IN the last two weeks two readers have written in commenting on the availability of funds for the new hospital vs the enhancement works in Okehampton, making a (fairly) valid point about priorities.
Mr White hit the nail on the head with his opening comment about the quangos that dish out the money. It is they who say how much goes where, following their 'orders' from above, ie, the Government.
Knowing, as I do, most of the people involved with these two projects, I can assure everyone that most of these representatives share your sentiments, but are simply not in a position to do anything about it. Either they get on with doing their best for Okehampton within current guidelines, or sit around and do nothing.
If you want money available quickly and easily then you need to do one or both of two things:
Lobby the Government to change its rules
Vote in someone else who will change things for the better.
If anyone can complete the above I'd love to know the secret. In the meantime perhaps another (radical) solution could be the way forward?
Personally, I will be carrying on as before, doing the best I can in trying circumstances, and taking the opportunity at the upcoming election to vote 'none of the above' again.
In the meantime you get who/what you voted for! (If anyone would like to fund a campaign to get me elected I'm open to offers!).
Dave Goodwin
Sticklepath
(a community development worker
not involved in either project)