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Time Flies:
People say time flies and it certainly has for me. It does not seem 12 years since I first became a Councillor in 1999. Elected first as a Conservative I became an Independent in 2005 when I refused to vote for a Cabinet form of Local Government in the Fylde. I believed then and still do now that it is unfair and undemocratic, particularly when one is denied the freedom to vote as conscience dictates. This happens when a Councillor is constrained by having to follow a group party whip!
The last six years as an Independent have for me been the better way to represent the people of Ashton Ward and the Fylde electorate as a whole. No one has ever told me how I am expected to vote at any time. I have always voted as I thought fit when representing Ashton Ward.
Sometimes I have not voted the same way as other Independents but that has not been a problem. We respect each others point of view and relations have always been amicable. Meeting together we can discuss problems in a friendly, atmosphere –sometimes having a laugh- and no one holds a grudge if your point of view is contrary to theirs! There has always been someone to talk to if you want advice as well.
Being a Councillor has often been stimulating, interesting and quite a few times frustrating but the last six years have been better for me and my way of thinking!
Because of personal health reasons and increased family commitments I am not standing for re-election in May. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all present Independents and prospective Independent candidates the best of luck on May 5th. and a happy and successful next 4 years.
Barbara Pagett
March 2011
email barbara2@fyldeindependents.org.uk
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