Wow! Re elected again, in my innermost thoughts I did not think I would get re elected, and I have to thank all the people of Moordown that took the trouble to vote for me. It was all rather interesting, exciting and very very tiring. The count continued until about 5.45am and we had to be back in the Town Hall for re counts by 11.30! When I am telling, taking the electoral numbers, I tend to use a rule of thumb measurement, to see who is likely to vote for me, and that is that the people who offer me their polling card numbers I reckon will vote for me and all the others will vote elsewhere. This of course isn't very scientific but it does give a vague idea.
I had one lovely experience, when telling at the Community Centre in Coronation Avenue, a young man , with learning difficulties, very proudly came up to me and told me he had been to vote and had voted for the BLUES and pointed to my lovely blue rosette.
I was really sorry that Steven Macloughlin, former leader and master mind of the regeneration of Bournemouth, failed to get elected in his new Ward by just 2 votes. Even after three re counts we couldn't find those missing votes and Stephen conceded with great dignity. It must have been heart breaking for him after 20 years on the Council. Steven you were not voted out you just missed unseating the encumbent Councillor by two votes, disappointing but so close.
Then of course there was the drama of the wipe out of the opposition parties. As I said on earlier blogs, how can a GROUP of Independents be truly Independent, especially as two of them were endorsing Lib/Dem or Labour Candidates in Wards where other Independents were standing. Unfortunately those two particular Candidates got re-elected, personally when you do something like that I don't think you deserve to be. Only 7 opposition members of all Parties. An effective opposition would have been better.
Unfortunately, whilst I congratulate the young person who took her seat, I am really sorry to see Mrs Pat Lewis leave the Council. I always felt that Pat was an excellent Councillor and Party politics did not feature greatly in her actions. She was the Old People's Champion, a job that she did with great proficiency, energy, sensitivity and professionalism. Pat we will miss you.
Well after all the excitement it is back to work, the roads still need sweeping, Council meetings still have to be attended and e mails have to be replied to. But I am so glad I am back.
Next project is the finale of the memorial Saga. Watch this space!
Don't forget, any comments please send to: sue4moordown@aol.com
