Email of Encouragement and Reply
From: "Exeter Resident"
To: Jim Harle
Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 6:39 AM
Subject: Your letter to Philip Bostock
Dear Jim
I met you briefly at the recent Council meeting where 220 people turned up.
I read your letter to Philip Bostock and think it is wonderful.
People like you with your perseverance and determination give democracy a good name. We are all in your debt for your watchfulness and integrity.
"Exeter Resident"
Hundreds of Summerway Watchers support the expanding Summerway Campaign. The unsolicited email below from an Exeter Resident arrived recently, and seems worth posting on this website, together with my acknowledgement, as it hints our concerns have support among the public. These emails also throw light on the campaign context.
PS “Exeter Resident” elected to join the Watchers!
From: Jim Harle
To: "Exeter Resident"
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 9:48 PM
Subject: RE: Your letter to Philip Bostock
Dear "Exeter Resident",
Thank you for your kind words. I have heard from the Assistant Chief Executive, and have replied pointing out the inadequacy of the Chief Executive's response.
Since my eyes were opened by local government's horrendous treatment of the children and volunteers at Summerway, I have been attending full City Council meetings and various committees as frequently as possible over a period of time as a member of the public. I have observed great dedication and excellent work on behalf of taxpayers, and it is important not to lose sight of this. However, in examining government, we are dealing with a highly complex model based on convoluted procedures and practices. We have to judge by outcomes, and there is no doubt that councils and national government have a talent at times for completely losing the plot. This causes great damage to the public and community and is highly detrimental to taxpayers' pockets.
I believe democracy can and should work. The wider picture reveals basic failings in government, both local and national, which is the root of many of society's problems. Blundering on will only exacerbate matters, and fundamental changes are essential to steer the galloping horse with the bit between its teeth in the right direction. I am not advocating revolution, but if the public could slow the horse to a steady trot and turn its head with the reins of common sense, things ought to improve.
Would you like to join the hundreds of Summerway Watchers who receive my occasional email update reports? There were four last year and one so far this. I am hoping to publish another before the end of the year. The updates usually print comfortably on a single sheet of A4, so are not too time consuming to read. There is no commitment or expectation of Watchers. It is merely an informed group ensuring that serious governmental blunders are not swept under the carpet and forgotten. Watchers' email addresses are kept strictly confidential.
I would be delighted if you took up my offer to receive the updates. The Summerway Campaign has both a serious and light side, and everything we do is open and above board. I send new Watchers an email of welcome and a sample update.
All best wishes,
Jim.
