Richard Baum

Last night’s Lib Dem Group AGM saw lots of interesting discussion about the election campaign just gone, and our plans to work successfully on the Council over the next 12 months. Obviously none of the discussions were anywhere near as interesting as frolicking in the sunshine outside, but unfortunately with the privilege of power comes the irritating burden of responsibility, so I had to put down my ice cold Vimto momentarily, exchange my flowing Hawaiian grass skirt for a suit, un-hand the hula girl, and go to the meeting.

Congratulations to Councillors Tim Pickstone and Andrew Garner who were re-elected Group Leader and Deputy Leader respectively, and to Cllr Mary D’Albert who remained conscious throughout her debut Group meeting. The last twelve months have undoubtedly been a success for our Group - election victories and leading campaigns on issues like congestion charging and post offices - and we are sure to go from strength to strength with a continuing leadership team and a new face on the Group.

The meeting also saw us discuss appointments to the many many (many) Council committees, working groups and outside bodies that exist across the community. In the grand shake-up I emerged on to the Resource and Performance Scrutiny Committee, and the Licensing Committee. I worked on R&P last year - it’s the Scrutiny Committee that takes a broad view of all the Council’s work and focuses on service performance and finance. It was enjoyable and I think we got some good stuff done, so hopefully that will continue. Licensing will be new to me, but I join my colleague Cllr Steve Wright on it and he only has good things to say about the work we can achieve on there.

I was also elected Chair of the Community Development Working Group of Prestwich Local Area Partnership last night, which is an exciting challenge. I was a member of the group last year and we achieved some great work in Rainsough and Polefield, so hopefully I can continue the momentum here in the coming twelve months. I will be supported by Cllr Ann Garner who is stepping down from the Chair herself but will still be a valued and influential member of the working group.

All such re-shuffling pales into insignificance when set off against the blue sky above me this morning. It’s still far too sunny outside to be cooped up in an office. Resultantly I may make a daring bid for freedom soon after lunch. There may be fireworks.

Have a good weekend. 

Rick