What's the point?

The latest 'so-called' elections have just been held here. There was no local notice, no circular or newsletter. There was no need for a ballot as there were fewer candidates than posts to be filled. More than half of those now appointed for the next three years to represent the 700+ residents of this community are neighbours in the same street.

Does anyone care? Not many, apparently. To be fair, there have been appeals in the past for more people to get involved. Some have, for a short spell - and some, for even less! So, what is the lack of appeal? Is it the subjects covered - the report from the local councillor ("what a great job I / our party are doing on your behalf"), or the police (when they turn up)? Is it a question of leadership? Or, perhaps, the effectiveness of these community stalwarts?! What exactly did the last incumbents achieve in their 3-year term? (Sorry, not sure, can't say.)

Certainly, lack of communication has been a problem. The banner was a good way to stimulate interest in attending public meetings, initially at least, but numbers soon returned to a handful. A recent brief encounter suggested a lack of knowledge in the purpose of community councils, as well as ignorance of and disinterest in its constitution. 'Unusual' procedures appeared to be the norm and minutes a figment of someone's imaginings; the questioner of such practices described as 'a stuffed shirt' and the local authority administrator clearly disinterested!

According to a former Edinburgh community councillor: "Community councils are too often hijacked by local politicians (who ought to know better) ambitious interest groups, or older, retired middle-class men who seek former or yet-to-be-realised glory days. A lack of checks and balances means trouble-making members are unstoppable. Claiming to be 'elected' by the public, a disruptive community councillor cannot in law be sacked, removed from office, banned, or excluded. The result is that younger people, community activists and others have deserted the movement in droves."*

Quite so! Comments anyone?

Notes:
*Quoted from an article in The Herald last August. The National Network for Change and Community website is referred to in the article.
A Scottish Community Council is similar to an English Parish Council; they are non-political and the councillors are unpaid volunteers.