First a congestion charge now Labour want to ban cars altogether

Just what planet is this man living on? Labour Councillor Ralph Cook is Cardiff’ Cabinet Member for Transport.  He has recently been at the centre of controversial plans to introduce a congestion charge in Cardiff.

Now, as reported by the BBC, he thinks there should be a car free housing zone created in the city.  Come on, I mean we all get a bit annoyed by traffic jams and there should be a better public transport system that enables more people to leave their cars behind, but really.

What I can’t understand is why he thinks the city’s traffic is so bad.  I work in Cardiff, usually at the Bay, but in recent weeks have been spending a bit of time in Roath at our by election campaign office there.  I travel to and from work at more or less peak time each day, and yes there is the odd delay, and traffic is a little slow up North Road and along the Ely link road, but not that bad.

In fact by far the worse of the congestion is in Pontypridd, closely followed by the Talbot Green crawl.  We’d better hope that his Labour colleagues in RCT don’t start getting any ideas.

As I said in a recent letter to the Echo and Western Mail a congestion charge in Cardiff would affect people from all across the region who, like me, travel to Cardiff to work. It is just another tax on people who happen to work in the Capital.

The Labour party really are a set apart from the real world aren’t they?

Community involvement & politics are not mutually exclusive

One of the main battles we who are involved in the often murky world of politics have is against voter apathy and distrust which has built up over the years.  It is easy to see why this has happened, but nonetheless the cries of ‘you’re all the same’ do get a little wearing.

It is especially difficult on a community level when it seems we can never win.  If we don’t get involved then we are not interested except at election time.  If we do then it must be because we are trying to make it political and get some electoral benefit for ourselves for it.

I have been involved in community groups well before any political involvement came about- it is why I was first asked to stand for Council. I have kept that going, during the five years I was a County Councillor and since. As Vice Chair of Governors at a Secondary School I never bring my politics into school – although unfortunately the same can’t be said of some others.  I Chair a Development Trust and Vice Chair of a football Trust locally.  Neither of these bring me any political benefit as they are located in the Rhondda and my political activities now centre around Pontypridd.  Yet I still give my time and energy to them because I believe they are worthwhile.

There are of course times when the political and the community interests come together.  A case in point is the fight to save Pontypridd paddling pool.  We (RCT Welsh Lib Dems) have been against this all along, and yes we have made a political point of that, because it is a political issue.  The decision on the renovation of the Lido and the removal of the pool is a Council one, a political one.

Councillor Mike Powell is the ONLY one who voted against the plans at Development Control Committee. He was the only Councillor who went along to the Cabinet meeting and questioned the Officers’ report and the recommendation to approve the project. He asked for the decision to be called in. If anyone out there thinks it is easy to be on your own amongst 75 Councillors in that Chamber then think again.

Yet there are people who still say that the politics should be kept out of the campaign.  Really?  Where then would the campaign be now.

We brought this to the attention of the public.  I have spent hours writing leaflets and press releases, we have given up our time to get those out and keep people informed.  We have reported back from Council meetings which the public would know nothing about. We have set up a Facebook group again to pass on information. Yes we have put our Party name on it, but why shouldn’t we?  It is what we are.  It would be far more suspicious if we didn’t.

We have now set up a community meeting to discuss areferendum, and again there are a few (very few) who condemn us for that.  Yet what have they done?  We are a campaigning unit, we know how to go about these things. So whilst the few who are against all things political sit and complain we have set up a time and date, issued the press release, produced the posters, and there are a couple of thousand leaflets publicising it ready to go out.

Hopefully the majority of people will see this for the community issue it is, regardless of who is taking the lead, and just be grateful somebody is. If they don’t then there is nothing else we can do, and there will be little point complaining once the paddling pool is gone.

RCT Council antics make Yes Minister look like a documentary

Just what size catheter I wonder is being used by RCT Director of Strategy and Public Relations to extract the urine these days?

At least I am assuming it is this gentleman who is giving political advice and direction to the Cabinet.  The position is after all a political appointment – albeit you would never get the Labour party to admit to it.  He is a former Labour Council candidate and son of a Cabinet Member. He was with the Labour contingent at the election count, and is ever present at meetings keeping a close eye on things.

He also somewhere in his department has a responsibility for tourism, although quite why I have never been able to fathom, suppose it says a lot about RCT Council’s attitude to the potential of that for economic development.  The Lido renovation is going to bring tourists to Ponty in droves apparently, so it is only natural he should take an interest.

But I digress. What you may ask has brought about this cloud of wonderment at the ways RCT Council find to extract the proverbial?   Well not surprisingly it is the latest in the farce surrounding the decision to renovate the Lido in Ynysangharad Park and remove the paddling pool.

I am not repeating the whole story as enough has been written about that both here and at www.pontylibdems.org.uk  but in summary the Labour Cabinet made a decision, Welsh Lib Dem Cllr Mike Powell instigated a call in to ask Scrutiny Committee to ask them to look at it again, Labour who have a huge majority on that and every other committee voted no.

There have been doubts expressed all along about the level of public consultation – even the Labour MP for Pontypridd said it was poor.  But it was ok because the Trustees of the Park were fully in favour.  The Director of Regeneration said so – they had been consulted and had no objection at all to the plans.

