Min Swan’s Post

Nelson takes a narrow minded approach, essentially blaming Calgary for causing the UCP to propose Bill 20. He must work for the UCP. Here is what the Head of Alberta Municipalities has said about Bill 20. see link below The UCP is playing bully politics against all Alberta Municipalities while it takes in unprecedented Royalty revenue. Most, if not all, Municipalities are struggling with infrastructure investments to address population pressures. Why does the UCP declare war on Alberta Municipalities when a cooperative approach would yield a much better result? https://lnkd.in/gfsnwA8E

It’s Party Conference season again, with the Liberal Democrats being the first conference (of the big 3) to take place in Brighton, running from 14th to 17th of September. As usual, The Terrapin Group will be in attendance. After positive local elections and General Election, this is a great opportunity to meet up with new councillors and MPs, as well as catching up with old friends and acquaintances. Planning and house building will yet again big a major discussion point for delegates at the conference. The LibDems were supportive of high house building targets prior to the General Election, but how are they going to help deliver them in areas where Green (or Grey!) Belt development is still controversial. In the south of England, the map of Liberal Democrat controlled councils stands out as showing how influential they are in many of the areas tasked with increasing the building of new homes. And even where they aren’t in control, there are many councils where they are a major force in areas of minority or no overall control. Leader Sir Ed Davey, is gearing up for his big speech and for meeting with many of the jubilant new councillors and MPs. He has already been outspoken about his intent to target even more councillors in the home counties and the wider south of England – hoping to finish the job of their “…demolition job on the Blue Wall”. Developers are rightly excited by the promises Labour have made regarding the planning system and building more homes. However, it would be a big mistake to forget about the LibDems who will continue to have so much influence on proposed developments throughout the south of England. Get in touch if you would like to discuss any of your upcoming development proposals. We would love to help. #publicaffairs #housingdevelopment #consultation #politicalengagement #planningapplication #planningapproval #stakeholderengagement #localpolitics #localgovernment #politicalaudit #communications

On Thursday, June 6th, Premier Doug Ford shuffled his cabinet, appointing 36 ministers, the largest in Ontario history. These changes continue to fuel speculation of an early election in the province, with new portfolios narrowing in on the government's critical focus areas. You can read more about the new changes and appointments here: https://lnkd.in/eSv-6zNG To learn more about how we can help your organization navigate these new changes and help you achieve your goals, please reach out to our Ontario team here: https://lnkd.in/gFV5yNYS #cdnpoli #ontario #government #politics #WellingtonAdvocacy

Accountability starts with visibility. It’s clear that while Lord Mayor candidates are actively campaigning, there’s a noticeable absence of councillor candidates. 🤷♂️ There are 9 councillors apart from the Lord Mayor and deputy, each with an equal say in decisions impacting our community. Yet, they don’t seem to be out there engaging with residents and Local businesses, because they don’t need to. They often rely on larger campaigns to secure their seats without lifting a finger—no posters, no letter drops, no presence. That’s not how leadership should work. Team Elvis Martin, we’re changing that. We’re not traditional politicians. We believe in earning your trust by being present, accessible, and transparent. This election, vote for a team that’s here to make a difference. Vote for Team Elvis Martin! 💜🗳️ 🗳️ Voting closes 25 October at 6 PM (AEDT). Let's make every vote count! Remember, you get two ballot papers. One for Lord Mayor, one for councillors. Above the line Vote 1 for TEAM ELVIS MARTIN on the councillor ballot. Authorised by Elvis Martin, PO Box 965 MELBOURNE VIC 3001 #TeamElvisMartin #CityOfMelbourne #LocalGovernment #AccountabilityMatters #Leadership #VoteForChange #CommunityEngagement Sophy Galbally Mavi Singh Jing Lin, CA James Cullen Melissa Rymer Carole Kenny-Sarasa

🚀 Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Launches 2024 General Election Manifesto! 🚀 We urge all local Parliamentary candidates to support our 15-point programme aimed at securing sustainable economic growth for Suffolk. Suffolk’s business community has shown incredible resilience, weathering storms from COVID-19 to inflation. However, our recent economic surveys show a dip in key business indicators. We need clarity on what to expect from our Parliamentary representatives in the next 4-5 years. We are surveying all Parliamentary candidates on their support for this programme. Results will be shared with our members. Based on evidence of real business experiences collected through investigations over the last four years and more by the Chamber’s respected policy groups, the 15-point General Election manifesto covers key asks vital for Suffolk businesses. 🔗 Read the full Chamber General Election Manifesto here; https://lnkd.in/eCc-Aaqx Look out for news on the Chamber series of hustings, bringing together local Parliamentary candidates and business leaders, including an event in Ipswich in partnership with the University of Suffolk. Informed campaigning and decision-making: it’s what we do.   #StayInformed #SuffolkBizCommunity #Policy #GeneralElection #SuffolkBusiness #2024Manifesto #EconomicGrowth #PublicAffairs #BusinessCommunity #Election2024 #SuffolkChamber

Saudia Arabia or South Dakota? The ICMA DEI death cult LARPers would rather parade around on international junkets to bastions of civil rights and social justice like Saudi Arabia instead of fighting for the manager-council form of government in South Dakota. See link: https://lnkd.in/ev2j3tPu The ICMA - International City/County Management Association was nowhere to be found as far as I could tell with respect to this important fight in Sturgis (https://lnkd.in/eDdp8Br9). I have read scores of articles about probably two dozen cities that have been discussing switching to or away from the council-manager form of government over the last couple of years. I NEVER see the ICMA's name mentioned in any of the articles. Maybe the sychophants that defend the ICMA at every turn like Lee Feldman and David Clyne can point me to some examples where the ICMA has been going to bat. I will show you mine -- er -- receipts that is, if you show me yours! The ICMA is one of the most impotent and ineffective advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C. The ICMA is so woke -- it must be a joke. Just because I am the only one with the balls to talk about it out in the open doesn't mean I am the only one who sees the hypocrisy. ----- Got about a dozen more article in today's roundup of headlines over at CityManagerNews.com. Check it out.

