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Use of co-opting may prove divisive
EDITOR – Due to a Horncastle Town councillor deciding to retire early, there is a vacant position on the town council.
As we live in a democratic society, it would seem reasonable that an election would be held to select the replacement.
I was, therefore, surprised to read the outpourings of a writer (who does not want his/her identity to be known) over the cost of the forthcoming election.
While using the option of co-opting a replacement is legal, it must not be used as a primary method of election.
The writer claims that co-opting a replacement would be a fair and democratic way to select a new councillor.
This would, however, deny the public their democratic rights. Those are to both to stand for election and/or to elect a person of their choice.
Co-opting must only be used as a last resort where no other option is available.
Indeed, some would argue that the position would better be left vacant than co-opting an individual. The use of co-opting might to some be seen as divisive.
If a council was to be divided into factions, the selection of a person by one councillor (or a group of councillors) could be divisive, disruptive and undemocratic.
Indeed, such a situation may lead to a group of individuals manipulating the council on critical votes by gaining a majority.
The author of the article writes as though he/she has been deprived of having his/her way.
If he/she believes so vehemently in something, surely he/she should be willing to publish his/her name?
He/she would then be able to debate his/her beliefs with interested parties.
Although there are only two candidates for the forthcoming election, their background, experience and interests vary greatly and give the residents of Horncastle a choice.
It now just rests with the residents of the town to make the effort to cast a vote on August 9 at the Community Centre. If the election does cost £9,000, then that is “the cost of democracy”.
Andrew Neal
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Weather for Horncastle
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