Why then has a special meeting been called of the Trustees on the 15^th August to look at the same report yet again with a view endorsing the decision?  Or not?  Don’t think Paddy Power will be taking bets on that one.  Who are the Trustees in question?  Why it's a subcommittee of the Labour Cabinet.

You really couldn’t make it up could you?  Yet this is what passes as democracy in the totalitarian state of RCT.

Don’t know what size catheter they are using but I sure know where I’d like to pour what they are extracting.

Permission to c**p all over us Sir

I went along to watch a Council Scrutiny meeting this morning.  It was a special meeting of Overview & Scrutiny following a call in request initiated by Cllr Mike Powell and supported by the Plaid Members on the committee. It was to discuss the scheme to renovate the Lido in Ynysangharad Park and remove the paddling pool which has caused some considerable degree of consternation amongst locals.

It was a perfect reminder if ever I needed one of what arrogant, pig headed, ignorant individuals the Labour party in RCT are.

There were 13 members of the committee present not including the Labour Chair, plus a Cabinet Member (Deputy leader Paul Cannon) and three other Labour Members watching from the sidelines.

Mike opened the so called debate, and then the two Plaid members spoke.  Not a single Labour member opened their mouths.  Not a question, not a comment. They sat there in silence and then at the appointed time all dutifully raised their hands in the air to vote against asking the Cabinet to look at the decision again.  The details of the meeting are here – one has to ask between the Officers and the Members which are the organ grinders and which the monkeys as they defend each other so perfectly.

The whole thing was a joke.  Around about 50 minutes of time wasted as they didn’t even have the intelligence to pretend to take an interest or to consider the proposal in front of them.

And the most galling thing is that they do this with the authorisation of the people of RCT. So keen were the majority of those to do as Labour suggested and ‘send a message to Cameron and Clegg’ that they forgot the message they were sending to the local Labour party was quite simple.

The message was that they were willing to continue being c*****d upon from a great height.  That they are happy for Labour to carry on as before.  To carry on taking no notice at all of public opinion and having no regard whatsoever for the people they are allegedly elected to serve.

Keeping the politics out of it

It makes me so angry when people complain about Council decisions or lack of action and then get all uptight that it shouldn’t be made ‘political.’

It happens a lot, and is perhaps a measure of how disengaged the public generally are with the democratic process.

The decision to renovate the Lido in Ynysangharad Park has been much to the forefront of the minds of RCT Welsh Lib Dems recently  - well certainly in the case of Cllr Mike Powell and myself.  The plans involve the removal of the current paddling pool and a lot of people have got hot under the collar about it.

We have put out no end of press comments and written letters and set up a petition and survey.  We have been trying to alert people to this for years and have opposed the plans all along.  Not to make a political point – our support came before the public outcry – but because we think the decision is wrong.

A number of Facebook groups have now sprung up in protest at the decision, which is good.  But the thing that amazes and annoys me is the number of people who claim it should be ‘non-political.’   How can it be non political?  This decision like almost every other decision which affects the area is made by politicians.

So people will instead gripe on Facebook, or down the pub, or maybe with the occasional letter to the press. They’ll stay away from ‘politics’ because that’s a dirty word isn’t it?  Then they will lie down and let the crap keep on coming.

What will it take for people to really get involved, take control, and really make this a democratic country?

Labour lied - simple as

Spent a couple of hours this morning handing out leaflets in Ponty town centre about Labour's plans for the Lido.   Nobody I spoke to seemed to realise that the plans mean the loss of the existing paddling pool.  But then why would they, it hasn't been mentioned in any of the Council's press releases.

And of course they had Russell's word on it before the election didn't they?  People thought it was 'all sorted.'  So did Owen Smith MP, according to his remarks in his June Pontypridd Observer column.  He is going to be left with a bit of egg dribbling down his chin.  Any chance of his next column condemning his Council colleagues for lying?

And what of Slick Antoniw?  Where does he stand in this?  Well nobody is quite sure, he hasn't mentioned it, but then living in Newport he probably doesn't realise just how much locals value the paddling pool.

Nobody I met this morning said the paddling pool should go, people were appalled at the idea.  Now many of them will have been the same people who voted Labour in with an increased majority in May.  They were taken in by Labour's lies then, and will unfortunately have to live with the results.

Big Weekend Big Letdown for many

According to the Council’s website

As thousands of people prepare to descend on Pontypridd for the biggest event of the year, the town’s  owners with the aim of promoting the town, a whole host of meal deals are being introduced on the Big Weekend.

Now whilst it is good to see events which promote Pontypridd the Council are a long way from getting it right in terms of the balance between publicity and genuinely bringing trade into the town, or between putting on popular events and allowing local residents to enjoy the Park.

Local traders should benefit from events such as the Big Weekend – but the Council should be taking the lead and doing all they can to support them and enable them to cash in on the influx of visitors.

Last year amongst the complaints the fact that people were not allowed to take food into the Park was amongst the most common. Only bottled water was allowed in, people were instead expected to buy from the franchises inside – who were not local traders and charges in some cases extortionate prices.

This year the Council and its partners are allowing ticket holders to enter the Park along the designated route with their food as long as it is consumed prior to reaching the actual concert area itself.

Wow!  How great is that?  You can buy a bag of chips in town and the Council will graciously allow you to eat them as you walk along the ‘designated route’ – as long as you finish them before you enter the hallowed ground where the concert is to be held.