🔍 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞  📢 In the final DevComms report for UK Property Forums, Account Manager Hem Johal delves into the evolving dynamics of Hertfordshire: ➡️ Traditionally a Conservative stronghold, the county is now under scrutiny as the Liberal Democrats and Labour target key seats amid perceived Conservative weaknesses and boundary changes.  ➡️ North East Hertfordshire: With long-serving MP Oliver Heald retiring, this area could see significant change.  ➡️ St Albans & Welwyn Hatfield: Expect close contests as shifting local council control hints at evolving political dynamics.  ➡️ Key Issue: The Green Belt remains a critical topic impacting both local and national platforms. Get the full analysis on the potential shifts that could reshape Hertfordshire's political future below! 🌍 https://lnkd.in/euz65nXU #DevComms #ElectionAnalysis #PoliticalInsights

A MUST READ!! See my blog on the House of Commons #LiaisonCommittee's National Strategy Inquiry which has really interesting and exciting bipartisan recommendations aimed at the next UK government regardless of its hue. 🔴 Involving future generations is crucial to winning support for democratic processes 🔴 Young people risk becoming detached from democracy and more open to authoritarianism because of government's failure to listen and address concerns on long-term issues or to build intergenerationally fair policies. Delivering on issues like housing, national debt and climate concerns is vital to restore their trust in the political system. 🔴 A committee on national strategic priorities should be established in the next Parliament, specifically including the interests of future generations - and select committees should scrutinise legislation with intergenerational impact assessments 🔴 Other recommendations include: a new National School of Government, plans for Horizon Scanning and foresight/strategic thinking capability building, and setting out the UK’s national strategy, underpinned by five or six key national strategic priorities, at the start of a new Parliament For those interested in national strategy. long-term governance, policymaking for current and next generations and protection of democracy - this report is an absolute must-read - find it here: https://lnkd.in/e4PwZwZb "Promoting national strategy: How select committee scrutiny can improve strategic thinking in Whitehall" Read also: https://lnkd.in/e_k5G_PE for more It's been a privilege to be a Specialist Adviser - with Jonathan Shaw - in service to the Committee, its excellent chair, Bernard Jenkin and excellent clerks and parliamentary team. This was an example of political stewardship - involving bipartisan and constructive exchanges between officials, politicians and citizens of all hues - in service of the wellbeing of current and future generations in the UK and beyond. I am proud to have been a small part of this journey to feed in the insights and experience from the many innovative communities - young and old, UK and international - who have been on this common endeavour for many years. Sir Geoff Mulgan Bernard Jenkin Rt Hon Robert Halfon Ravi Gurumurthy Alex Urwin Kate Hampton David Knott Pauline Neville-Jones David Omand Karin von Hippel Rt Hon Liam Byrne Alicia Kearns George Robertson Paul Kissack Andrew Mace

our village is being divided 💔 new proposals will lump the chartwell estate in with dronfield, whilst the majority of wingerworth's voters will be sharing a councillor with those in shirland 😧 if these new ward boundaries are allowed then we as a village will have no way to unite for change. our votes will be diluted by those living nowhere near wingerworth 🫗 at the last election many of you approached me with shock that you could not cast a vote for me because of the unusual district boundaries. unfortunately, that is now only going to get worse 👎🏼 here is a rough summary... 🔴 north east derbyshire district council: 1️⃣ chartwell avenue estate, longedge, allendale, deerlands, stubbing, hardwick wood 2️⃣ nottingham drive estate 🟣 derbyshire county council: 1️⃣ longedge, allendale, deerlands, stubbing, hardwick wood, nottingham drive estate (with ashover, shirland, and higham) 2️⃣ chartwell avenue estate (with dronfield, holymoorside and walton) this means that someone living on chartwell avenue will share a district councillor with someone on longedge lane, but their county councillor will cover all the way up to our borders in sheffield ⬆️ meanwhile those living on nottingham drive will be excluded from voting with the rest of the village for their district councillor, but included in the county election 🚦 these proposals have quite clearly been concocted by people with no understanding of our community 😵💫 that is why we need to stand together and demand that our village remains united 💚 it takes only a few minutes to complete the form online and you can quickly and easily access the website through the link in my profile 🔗 💡 tips for your objection: - this consultation is only regarding the county boundaries, not the district 🟣 - explain the connection across our village and why it shouldn't be separated 🫱🏻🫲🏽 - outline our identity as separate from those which we are being split into 🪓 thank you ☺️

Last week the House of Commons Liaison Committee report on "Promoting national strategy: How select committee scrutiny can improve strategic thinking in Whitehall" was published. "The UK faces an increasing number of serious immediate and escalating long-term strategic challenges and opportunities. They require a coordinated and sustained response across government, with cross-party support that transcends the electoral cycle, and often requiring collaboration with our international partners. The pace of change and the connectivity between issues is accelerating. This makes it harder for government to plan better for the future—not just for what can be foreseen, but also for the unexpected. Goals and solutions often take time to prepare, to resource and to implement. They require continuing strategic leadership, delivery and implementation across multiple Parliaments." This inquiry examined the existing capacity and quality of strategic thinking and decision-making in government. Great to see contributions by Sir Geoff Mulgan, Catherine Day, Pamela Dow, Sophie Howe, Keith Dear, RAND Europe, Apolitical and many more. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e6S2-8jW #NationalStrategy #PublicPolicy #StrategicThinking