Published on:
24
July 2008
The second stage of the Community Council Election process is set to get underway in August. The position at this stage is mixed.
All of Clackmannan Community Council's nominees have been elected unopposed at the first stage, as the number of nominations received matched the number of vacancies available. And for the second time in Clackmannanshire there is a ballot situation - this time for Dollar Community Council - where 11 nominations for 8 vacancies were received. Ballot papers for this one election will be issued to the electors in Dollar in early September.
This second stage presents Clackmannanshire residents with another opportunity to submit nomination forms and seek election onto their local Community Council where vacancies remain. The nomination process is simple - just fill out the form and get two other people from your area to support you. Anyone who is over the age of 16 and who appears on our electoral roll can stand.
There are still vacancies on Alloa Centre, Alloa West, Alva, Menstrie, Muckhart, Tillicoultry and Tullibody Cambus & Glenochil Community Councils. Also, Tillicoultry and Alloa West Community Councils desperately need additional nominations as the situation as it stands leaves them with less than a 50% membership. If this does not change, these Community Councils will be disbanded.
The Council is extremely keen to bring all of our Community Councils' membership up to full quota through these elections and residents in these areas are encouraged to consider the opportunity to take part in the election process.
The work of a Community Council is interesting and can be rewarding. It is not a burden, and the input is valued by Clackmannanshire Council. We hope that anyone resident in the above areas who has an interest in promoting the well being of their local community would consider this opportunity to make a difference to their area, and send in a nomination.
Unfortunately, there has been little interest in the opportunity to form new Community Councils in the Bowmar, Fishcross Coalsnaughton & Devonside and Sauchie areas. Should there be interest in the future however, all it would take is for 20 electors in these areas to sign a petition and send it to the Council's Chief Executive and an election to establish a Community Council would be held.
Provost Derek Stewart said: "Community Councils play an important part in developing links between the local authority and community areas. They have the ability to comment on planning issues, licensing matters, and are regularly consulted on a range of issues, some of which may be controversial.
"Members need no particular qualifications or background experience - everyone has the ability to make a contribution, and support is available. New members will not need to take up their role until the autumn."
Nomination forms, information on the role of Community Council Members, and the election process can be obtained by contacting the Returning Officer's staff, Clackmannanshire Council, Greenfield, Alloa, Tel: 01259 452112 or e-mail: adminservices@clacks.gov.uk. You can also visit www.clacksweb.org.uk, and search on 'Community Councils'.