The same hallowed ground that includes the cricket pitch.  The users of that facility are furious that some un-named person in the Council has decided that the concert should encroach upon the pitch yet again, a move which threatens to rule it out of use for months to come.

The Labour Council have no interest in Pontypridd or in local residents.  Headlines are all well and good but it is what happens behind the headlines that matters.

Independent naivety versus Labour bullying.

The Rhondda Leader today reports a spat between a newly elected Independent Councillor and a Labour Cabinet Member. 

Heated words were exchanged at last week’s meeting of Rhondda Cynon Taf council when Independent councillor Phil Howe read out a letter he had written to Chris Bryant and Leighton Andrews, the MP and AM for Rhondda, about the employment practices of a local shopfitting firm.

In the letter, Mr Howe stated: “As the RCT councillor for Ferndale and Blaenllechau, it has been brought to my urgent attention that a company called Inca Creative Ltd is currently in the process of recruiting an additional 13 workers, all imported from Poland, completely bypassing the local labour market.

“I fully suspect that since both the UK and Poland are members of the European Union, no employment or immigration laws have been broken by the owners or management in this matter, but I question the morality of this move.”

I was in the public gallery at the meeting on 4^th July and watched this little battle play itself out.  I don’t doubt that Cllr Howe did not mean his comments to be racist, but the minute he made his comments the question was which Labour member would react first. 

They are only too eager to pounce and take advantage of the inexperience of any new Councillors. They already succeeded in intimidating Cllr Howe to the extent that he pulled out of the Welsh Liberal Democrat alliance group and will see him as an easy target.

I have in the past questioned the effectiveness of Independent Councillors.   The Council Chamber is not an easy place to be, you need broad shoulders and thick skin.  You also need to be very careful of what you say.  Political correctness is sometimes a card that is overplayed, but that is the way it is.  People who are in the public eye need to be careful of what they say.

This particular episode did no favours to either side and would be best left alone.  He was naive, she was bullying. Both acting in a way that does not belong in the Chamber.

Playground politics

In the Blue corner we have the blonde bombshell, Tory Welsh Secretary Cheryl  ‘Chezza’ Gillan.  And in the red corner Shadow Secretary Pontypridd prowler Owen ‘Oily’ Smith.  Battling it out in a classic ‘he said’ ‘she said’ contest worthy of a nursery playground.

The subject?  Nothing important - just the reorganisation of the constituency boundaries in Wales and a possible change in the way in which we elect the people who govern this country. Nothing to trouble themselves about.

Oily seems to be a bit upset because Chezza called a meeting so that Welsh MPs could discuss it.  Allegedly (although he seems to have a different take on things) he complained that it was to be held on a Monday morning and MPs would have to cancel meetings in their constituencies to get there.

Surely this is not that rare an occurrence?  That MPs have to get to Westminster on a Monday for business of one kind or another.  And a look at Oily’s website doesn’t indicate that he is doing a lot in his constituency at the moment.

Grow up people.

Hey, Owen, over here mate

Now I know being an MP (or indeed an AM) is not only about constituency business, there is a wider role to be undertaken as well and responsibilities beyond the narrow confines of parliamentary boundaries.

However, a balance needs to be struck, and elected representatives at all levels need to remember who put them there and where their first priority should be.

Owen Smith, MP for Pontypridd, seems to be struggling with that at the moment.  The news section on his website is full of articles in his capacity as Shadow Welsh Minister.  The first mention of Pontypridd comes on page 4, an article from the Ponty Observer on 24^th May in which he promises to ‘continue to work hard for Pontypridd.’

But where is the evidence of that?  This week the leader of RCT Council announced that there were problems with the Pontypridd town precinct development – this in direct contrast to Owen’s assertion just seven days previously that everything was fine and work would start in August.

Maybe a word or two of clarification would help?  Maybe  a few questions from the MP on the subject?  A little of the jumping up and down in outrage that he is so fond of directing at the UK Government these days?

Communication is key - somebody obviously misunderstood

Perhaps Owen Smith was too excited by his recent Shadow Cabinet appointment, his mind was elsewhere?  Maybe Tony Christopher is still stunned at the loss of his mate Russell from the Council and he misheard what was being said?

Either way there seems to be a major gap in communication regarding the plans for the new precinct in Taff Street in Pontypridd.

RCT Welsh Lib Dems last week welcomed what seemed to be good news about the development when Ponty MP Owen Smith assured Ponty Observer readers that he had spoken to the developers and everything was ticketty boo.  The rumours have been going around like wildfire that the development was in trouble - they had failed to find enough tenants for the shops there and could not afford to risk pressing ahead without a guaranteed take up.  Obviously those rmours were ill founded and we could all rest easy knowing that the Labour party had saved Ponty.  Such a relief.

But wait, what is this?  Just seven days later in his column for the very same paper Tony Christopher has the opposite view.

The developers have told him they are in trouble and whilst they are fully committed to the project then they are "facing a number issues with their funding package.”

Did the note taker make a mistake?  Did one of them fall asleep momentarily during the conversation and missed a sentence or two?  Because obviously there is a major discrepancy here.

But I have no doubt that a full explanation will be forthcoming from the cabinet member responsible, Cllr Paul Cannon.  Well now he hasn't got the Police Commissioner election to worry about he can turn his attention fully back to the job.

