Pocklington Town Mayor Cllr June Malcolm

FROM THE PARLOUR  - a regular feature in the Pocklington Post.

Why do people become local councillors? Good Question – and I’m not sure I could give you a very satisfactory answer.

There are thirteen members of Pocklington Town Council and you would probably get a different explanation from each of us as to why.

Some have been councillors for many years, seen the council and the town change over time and been involved with the community in many different ways.  Others, like myself, have been new to the council over the past four years, and have brought a different view and a questioning eye on the proceedings.

Whatever the length of service or the initial motivation for becoming a councillor we all share a commitment to making life better for the people of Pocklington – there is no self interest, no payment and no gain other than a job well done.

There appear to be quite a few misconceptions about what it is to be a local councillor – let’s see if we can correct a few:

One is about party politics.

Experience at meetings has proved to me that party politics have little or no role to play.  The debate is simply about what is best for Pocklington.

It is not an elite – it’s for everybody.  Councillors are at their best when the membership reflects the whole community – no matter what your age, where you work or what kind of house you live in.  Different voices, different opinions and different experiences are brought into meetings and refresh the direction and policies of the council.

You don’t have to be retired.  Most of us on the current council are not, working for a living just like everyone else, but in truth it seems to be that interest in this kind of community service seems to increase with age.  If you don’t think this is true, then let’s hear from you – the council could do with a few people in their 20’s.

Neither do you have to commit half your life to your role as a councillor – just the four year term of office and you can feel you have served your community and contributed to a better Pocklington.  You may even find you’re hooked and want to stand again!

What’s the commitment for meetings? Just set aside most Thursday evenings.  Full council meetings happen once a month and the committees in between.  If your thinking about it, come and watch a few meetings at 7pm – all are open to the public.  See the agendas posted at the council offices or ring the Town Clerk on 304851.

So whether you’re a young mum living in a new house on the outskirts of town, a senior citizen who’s lived here all your life, an office worker who’s just moved to Pocklington or whoever you are, as long as you live or work in the town,  you’re over 18, a UK or EU citizen, registered to vote and can find people to nominate you, you can stand.   If you have something to say about how things happen in Pocklington get the nomination pack, available from the Town Clerk, The Old Magistrates Court, 37 George Street, and give it a go.