indie pcc Tag

Lies damned lies and statistics, its been the running theme from one of the PCC candidates in this years election* (and also last years postponed election). The willingness to simply trot out facts and figures, without any context, painting a negative picture of our county, in an apparent effort to win votes seems to fly directly in the face of one his election ‘pledges’ to ‘stamp out spin’. It feels something akin to the Trump play book of politics where people are quite happy to fan the fear of crime for political ends.

Rural Crime or crimes in our rural communities are NOT ... I repeat NOT out of control! This election has been marred for me, with people being very economical with the truth or I would go as far as saying telling out right lies. But I will continue to tell the truth and keep my promises to you.

This last month I've been canvassing your views on whether you can and are willing to, pay more for policing in Gloucestershire. My office has conducted a survey using social media as well as a written letter to every household. This year more so than any other I really needed to hear from the public before making my mind up about putting up taxes.

Today, I refer you to the British writer C.S. Lewis, probably best known for his ‘Tales of Narnia’ who said “You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.

For while even the most optimistic person will have found 2020 challenging, I believe we will win the battle with Coronavirus and emerge better for it.