The shame of the Welsh Government

I am developing an increasing liking for the columns of Matt Withers who, it seems, hits the nail on the head more often than not these days.

Take his column today in which he looks at Nick Clegg’s criticism of Carwyn Jones and his Welsh Government.  

‘The Welsh Government was guilty of “the politics of grievance, blame and finger-pointing”, he said, with “an increasingly shrill and narrow and ungenerous approach to how the spoils are divided within a increasingly devolved union”.

This, he added had made him a “staunch opponent” of fiscal devolution to Wales until the Welsh Government was prepared to shoulder more accountability and drop its current approach.

The sound in the background was Carwyn Jones’ advisers readying their responses. Angry words for the First Minister to hurl at Welsh Lib Dem leader Kirsty Williams in the chamber this week. Anonymous briefings against Mr Clegg and his UK Cabinet colleagues, perhaps, to follow’

Mr Withers has certainly got Carwyn pegged

‘Carwyn Jones has cleverly set himself up as the only Minister of the Crown to also be a leader of the opposition. As the most senior elected Labour figure in Britain, to the outsider it can appear his role is to attack the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats first and be First Minister second.

Witness First Minister’s Questions, where he long ago gave up giving proper answers. To the Tories, he “will take no lessons from the party opposite”. To questions on the NHS, and controversial hospital restructuring in particular, come answers on Andrew Lansley’s even more controversial changes in England.

The Lib Dems’ questions are met with answers about propping up the Tories in London, and on supporting regional pay. Even Plaid Cymru, who are not and never will be in government at Westminster, are labelled “human shields” for the UK Government for letting them off the hook and attacking Labour in Cardiff Bay instead.’

The attitude of Carwyn and his followers makes a mockery of devolution.  Playing the blame game helps nobody. With greater powers comes greater responsibility, and those in charge owe it to the people of Wales to ensure those powers are used to best effect.  Or do they?  After all it was the people of Wales who allowed themselves to be duped by the Labour spin and who turned to them for perceived salvation from the dreaded Tories and us evil Lib Dems who are backing them.

As Matt points out

‘Perhaps that is all people want from their devolved government, after all – something to vent their anger and frustration at the administration in London. Mr Clegg may be furious about that. Others may just think it’s a bit of a shame.’

It’s that alright – a real shame, a shame for all the children who are not getting the standard of education they deserve, for those who have to put up with a below standard health service, for those who cannot get jobs because the Labour Welsh Government are too busy blaming the coalition to do anything useful themselves.

 

What was that about a democratic society?

Youngsters in Bangor are to be banned from the city after 9pm unless accompanied by an adult.  Any ‘group’ of two or more young people under the age of 16 will be asked by Police to leave the area.

Wales Online reports that “failure to comply could lead to up to three months imprisonment and or a fine of up to £2,500.”

This is absolutely disgraceful.  The reason for the ban is because of reports of anti social behavior and underage drinking, but if that is the case why aren’t the Police and the Council dealing with the issue and not punishing every young person for the bad behaviour of a few?

How do they expect youngsters to grow up with any respect for society and authority if this is the way they are treated?

The report quotes Nick Pickles, director of civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch,

``The idea you could be fined or imprisoned for walking through the town centre simply because you are 15 and not accompanied by a parent is simply madness.

 “Criminalising every young person in Bangor – without any need for them to be engaged in any wrongdoing – is an unwarranted and disproportionate intrusion onto the civil liberties of thousands of perfectly law abiding young people.”

I agree with Nick!

Good news at last for Ponty?

In his monthly column in the Pontypridd Observer Owen Smith MP gives a brief update on two issues that the Welsh Lib Dems locally have been concerned about for a long time

"First, the baths. The business case for redevelopment is progressing positively and I was delighted to see Labour council colleagues ruling out any closure of the small pool.

"Secondly, the precinct. I am in regular contact with developers and am told plans are on track. Over £6m funding has been secured for the next phase and construction should begin before the end of August,"

I hope this turns out to be the case.  We have been campaigning on the paddling pool issue for some time, and the change of heart by Russell Roberts came very late - just before the May election in fact.  Still we have been waiting far too long for redevelopment of the Lido.  Let's hope we don't have to wait too much longer.

Rumours have been rife regarding the precinct development - mainly that they have failed to attract enough businesses to the project.  This seems to dispel those rumours and again if it the case is good news at last.

Cardiff Blues in the red

No I am not referring to the change of kit for Cardiff City - to be honest I have no interest in football and couldn't care less if they played in lime green, although it does seam a pretty daft move.

I am talking of course about Cardiff Blues, the 'regional' rugby team who recently announced they wanted to grace Sardis Rd with their presence.

According to the BBC It seems they have found themselves a little short of cash.  £2.3 million to be precise.

No doubt the WRU will be waiting in the wings with support though,  As short of cash as they always claim to be they surely wouldn't let one of their favoured few go to the wall.

Preserve our town centres - online at least

Wales Online reports on ‘A new online archive has been set up to show how Wales’ high streets looked before they came to be dominated by national chain stores.’

The website is collaboration between the National Library and the National Museum and comes at a time when empty shops are becoming more and more prevalent in many of our town centres, Pontypridd being a prime example.

