ECC sought discussions with the Summerway Committee, excluding Jim, where the ECC Leisure Manager suggested, “Changing your constitution to include a City Councillor on your committee, who would be able to ensure the club is working towards the agreed objectives...” (e.g. outreach, equalities, coaching, charges, recognition of ECC's XCard).
What underlies the suggestion that the Club needs a political officer?
This suggestion would fundamentally alter the original vision of the Club, and would obstruct its future success. Any City Councillor wishing to join the Committee in order to aid its efforts to benefit the children would be most welcome. To saddle the Club with an ECC political officer, however, with powers beyond those of an ordinary Committee member, would destroy volunteer motivation. Most volunteers do not see themselves as unpaid Council workers. The huge success of the Club has been based on the empowerment of parents and volunteers, and secure tenancy. Political interference is counterproductive. ECC’s thirst for control and power is destroying community, showing it has seriously lost the plot.
