Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2015-12-18 23:38:19 - Graham Ellis
Not a new thought / question - "Why not stand for local council" - but it has come up again, several times, in recent weeks. And it's something I have considered, and rejected.
a) I'm not emotionally strong enough, and would be too emotional and would get too involved
b) I don't know what I consider to be enough about many of the things I would have to deal with (and, yes, I know that many of those elected - but not all - are in a similar or worse position)
c) Because I want to work with the people who have been elected rather than being seen as te opposition (ironcally not as big a problem as one might expect)
d) My time is limited and I can be far more effective as a speciaist. I'm already Community Rail Officer co-ordinating community, local government and train operator for a line that's grown from a 'basket case' to overcrowded (new) trains in 2 years - 18,000 to 230,000 journeys
e) I would need to represent a political party in "these parts" to have a chance, but strongly disagree with specific elements of what each part supports
f) I know myself - my admin is such that I couldn't deal with the formal paperwork and catching up outside meetings.
g) My stamina is now limited
Expect me to carry on training. Overseeing the running of Well House Manor. Taking an interest in public transport - not only TransWilts trains but integrated transport network. Not only for this decade but for the next decade and the one after too.