Shops there are closing down it seems on a weekly basis.  The Council’s much vaunted Townscape Regeneration Scheme is having no affect whatsoever, and the regeneration work is taking place in a totally haphazard fashion which makes it a nightmare to walk through the town centre. All this helped by a traffic system which is a seemingly designed by a two year old (I apologize for insulting any two year olds.)

If anyone has any photos of Ponty then they had better upload them to the site fast, before any semblance of what was once was a thriving town centre is completely lost.

 

Same old lazy Labour ways

So the Council elections are over, Labour won a resounding majority in RCT, and so of course have reverted to their usual stance, cruising along just taking the public for granted.

They don’t have to make the effort now you see, as is evident from the local websites.  RCT Labour site shows the last update was on 11^th May - the new leader’s local press column.  Since then nothing.  The banner still reads vote labour on May 3^rd.

The Tonyrefail Labour site still features good old Russell no jobs, the leader who lost his seat last month, and an extremely outdated story about a candidate who left Plaid to stand as an Independent.

No doubt there will be a dearth of leaflets from Labour Councillors too.  After all they have got what they wanted for now, they can take it easy for a while.

Let’s play nicely – or not

Some excellent observations from Matt Withers in his Wales On Sunday column this week.  Including extracts from a speech made by Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle in the Senedd last week during what was apparently a plea to move away from divisive politics.

“WE are in this together, but that means moving away from the sort of divisive politics that has become the hallmark of this coalition.”

Matt points out other highlights

‘Admitting she would support proposals to allow parents flexible leave if they weren’t being introduced by the current UK Government, telling Lib Dem AM Eluned Parrott she was “just here to stick up for the pernicious Tory Government at Westminster”, and pointing out that “our Labour First Minister is at the joint ministerial committee, standing up for Wales.’

Seems they just cannot stop themselves.  It’s the Labour way or no way as far as they are concerned as we see far too often in RCT.
The same column also picks up on Health Minister Lesley Griffiths assurances that she has never used the word ‘scaremongering’   In fact, Matt claims, she has used the word nine times.

 nine – the number of times Ms Griffiths has used the word “scaremongering” in the Senedd since being appointed Health Minister (five times in relation to the reorganisation of hospital services on September 28 last year, three times in a debate in November and once on February 1).

Thus is the advantage (or not) of a written verbatim record of proceedings - you need to be very sure of your facts before you deny having said anything in the past.

Blues may find House of Pain too painful

Wales Online today reports that the WRU are considering spending £10million to buy the freehold of Cardiff Arms Park and redevelop the site.

 Cardiff Arms Park redevelopment to be considered by WRU

If a deal can be struck to acquire the freehold interest, (for a reported sum of £10million) any profits from commercial developments would be ploughed back into developing.” rugby at the site.

This potentially could see a major refurbishment of the exiting Arms Park and even the building of 15,000 capacity stadium. The WRU would then lease the ground to the Blues, but also look to use the ground to stage other matches, including under-21 internationals.

It would look to mirror Parc y Scarlets in terms of its facilities in catering for pre-match hospitality and entertainment, as well being used for non rugby events such as concerts

This would be the same WRU who couldn’t afford to help maintain a Valleys regional side, but it seems can keep providing for the favoured few.

This follows on the heels of a report yesterday which stated that “Cardiff Blues plan to play matches at Sardis Road in bid to embrace region”

“CARDIFF BLUES are ready to take matches to Pontypridd’s Sardis Road ground as they look to take top-level rugby back to the valleys

The move comes as new chief executive Richard Holland and coach Phil Davies argue it is crucial the Cardiff-based region build up a stronger fan base outside the Welsh capital.”

The “Cardiff based region” have surely left it a bit late to start looking to build support outside the capital.  Have any of them been up this way lately?

A couple of months ago I was at a charity event in the Rhondda which included an auction.  People were extremely generous and large amounts of money changed hands for all manner of items.  Except one.  A Cardiff Blues shirt signed by all of the team.  Not a single bid came forward, despite the auctioneer trying to start it off at £1.    

It is indicative of the strength of feeling that exists not just against the Blues but at the whole manner in which regional rugby has been set up and run.

If the Blues are coming to Sardis then they had better bring a few busloads of fans with them I fear, as I can’t see Ponty supporters turning out for them

And what of the plans of Owen Smith MP to bring regional rugby back to Pontypridd and the Valleys?  It has been reported that Pontypridd RFC board are fully behind this, but yet it seems at the same time they have been making plans with the Blues. Am I the only who thinks this is a bit odd?

Don't think I'll be rushing out to buy a Cardiff shirt any time soon.

Loose Cannon

RCT Council AGM took place earlier today and if I needed a reminder of just why I keep getting back on the horse and attacking the Labour party this was it.  The group in RCT is fronted by a pack of absolute insufferable, arrogant bullies who are a disgrace to the communities they are elected to serve.  They are backed by a spineless crowd of backbenchers who are just along for the ride.

The meeting opened with what I personally find a sickening exhibition of fawning over the outgoing and incoming mayors.  (The post is one I myself would abolish.)  The outgoing mayor, Sylvia Jones, made a heart rending speech about how she had “brought respect back to the role of mayor.”  Not difficult really when her predecessor was reprimanded by Standards Committee for telling a member to “sit down and give your arse a chance.” 

