“His experience in both the private and public sectors will prove invaluable to the council during the months to come when we will have to make some very difficult decisions.
At full council recently, Deputy Leader Val Morris-Cook highlighted her concerns regarding councillor attendance at functions. In short, it wasn't good enough.
If you were going to visit a house with a view to buy and when you got there, the front door had graffiti all over it. What would your next actions be. Exactly, back in the car.
Building pride in Thurrock is the key to Cllr Val Morris-Cook’s cabinet portfolio and she is keen to promote the support the council can provide community groups.
As new council leader John Kent attempts to get to grips with the challenges of balancing the council's books, it appears that his job is being made doubly difficult as stories start to surface of the Tories profligate spending.
Jackie wants to see the private sector going again, borrowing to decrease and a sharper focus to the economy with a big push to get more people off benefits and into work.
The Tories fear that Labour will leave the reserves perilously shallow and should some financial disaster, penalty or circumstance hit the council, then, according to cllr Johnson, the council would be somewhat vulnerable.
He is currently Chief Executive of pmpgenesis, a management consultancy, and for the four years until 2008, he was Chief Executive of Leisure Connection Ltd, a privately-held national health,and fitness industry organisation.
We know that every day, the men and women of our Armed Forces make personal sacrifices for us, a sacrifice often shared with their families and at great cost. We will never forget this.”
Stephen said: “While I accept that International Development is not necessarily the most burning issue in South Basildon & East Thurrock, I do know that my constituents are concerned about value for money and I want to make sure that the new coalition Government is spending their hard earned taxes wisely.”
IN THE council chamber, John Kent reminds this reporter of a confident opening batsmen. At his first full council meeting on wednesday, John stood confident and imperious, seeing each Tory ball as big as a beach ball as he swatted them away for a four. With Deputy Leader, Val Morris-Cook anchoring the other end, the Tories have their work cut out.
