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Re-election proves important issues do not go away

10:13am Friday 9th May 2008

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I REFER to the incredible re-election, after one year out of office, of John Birtwistle to Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.

Important issues just don't go away. Those living very close to the Pavilion complex have clearly indicated that the existing forum for deciding how the development of this precious site has become questionable and needs an articulate public figure to steer us back on course.

Congratulations John, the public obviously supports you all the way.

Its rather like the Government telling us all that inflation is at 2.5 per cent, but the majority of our bills and everyday living cost have increased to well over double figures in the last year.

At least now we know that John will inform the public as it is and not dress it up or put spin on as so many other council officers and councillors seem all to keen to do.

As many others have previously suggested, is the time now right for a proper ballot/referendum on this matter.

Richard Daly, Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland.


Your Say YourDorset Echo

l_andrews@btinternet .com, weymouth says...
1:51am Sat 10 May 08

Congratulations once again John, it was no surprise to me that you were voted back in office with a vast majority. You should have not got voted out last year along with Jackai Redfern.
I do think it is a proper time for a referendum on this matter otherwise more money will be wasted on a Public Enquiry on the so called new Marina and a enquiry on the Pavilion Leisure Pier.

Positron, Rodwell says...
9:26am Sat 10 May 08

It is indeed an amazing turnaround for Councillor Birtwhistle to be re-elected and especially by such a large majority and with such a large turn-out. He won over a Conservative candidate with high standing in the Council Chambers and against the odds of an increased Conservative swing against Labour in many of the other by-elections which took place that day.
The Pavilion Redevelopment is an important issue for many of us and I hope the Council will now see the power of public opinion and reassess their claims about the silent majority.

Hilary, Rodwell says...
12:46pm Sat 10 May 08

John was, I think, the only candidate who had the guts to make clear his consistent view on the Pavilion Pier development and make it an election plank. It's a pity the "silent majority" in other electoral wards was not given such a clear indication of whom to vote for on the Pavilion issue.

John Holmes, Weymouth says...
5:57pm Sat 10 May 08

Is it good to have a single-issue councillor though? What are his other policies?

l_andrews@btinternet .com, weymouth says...
1:46am Sun 11 May 08

John! Is a not a one single-issue councillor. I have first hands experience when I had shop premises, had a complaint and didn't know the councillor from adam and who looked into it, JOHN! Roger Allen who beat John by a small majority last year has yet to been doing what he was preaching, one of his election priorities 'Keep consituents informed as to the background and reasoning behind decision making'. WELL STILL WAITING ROGER!

lawman, Weymouth says...
5:35pm Sun 11 May 08

Well said, Lorraine. There were very many reasons for voting for John apart from the Pavilion issue, and he will be very good for East weymouth and the whole Borough. A pity more Councillors do not have his integrity and interest in and concern for all his ward constituents.

John Holmes, Weymouth says...
8:18am Tue 13 May 08

lawman wrote:
Well said, Lorraine. There were very many reasons for voting for John apart from the Pavilion issue, and he will be very good for East weymouth and the whole Borough. A pity more Councillors do not have his integrity and interest in and concern for all his ward constituents.
so what are his other policies then?

How can someone so dedicated and determined to block progress and necessary development - be good for the Borough? I am confused!

Tim Weymouth Boy, Weymouth says...
9:03am Tue 13 May 08

John Birtwistle is the worst Councillor I have come across. When he was in the council last year he didn't respond to any of my letters. All he cares about is the Pavilion and how it will spoil the view out his window!

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