A visual message to PHF...

[DRiddle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbaemWIljeQ

I am by no means the first 'crazy guy dancing', nor am I the first follower (I'm not even the 3rd, 4th or the 5th). I do think though, after yesterdays meeting, there is scope for a movement.

As seen in the video, psychologically, it genuinely does not take a lot. It just takes a fairly small number of people to follow.

This is our town. It was here long before any of the current crop of councillors arrived. It'll be here long after any of the current crop have gone.

The way I see it, is all we need is for a few more people to have the nerve to start dancing.

[Rebel]

I think the idea of PHF is good, but we need to see more from them.

[marky]

I think it's all about to get very interesting. As someone who has voted Labour most of my life, I struggle to recognise the Labour Party in our own council chamber. I think for some of them, the 'labour' tag is little more than a means of getting themselves elected in a traditionally labour town.
I suppose you could say the same about Wells. If you live in the Park Ward and want to get yourself elected then there's not much option but to stand as a Tory - even if you then go on to solidly vote with labour in the council at every opportunity. In my view it's all about influence with Wells and if you don't suck up to labour then you don't get yourself the committee positions you think will do you most good. It will be interesting if he does get that contracts committee job. If he does then it will show where he's coming from and that it's nothing to do with principles, even Tory ones, but personal interests.

mmmm - where've I heard that before? - oh yes, the Peer Review Report.

[testing times]

The new party raised a lot of hopes but have gone quiet lately. They need to raise their game and be more vocal because there doesn't seem to be anyone else to do it. The Tories aren't going to do it.

[Rebel]

Its a shame that Shane Moore wasn't voted in as a Councillor because I think he could give all three of the West Park bloc a run for their money.  Even though the idea of Conservatism is often dismissed in Hartlepool he has a lot of good ideas.

[mk1]

The 3 Tories are every bit as corrupt as the Manor Mob. They knowingly sell their backing in exchange for 'chairs' and the whole Party is run by Wells  for the benefit of Wells .A midget  both in political terms and stature.
We all know its what Shane thinks but he cant come out and say it or he will get shafted and kicked out of the party  by Ray.
Hartlepool is a text book illustration of a rotten Borough.

[mk1]

So are you telling everyone that he (Shane) is willing to stay quite in order to remain in the Tory Party? So does that mean he puts personal ambition and party loyalty above honesty and integrity?

I think Shane is typical of the 'well they may be  bas*tards but they are my type of bas*tard' team player.
He is unhappy with the way things are run but stays  'inside the tent' because he hopes  his day will come and he will change everything. It is the  common delusion of all politicians.

I am not so foolish as to believe new brooms always sweep clean. No matter who gets elected we end up being governed by liars. My solution to the people who think  they and only they are fit to command is to limit a councillor to 5 year terms with no possibility of a return. Harsh on the few genuine idealists but they are always greatly outnumbered by the type we have in charge today.

[Stig of the Seaton Dump]

Shane is the only conservative I have any time for.

As an admirer of those that have fought the socialist battles through history, I have more respect for him than many that call themselves Labour.
I believe you can argue with his ideas but not argue that he is interested in more than just himself.

Our Mayor, our MP and our Labour Councillors all give me the impression that self interest comes first and foremost. 

[Inspector Knacker]

That was myearlier point about the negative effect of party politics in local government. Local needs will always play second fiddle to party strategy.
Some people elected under the system would never get anywhere near being elected without the 'support' of the party structure, they're like penguins in a blizzard.
The Labour Party in Hartlepool is not my idea of the Labour Party as. knew it. Even more bizarre are the local Tories......... over the years a  line of fat juicy targets have sailed by over the years, any opposition worth its salt would have had a field day.... and what did we get, ...nowt!
Politics in Hartlepool is at present fosilised in a strata of smug indifference, the town's rudderless.

[SRMoore]

Thanks for some of the kind words.

If self interest was the driving force behind my political activities, then I would have joined the Labour party and made my parents very happy.
No, it is not easy being a conservative in a labour dominated town and yes it may be easier to get elected and make a difference if I jump ship to PHF. But how would that make me any better than the independents that are criticised for being labour councillors in independent clothing or, as many of you believe, a labour councillor in tory clothing?
I stay where I am I'm criticised for being a faithful party hack who puts party loyalty before the town. I end up stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The reality is that I stay a member of the conservative party because I firmly believe in conservatism. The fact that some of the party leadership may have lost sight of core conservative values and principles is bloody annoying and sometimes infuriating but ultimately I believe it is my job to help steer the party back onto the correct heading for the sake of the members who have been faithful to the party for many years and for the sake of the people of Hartlepool who I believe would benefit greatly from a reinvigorated conservative party that can and will hold labour to account.

That isn't going to happen overnight, nor will it happen without rebuilding our support and dealing with internal issued but I am committed to making sure that it does happen, whether you believe me or not is something for you to decide and ultimately for me to prove.

 

[Private Fraser]

Fair enuf, Shane. You probably represent a "working Conservatism" that is noted in the North. Unfortunately I've become disillusioned by the Southern Softies and a out of touch PM along with the West Park Wellsy brigade. Face it. The Hartlepool Conservatives mainly live in West Park/Rural West so as long as there are three of them in that Ward, thats all they seem to give a Tinkers tiddle about. I'm alright Jack attitude. Lets see who young Orson picks to stand as paper candidates at the next local elections to ensure a deal with Labour. I don't think one will be his Missus this time!

[stokoe]

welcome back private fraser, now be a good boy

tell me is your first name harry if so you will be p.h.f........

[Private Fraser]

Sorry Stokoe, names not Harry and I've never been on before. Apologies if I've taken someones old identity, Harry must be a Dads Army fan as well who firmly believes under the current town adminstration......"Wa Doooooooomed!"