In a speech which I am sure was not intended to be as arrogant as it came across she said she had brought procedures back to ensure that the Mayor was greeted properly when on official business and that visitors to the Mayor’s parlour were also treated properly (bring back the booze stash did they?). 

She thanked staff and said that she even ‘embraced the cleaner’ as you have to treat all staff with respect.  Now I would have thought this went without saying, why should the cleaner be singled out any more than her secretary or chauffeur?  Is the cleaner less worthy?  Obviously the Labour class system rules it is so.

The best was yet to come though, when after a nauseating display of false camaraderie whilst the new Mayor and Deputy were dubbed and the new leader anointed it was the turn of the new Deputy Leader.  None other than ex Police Officer Paul Cannon who proceeded to show himself to be a truly nasty minded piece of work.

Yes, the same Paul Cannon who wants to be the South Wales Police Commissioner.  Well I have never thought much of the man in the past, we have had our run ins, but after tonight’s disgusting display my opinion is that he is not fit to lick the boots of most Police Officers never mind govern them.

The same Paul Cannon who as Cabinet member for Economic Development (a post he retains) said that he intends to do ‘”absolutely nothing” about the poor take up of grants by Pontypridd businesses.

He decided to use his acceptance speech to have a major dig at the opposition.  After a singeing attack on Plaid he then went on to say that he wouldn’t name names but that labour would not be sidetracked by “showboating buffoonery” from certain opposition Councillors.  His demeanour and language were far from what should be expected in a Council Chamber and just showed him up as a rather angry individual whose temperament is surely ill suited to leadership.

Now presumably he thinks that attempting to hold the administration to account by asking questions is not the way to behave in the Chamber?

There are 60 Labour members in RCT now and 15 opposition.  Yet still they obviously feel threatened.  Hardly surprising really.  I’d take one Mike Powell over 60 of that motley crew any day.

Democracy the Labour way

It seems that Labour’s bully boy tactics have come to the fore once again in RCT.  Not content with holding 60 out of 75 seats on the Council they appear to want to quash any attempts by others to hold them to account.

Following the May 3^rd election talks were held between Mike Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Councillor for Trallwn, the sole Conservative Councillor, and the newly elected Independent Councillors regarding forming a group.

An agreement was reached with Cllr James, Conservative, and two of the Independent Councillors to do just that.  The group, to be called the Democratic Alliance Group, would have been a loose alliance formed merely to enable members to take advantage of the scrutiny system.  There would have been no obligation for them to vote in the same way, and no party political influence brought to bear on Independent members.

Unless a Councillor is a member of a group then he / she gets no seats on any of the scrutiny committees which are supposed to hold the administration to account and give at least some outward semblance of democracy.

It seems that the Labour group want to stamp out even this low level of opposition.  Word was allegedly spread by the Labour councillor for Ferndale that the Independent member also representing this ward was in effect selling out to the electorate by joining forces with the Welsh Liberal Democrats and the Tories.

Being new to the political hot bed that is RCT and the dirty tricks of the Labour party, the Councillor reacted in just the way Labour wanted him to, and pulled out of the group.

This now means that he will be operating completely on  his own in the Chamber and elsewhere, with no experienced Councillors to look to for advice.  He will not be able to sit on any of the scrutiny committees.  He is isolated.

Strangely enough the Labour party did not concern themselves with the Independence of mind of Independent members prior to this.  They had no concerns about it when they appointed Roger Turner Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny committee, even though he was a member of a group.  Of course Mr Turner later joined the Labour party having been rewarded sufficiently by them with his special responsibility allowance for several years.  He was allowed to hold on to that extra payment when the ruling group decided they no longer needed anyone independent to Chair it.

Democracy – it is a word the Labour party need to familiarize themselves with.

Strategic political neutrality?

It has been a long week, and the after effects of the election have begun to kick in – aching legs, tiredness, the desire to stay in bed and throw the alarm clock across the room.

I do hope that Christian Hanagan has recovered – after all being Head of PR and Strategy is a tough job and needs someone on the ball with a new Council in place.

He was at the verification on Thursday night until gone midnight and then back again for the count on Friday.

I am not altogether sure what his status there was.  He is after all an officer of the Authority and as such supposed to be politically neutral, at least outwardly.  But he was there with the Labour party as one of their team.  Making sure his mother, Councillor Eudine Hanagan, was ok

I do hope that at the very least he booked time off to be there and wasn’t carrying out his political activities on taxpayers’ time. 

Poor, poor Russell

Just how stupid is Russell Roberts the former RCT Council leader who lost his seat on May 3^rd

Speaking to the local press he said

“I think, for whatever reason, I’ve been targeted by some members of the opposition"

No s**t  Sherlock.  The main reason - apart from the wasteful spending and arrogant attitude of your administration -  is because you exhibited excessive greed in skimming over £100,000 from the public purse by lining up five jobs when one of them – leading the Council was supposed to be a full time post.

Any other employee trying that trick would have been ousted long ago.

Still the press reports that

‘Mr Roberts is now looking to the future and said he will look for opportunities in the public sector’

Would anyone like to place a bet on how soon Russ will find himself doing some cosy little consultancy job for his mates down the Bay at a very nice little salary?  Or maybe a sideline with the WLGA in recognition of all his sterling work for them.

