Fine Gael Councillor Noreen Heston has succeeded in getting the backing of her colleagues on Castlebar Town Council for the establishment of an information evening. Last week’s meeting of the organisation backed her proposal to host an information evening which would be open to members of the public. The purpose of the evening is to strengthen relationships between the electorate and the service providers and local politicians.
Cllr Heston says she was shocked at the level of distrust of elected representatives and council officials that she encountered throughout the electorate while canvassing during the local elections last June. “Frankly, I was frightened by lack of esteem for our local council by so many voters (both in business and in housing estates ) and I resolved that, if I was elected to the Town Council, I would do my best to redress the unhealthy climate which exists,” said Cllr Heston.
“After six months on the council I now believe that the main reason for the poor perception of the council is the lack of a proper means of keeping people informed on the workings of the council. I am convinced that this climate of distrust is unhelpful and has a negative effect for both sides. I hope that the idea of an open information forum will begin the process of improving public understanding of the work of the Town Council and the environment in which the council operates,” concluded Cllr Heston.
