WHY VOTE FOR THE RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION OF BARNET?

Many Barnet residents were, and remain, deeply unhappy about the way in which Barnet Council is run. Amongst many of the concerns expressed is the character and integrity of those who were elected to represent residents in the one organisation that effects all our daily lives; and is paid for from our taxes

Set out below are the seven key principles that should apply to all aspects of public life as set down by the Committee for Standards in Public Life.

Now when reading them please consider and think very carefully. Do you believe that the Barnet Councillors seeking re-election have lived up to these standards in both the letter and the spirit of the principles over the past four years?

If you do, then vote with a clear conscience that your selection will, at the very least, be qualified for continuing public life.

If not; then surely you must vote for the people who will not only live up to these standards but embrace them wholeheartedly and unequivocally. The independent candidates supported by The Residents' Association of Barnet candidates, are these people.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE

SELFLESSNESS - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

INTEGRITY - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

OBJECTIVITY - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

ACCOUNTABILITY - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

OPENNESS -Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

HONESTY - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

LEADERSHIP - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

How to upset the electorate - or do they really care?

Thank you for allowing me the use of your Blog spot.

I am absolutely furious with the attitude of councillors towards the mega millions of pounds lost in the Icelandic bank scandal.

Yesterday morning in Mill Hill Broadway I had the opportunity to bring the matter up with a be-whiskered and long standing member of Barnet council. It was the first occasion that I had to seek a face-to-face explanation from someone accountable for the actions of Barnet council.

I did not receive a satisfactory explanation but instead was firmly told it was a Barnet council employee who was responsible for the loss and nothing to do with him! I was also told that if you lent money overnight to banks then you must accept that you might loose the money! And with that he walked away!

I don’t ever recall agreeing to the taxes extorted from me by this incompetent council should be gambled in this manner. I had in the past relied on his integrity to protect me and my family’s interests in council matters.

At the time of this financial debacle members should have taken the honourable action and resigned, seeking re-election to prove residents confidence in their judgement and suitability for continuance in office. But they didn’t!

So long standing councillor, belonging to the party that I hope will form the next government; I have some unpleasant news for you. You and your colleagues will not receive my vote in the local elections. I believe that your failure to provide a satisfactory explanation and your subsequent action on walking a way from the discussion just demonstrates the arrogance contempt in which you hold us.

Ex Tory voter - Mill Hill

The Residents’ Association of Barnet do not have any candidates standing in the Mill Hill ward. We are allowing the publication of the above article as it reflects much of the feedback we are receiving during our canvassing.