Tedstone seeks council changes

Buncrana Town Council will tonight debate a motion which, if passed, could see members of the public have a major say in how the local authority is run. The motion, to be put forward by Mayor Cllr Lee Tedstone, calls on the council to adopt a “cabinet type formation.” The full motion reads: “That this council adopt a cabinet type formation on a trial period for 12 months with a review taking place at the September statutory meeting in 2010.” Speaking to the “Inish Times,” Cllr Tedstone explained the idea behind the motion was to give each councillor “a portfolio” to set up sub-committees involving members of the public. He added: “It would mean an individual councillor would deal with such issues as tourism, community affairs, sport, housing, roads etc. and he or she would make themselves available to members of the public.” Cllr Tedstone added: “I am hoping this motion will get the support of all the councillors as it is something I believe in strongly. The work that needs to be done at Town Council level is almost impossible to do at a monthly three or four hour meeting. We have nine councillors who are doing their best to get the work done but there is a lot of duplication. What I propose will streamline the work of the elected members. “It will streamline the operation of the Council so that no area of society is left out. If passed, it would mean members of the public will be able to approach an individual councillor with their concerns.” “It will see a proper organisational structure set up and will give each councillor a portfolio to set up a sub-committee with members of the public sitting on these.” At tonight’s meeting, Cllr Tedstone will also put forward a motion calling on the starting time of statutory meetings to be brought forward to 6.30pm from 8.30pm. Also tonight, councillors will debate a motion from Cllr James Gill calling on action to be taken irresponsible dog owners. Cllr Gill’s motion reads “that this council request the appropriate authority to ensure that adequate measures are taken by dog owners to keep their dogs under control and that dog owners take responsibility for dog litter.”