Barry Clarke
Somerset County Councillor for Mendip Central and East
My impression in the year before the election and the change in the governance of Somerset was “are we ready for it?” My impression post-election is that the scale of the change has been under-estimated and we ma–- and having until next February in practical terms for the new Constitution to be completed – currently 305 pages to be modified – I cannot see it happening in the manner I originally thought.
Somerset County Council and its set-up is an eye opener. There are so many departments and areas of involvement that moving forward slowly seems to be the way things will happen due to the many, unseen and often unknown, interactions between departments. Many good things are promised but how long will they take to mature and be useful?
When I was originally selected for Mendip Central and East I said that my purpose was to look after and represent those residents and the last four months of service have reinforced that view. Being in opposition is not going to get the big changes that are needed, merely slow down or modify the plans of others however good or bad they may be. There is much more to do in the parishes where everybody has a call on your time, time which can be used to make an immediate, lasting and worthwhile effect.
