Philosophy and politics

I have long been an ardent follower of the thoughts and beliefs that made Edmund Burke such a singular politician. My musings this week in Proper Gander were written before the election results came in. Now that the people have decided, I can allow myself some more Burkeian reflections. Indeed, when the new Council Leader meets me on Monday, I intend to offer my unswerving loyalty to his cause and quote my mentor yet again. He once wrote: "You can never plan the future by the past" How true this is and how much it has been my inner call-to-arms since I arrived in Somerset in 2003. I have sought to innovate with originality and flair. I have won for Somerset the glittering accolades that previously eluded them. I have secured partnerships, changed minds and introduced adventurous thinking. I am, just like Edmund Burke, a true creative. Yes, I have been detracted. Yes, I have sometimes erred. But I would defend my record against all critics. And I urge Ken Maddock to leave well alone and ignore the only quotation by which Edmund Burke is always remembered: ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’

Make a date with me

Are you busy at 3pm on Thursday June 25th - I know I am!

• Case Study Session - Effective Recruitment, Strong Communities, Better Business - Local Employment Partnerships Around the UK
  


• Tackling local employment and welfare issues through partnerships
  The need for community-based solutions
  


• Making local and multi-area agreements work - reviewing and improving private, public and third sector links
  


• Somerset County Council - the trailblazer for LEP's
  


• The role of welfare and referral staff in moving individuals into training and skills
  


• Assisting the long term unemployed and those receiving disability incapacity benefits
  


• Setting and achieving local improvement targets - committing a talented workforce
  


• Releasing the skills potential of all local residents - maintaining a vibrant economy
  


• Improving access and opportunities to work through the personalisation of service provision

It is good to know that my most excellent private conference services continue to be in great demand. My power points are legendary. Please direct any future requests to my agent

Thanks Paul!

Councillor Paul Buchanan and I have not always seen eye to eye on every issue, but his words in the Council chamber today brought a lump to my throat. I was moved and flattered by his rich praise for the efforts I have made to effect change in Somerset. I was struck by the appreciation he showed and the respect for his colleagues. I only wish that the wider world had been afforded the chance to hear him speak. I will continue to regard him as a real friend. He will be sorely missed after June 4th.

No appointments please

Everyone needs a break. In my case it has been very well earned. So from June until September you can rule me right out of the Somerset County Council diary. No meetings, thank you very much. No earnest get-togethers around the water-cooler. No tittle-tattle with the girls. It isn't over, so they say, until the strong-boned lady ushers in an aria. Just expect to see a lot less of me in the weeks to come. And don't jump to conclusions.

I'm watching you

Every election leaflet is now being carefully scrutinised by my legal team to ensure that ALL candidates avoid ALL mention of ANY problems connected with SAP or SouthWest One. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Thanks Meic!

What a diligent man he is. And what a snappy dresser. Thanks to Meic Sullivan-Gould and his trusty txt I was able to learn all the latest from the non-event that took place this week at the Holiday Inn. So nice to see a firm hand in control of the Adjudication Panel. And so nice to know that the accused's loathsome tittle-tattle will now fail to be aired in public. Meic kept me informed throughout. He is well worth the huge fee that Somerset is paying him to look after my interests. I suggest he orders an extra pie.....and a necktie!

We have the answers

In these testing times it is important, nay vital, to be able to access correct information swiftly. That is why I have been driving forward the exciting new Somerset Google search engine. Somerset Google is now the first port of call for any facts that have eluded you about the real activities inside County Hall and local government in our area. We also carry crucial links to the police. So whatever your inquiry, anything from the risks of swine flu to one-off legal settlements to members of staff departing in unusual circumstances, just click the logo - you will not find anything of substance (because I have deliberately removed anything incriminating!)