Jobs for the boys?  Suits you Sir,

What happens to Ponty paddling pool now?

Russell Roberts announced shortly before the election that he was stepping in to save Pontypridd paddling pool.  This after we started a petition against it, and the groundswell of public opinion became obvious.

However, it seems that this announcement was made out of the blue and there is no record of such a discussion being had or a decision being taken within the Council.

What happens now then that Russell is no longer leader or even a Councillor?  Will this promise still stand or will the new leader from the Cynon valley take a different view?

Caption competition - love's labour's lost

Mr Alan Bevan. losing finalist at the try and unseat Cllr Mike Powell from Trallwn competition.

• Glug, glug, going down.
• Something smells rotten around here - oh, it's me.
• This is harassment, taking photos of me, I'll report you to the Police.
• A sea of red everywhere and I have to be knocked under by a yellow buoy.

Yet again Allen Bevan fails to unseat Mike Powell in Trallwn,  Do the Labour party really hate him that much that they put him back there again this time? Even on the back of such a massive swing to Labour this unpleasant little character couldn't get elected.  His unsavoury leaflets left almost as bad a taste as the ridiculous allegations of harassment he made against Mike just before the Assembly elections.

He couldn't turn up to a hustings last week because - so he told the organiser - he was still in mourning for his wife who died several months ago.  This didn't prevent him from contesting the election, putting out attack leaflets, knocking doors with Oily Smith.  But he couldn't manage to man up enough for a face to face fair and square quetsion and answer session.

This is an example of Labour at its worst. 

It's tough getting back on the horse, but we wil

I haven’t actually got out of bed yet, there is that sort of numb post election feeling you get when you have worked like hell and lost and are not quite sure what to do next. The housework doesn’t hold any great appeal, most non political friends have no idea why you are so down about things, and political allies are moping around doing the same as me.

Done the email thank you and ‘don’t give up’ bit – but it’s hard , even for an allegedly tough skinned, hardnosed street fighter like me, to get back up again after yet another bashing.

And what  a bashing it was – beyond what any of us could have expected.  It not only knocked us back years but, if it is any consolation, did the same to the Tories and perhaps more unexpectedly, Plaid.  Wales has gone back to its red roots, and who knows what damage that will cause.  But that is democracy for you.

I am no less deflated than anyone else .  In common with colleagues across Wales we in Rhondda Cynon Taff have worked damned hard, not just in recent weeks but in the case of some of us for years.  We did not deserve what happened, and it is no consolation at all knowing there is nothing any of us could have done about it.  Whatever we did on the doorstep, however many leaflets we delivered, it would not have been enough.

My biggest worry locally and nationally is that people will become disillusioned by this setback and fall by the wayside.  I can understand why some would want to just say forget it – part of me wishes I could, but there is a stubborn streak a mile wide which means I have just been putting together stats and looking at an application process to make Pontypridd a strategic seat.

There will no doubt be much discussion at all levels about the whys and wherefores in coming weeks. That discussion needs to be full and frank – but not held in haste or anger and not via the media.  We need to regroup and carry on the fight,  Teamwork is vital, and we need to build on that and also on the friendships and family feel that makes the Welsh Liberal Democrats unique.

I’ll get back on the horse, maybe a gentle walk for a few weeks rather than a gallop, but that stubborn streak won’t go away.

Welsh Lib Dems bring MP to Ponty residents

Well the residents of Ponty are seeing quite a bit of their Labour MP and AM this week as they run around with hapless candidates in places such as Trallwn where Mike Powell has been the County Councillor for the past thirteen years.   Also trying to shore up some of their more established faces in Tonteg where they are obviously a bit worried about me gaining ground. 

The campaign in some wards continues to get down to gutter level as Labour members / supporters again hide behind ridiculous usernames on local blogs.  It is such a cowardly practice.  If you have something to say then come out and say it. 

The Labour candidate in Treforest keeps on about being local and living in the ward as if that is the be all and end all.  I was asked by someone today though why he has put an application in to build a house in Glyncoch.  (here)  - perhaps he is building it for a family member or to rent?   Who knows, but I am sure he has an explanation.

Dirty tricks starting to come out

The Labour party in RCT are approaching this election in their usual manner.

Unable to rely on their own record they resort to snide comments, innuendo and sometimes outright lies.  Posts on local forums appear by new members who don't have the courage to post openly but hide behind strange nicknames.  One of our candidates in particular has been subject to such attacks (and for once it isn't Mike). They then feel safe to spread all manner of rumours and gossip.  Shame really that a party which once did so much for the working classes is reduced to such a level.

I am still awaiting contact from RCT  legal office after upsetting the Labour candidates in Tonteg.  Apparently at the community council meeting last week there was a discussion about my postal voter letter and a line which offended them.  The line is in no way illegal or anything that shouldn't be there, it is not a personal attack, and is nothing that breaks any rules but they are not used to actual campaigning and being criticised.  The fact that they brought it up at a community council meeting and asked the clerk of the council to bring it to the attention of the legal officer shows how they like to run that particular boys club.  It also shows a marked ignorance of procedure.  Still, I was looking forward to pointing that out to him.  One has so few pleasures on the campaign trail.

Labour back down over paddling pool - just before election!

