The Tunbridge Wells factor

Published: 20 May, 2010

• TRUE to form your post-election Comment (Labour could fail unless they learn a powerful lesson, May 13) hits exactly the right target regarding the future governance of Camden, in particular, regarding the relationship between members and officers.
As someone who attends council meetings I have been astonished at the disrespect that officers have shown elected members. In doing so they also show disrespect for the local electorate. As a past employee and consultant for Westminster City Council the difference could not be starker.
For a start members should not address officers by their first/ Christian names in formal sessions as this sets quite the wrong tone and this over-familiarity breeds contempt.

Secondly, we suffer from a serious shortcoming that working for Camden is a “desk-top” exercise for many officers as they don’t live in the borough.
Last year I asked the officer representing the council in discussions with the Olympic Delivery Authority regarding the impact of their activities on WC1 where she lived. Her response – Tunbridge Wells – really needs no further comment!
TONY TUGNUTT
Burton Street,
WC1