What a waste of public money

Shimrod

Having just read the profiles for the candidates in my area, with one exception (a Barrister) there is no indication of prior knowledge of policing, qualifications, or ability to take on this office. It also worries me that we get one person driving the policing approach for a large area based on that person's individual view of what is important. In this case, removing a committee, which should at least offer some checks and balances on policy is a mistake (although maybe that is my optimism on how I expect the current setup to work).

BobQ

www.choosemypcc.org.uk/candidates/liam-silcocks/

Here is a representative selection of candidates in Wiltshire

An ex No 10 activist who believes in evidence based policing

Someone with 17 years experience of local government who does not state any policies

A retired corporate director of Swindon Council who is " qualified in all aspects of local government management" whose vision for their police is largely driven by accountancy.

an independent candidate with clear policies to harrass the worst offenders and introduce US technologies, but who has no experience of running a Council (an advantage maybe)

and the incumbant police authority candidate who delegated preparation of his election address to an agent who professes he has the right skills to do the job including "connections with drugs and alcohol services" and a long track record of public service.

It would serve the politicians right if all the independents got elected.

Bennifred

Apparently the Conservative candidate in my region is of the opinion that he will be able to fufil the role in two days per week :eek:- not a bad rate of pay, is it??!!

grizzly1911

Bennifred wrote: »

Apparently the Conservative candidate in my region is of the opinion that he will be able to fufil the role in two days per week :eek:- not a bad rate of pay, is it??!!

Pro Rata their pay, benefits and support. Simples.

BobQ

Bennifred wrote: »

Apparently the Conservative candidate in my region is of the opinion that he will be able to fufil the role in two days per week :eek:- not a bad rate of pay, is it??!!

I doubt he will do that much. That would be like working for as little as £200K a year on a full time basis.

blacksta

After reading the above posts - I have concluded that myself and wife will not be voting. Most of the candidates apart from the one dont seem to have any police backgrounds.

grizzly1911

Apparently(on t'radio) Theresa May has said she isn't concerned about their being a low turnout as long as the elected representative does their job.

So she doesn't care that large parts of the public may not be interested and question why the government are doing it.

HIGNFY hilighted one candidate that held a public meeting and only 4 people turned up - of course this may not be factually correct;)

Bennifred

I'm thinking that as such a low turn-out is expected, each vote has a greater impact. So I will be making a point of voting - for the UKIP and/or Independent candidates.

MacMickster

grizzly1911 wrote: »

Apparently(on t'radio) Theresa May has said she isn't concerned about their being a low turnout as long as the elected representative does their job.

Interesting that the Conservatives don't feel that a decent turnout is required to validate the position, but are always ready to lambast any strike vote by the unions as illegitimate if only a low percentage of members bother to vote.

BobQ

blacksta wrote: »

After reading the above posts - I have concluded that myself and wife will not be voting. Most of the candidates apart from the one dont seem to have any police backgrounds.

This is just what they want you to do!

I voted on the basis of what I found on their websites. I must confess that my votes were like selecting the lesser of two evils.

That Teresa May thinks its OK to have a low poll shows how contemptuous she is of the role of the electorate.