  Well would you believe it, Russell three four five jobs Roberts has announced a climb down over the plans to remove the paddling pool from Ynysangharad Park.

Apparently he said   “Like many local people, I know how valued the current paddling pool is and understand how the current misinformation around its future would cause concern.”

What misinformation would that be then Russ? The misinformation on the massive boards showing the town regeneration boards – which showed the paddling pool going.  Or the confirmation of the same by the officer on duty there?

“Despite what other parties (that will be us) have been telling the public, our proposals for redevelopment of the Lido will include a new water play area” - why didn’t that appear in the plans then? 

Could it be that you just thought of it, when you realized that you are taking a hell of a knocking on all sorts of fronts at the moment, not least because of your five jobs and £100,000+ salary form the public purse?

Will public opinion play a part there too – if by some misfortune we are lumbered with you and yours at the helm again after May will you give up your four extra roles and actually concentrate on RCT?

Of course there will be cynics out there who will doubt whether any of this will come to pass anyway.   We have had numerous announcements in the past about the Park and what Labour plan to do.  Usually just before an election.  So far they have done nothing but rabbit on and on and on about their ‘ambitious plans.’

Hopefully this time something will actually happen but I don’t think I’ll hold my breath.

The final sentence of the Labour press release reads “The negativity of opposition politicians does nothing for the greater benefit of Pontypridd.”

Really?  Well so far there is precious little evidence of the Labour party doing anything for the greater benefit of Pontypridd. In fact there seems to be only one major beneficiary of the Labour legacy around here – Mr five jobs himself.

Russell Roberts' greed knows no bounds

Anyone who wonders why I hate the Labour party quite so much need only to look at this – yet another tale of Russell Roberts’ greed.  He is now on five jobs paid for from the public purse.

"RUSSELL Roberts, the Labour leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, has a fifth job on the public purse, taking his salary past six figures, it has been confirmed.

Mr Roberts is paid £2,593 a year as a member of the London-based Local Government Improvement and Development Board. That takes his annual earnings to as much as £102,443 a year.

In 2010-11, he picked up £58,962, including £1,177 in travel and subsistence, from his work as leader of the council. He also received £23,544 as chairman of South Wales Police Authority and £13,344 from Cwm Taf Health Board. Earlier this month, Plaid Cymru revealed that Mr Roberts, as deputy leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, received £4,000 a year,"

The greed and arrogance of this man knows no bounds.  And the bunch of self serving parasites who keep him on as leader and are complicit in this disgraceful behaviour are no better.

There is no defence for this, yet his pathetic army of followers keep trying to come up with excuses.

The man’s snout is so far into the trough it is a wonder he can still breathe.

Don't you love the opposition?

Especially at election time when they all show just how bonkers they can be.

The residents of The Graig in Pontypridd must be a little confused.  Labour's Treforest candidate Steve Powderhill doesn't appear to know where his ward ends and has been leafleting there.  Meanwhile Joyce Cass who is their Graig candidate has a leaflet out which urges voters to vote for her on May 4th.

The Independent candidate for Cilfynydd - a former member of ours actually, chucked out of the Party - has one of the most bizarre leaflets around.  Take this excerpt for instance:

True grit

While the resurfacing of the roads was overdue, the standard of work by the Labour council left a lot to be desired.  The most common complaint has been about loose chippings, even after these have been supposedly removed, these are then carried into houses and end up on carpets.

One house in Richard Street had chippings weighing over a stone swept from outside its frontage,

The candidate in question lives in Richard Street.  We have spent a fair bit of time in Cil and spoke to a variety of people, including residents of Richard Street.  Can’t say that has ever come up as a major problem.  And who on earth would gather them up and weigh them?

The aforementioned Treforest candidate announces that  “It would be so easy to take a cheap shot at the outgoing Councillor but I won’t, it’s not my style and hopefully I’ll be respected for it”

Yes of course Steve. 

The Indie in Tonteg has as a top priority putting flower baskets outside shops to make it pretty.  How sweet. Let's forget the disgraceful state of the roads and pavements there and the lack of playground facilities.

Still there are some pleasant people out there.  Had a text message tonight wishing me well for the campaign – it came from my Tory opponents in Tonteg.

Sloppy stuff from Labour

Is Christian Hanagan too busy campaigning to write or proof read press releases for the Labour mob at the moment then?

Just came across this one on their Tonyrefail site.  This is home of Russell four jobs Roberts and Cabinet Member for EDUCATION Eudine Hanagan.  Hmmm, yes….

Perhaps it is why they rely on leaflets from London.

Labour’s Russell Roberts has described the new (news) that Plaid Cymru Candidate Phil Doyle has defecting (defected) to stand as an independent as a demonstration that Plaid Cymru offer nothing for Tonyrefail.

Labour’s Russell Roberts said: (sure he is Labour's Russell Roberts?)

“This demonstrates that the republican views of their new Leader, who wants to separate Wales from the United Kingdom is (are) not supported by the public.

“Clearly Phil has realised that Plaid Cymru offer nothing for Tonyrefail, nothing for our local economy and nothing for the public services the Council provides.

“Phil has clearly realised (repetitive) that Plaid Cymru cannot offer an effective voice against the cuts being imposed by Cameron & Clegg.”

Phil Doyle featured in Plaid’s Tonyrefail newsletter and is now standing as an Independent candidate.