By email 13th June 2008                                 (Close or minimise this window to return)

Dear Councillor Cathcart,

For a number of reasons I have attended all but two monthly council meetings in the last year. I have often sat alone in the public gallery, with not even a journalist present. I have been horrified the lack of meaningful discussion, the way everything gets agreed before the meeting, and the total lack of real opposition. Participants openly jibe about getting the meeting over with quickly before they retire for refreshments. Council meetings are a stage managed sham, often including a "cabaret" spot in the middle, where some local organisation come to thank the council for their support. It is little wonder the journalists and the public stay away.

I saw the “no overall control” result of the recent election as an opportunity for change.

I have started Torfaen Democratic Forum, (web address www.torfaen4us.co.uk ) a website designed to encourage residents of Torfaen to find out more about how their council works, how decisions are made, and how they can influence those decisions, indeed to help them influence those decisions. The website will present a balanced view, with contributions from all sides, if such contributions are forthcoming.

Many people find your decision to support the labour administration disappointing. Without going into details you must agree that it really does look bad, you appear to have “sold out”. It cannot be a coincidence that 5 non labour councillors, including some with little or no experience, were appointed chairmen of committees at their first meeting. It may be seen as accepting a bribe, unless you explain further. Other people were approached before you, are you happy to be there simply because you are the ones who said “yes”.

Hopefully your motives are sincere and your acceptance is part of a plan to improve democracy in the borough, However, unless you tell us your reasons for your actions, and your hopes and aspirations for the coming years, then you cannot expect the support of the people of Torfaen or the voters of Pontnewydd at the next election.

At the very least please can you say if you have agreed to accept the Labour whip? Will you vote on block with the labour group; is every decision going to be carried by at least 23 votes to 20? Please take this opportunity to put things straight.

Kind regards

Chris Harris

Torfaen Democratic Forum