This is a month in which the people of Cymru/Wales have exercised their highest democratic right in a referendum over the future powers of its assembly government. It's a month when people in Rhuthun/Ruthin gathered to form an embryonic chamber of commerce. Yet, we doubt whether Rhuthun will be voting for a new town councillor.For the sad death of Hafina Clwyd leaves a council vacancy. Like the previous two resignations at the end of February, this would normally generate a by-election. It's to Rhuthun's shame that no one tends to come forward and the council is then disposed to co-opt. At the last election time (May 2008) there were fewer candidates than seats. No contest. This is not the most of democratic solutions but what can you do?
I doubt whether very many people will have realised that there's a seat vacant. If you have an interest in Rhuthun—and many of you do, for why else are you reading this?—why not seek nominations? You need the support of 10 Rhuthun electors. Details of how to do this are on the town council's website under the News section. The due date is Monday 4th April. Instructions & particulars from the town clerk, Town Hall, Rhuthun, LL15 1AS.
What qualifications do you need? None, as far as I know. You don't have to be:
- A" somebody".
- Born & bred here (in spite of what some may say).
- A Welsh speaker (in spite of what some may say).
- A business person.
- Retired.
For a fleeting moment, I thought about standing myself. But my fear is that there would be insufficient people putting their names forward to have a contest; for a contest is what we really need, to ease towards proper representation.
And talking of Hafina Clwyd, why was there no mention of her in this week's Free Press? Unless it was so small I missed it.
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