration that actually listens to residents.
- An administration that wishes to conduct the business of governing with transparency.
- A group of Councillors who understand their privileged positions as elected officials and will not abuse such positions.
- A halting of the risky mass privatisation oneBarnet programme.
- An administration committed to working with small businesses and the High Street.
- An administration that ensures that those in society with the least have the greatest chance for social mobility.
- An administration that protects open spaces.
- An administration that will crack down on town hall tax dodgers.
- An administration that will ensure good value for money for Barnet residents, without stealth taxation.
- An administration committed to doing its bit for a greener, cleaner London.
- An administration committed to high quality public services, working with employees, rather than against them.
Above is just my own personal view on what a Labour administration would look like, and not part of any manifesto. If you are reading this, just think about what you want to see from Barnet Council, and maybe, some of the above are what you are looking for, despite not necessarily being a Labour supporter.
My aim, as a Labour Party activist (and an aim shared by most colleagues and friends in the local party) is not to simply chuck out the Tories, but to create a Barnet that works for all of its residents, a Barnet that listens to its residents and ultimately create a Council that is in touch, rather than out of touch.
