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Letter: Why Do Council Debates Become So Personal?

Published on: 18 May, 2017
Updated on: 18 May, 2017

From Bernard Parke

Hon Alderman and former Mayor of Guildford

In response to: Local Plan Debate Produces No Change In Battle Lines

I have known Cllr Tony Phillips now for many years.

When I was a councillor, he and I were often at odds with one another, but one thing I will say, he has always cared for the people here in Onslow who elected him as their GBC representative.

Why do such debates become so personal? They never used to be.

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Responses to Letter: Why Do Council Debates Become So Personal?

  1. Jenny Procter Reply

    May 18, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    Sadly I do not think the current council procedures can be elevated to “debate” status. It seems there is no room for reasoned difference of opinion or genuine debate when it comes to the required response to proposed planning.

    Anyone stepping out of line or putting forward an argument that does not support the thrust of the motion is to be belittled, squashed and brushed aside as an uneccessary irritation.

    What is truly depressing is the sheep like obeisance of the majority of councillors. Do they really and truly believe they are doing justice to their office?

  2. Ben Paton Reply

    May 19, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Guildford Borough Council grows more and more like Animal Farm.

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