===============================================================
IR+R NEWS - news about democratic reform, citizens' initiative,
referendum, recall of elected officials. A service of
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
===============================================================1) PARISH POLL ON SUPERMARKET PLAN
2) NEW PAGES AT INIREF.ORG
1) PARISH POLL ON SUPERMARKET PLAN
http://www.burnleycitizen.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.2138855.0.public_vote_on_supermarket_plans.php
"A PARISH poll has been called over controversial plans to build a
supermarket in Barnoldswick - but a decision could have been made
before it takes place."
Comment: Our local democracy is too weak. After a valid referendum
proposal has been made then the disputed plan or policy should be put
on "hold" until the electorate has decided about it in the poll
(referendum).
"...Coun David Whipp said the final decision on the application would be taken on planning policies and government guidance, not on the outcome of a town poll. He said: "One hundred per cent of the town could be against it, but it could still be allowed at the end of the day.""
Comment: If the town council has final responsibility for planning
decisions then in a town referendum the electorate should be able to
exercise the same powers.
Across the board, from local to central government, reform of our
democracy is long overdue. Some effective methods have already been
tried and tested -- these include the citizens' law proposal and the
veto referendum to block unwanted laws and policies. See proposals at
http://www.iniref.org/introduction.html
--------------------------------------------
2) NEW PAGES AT INIREF.ORG
http://www.idealist.org/en/org/171311-236
and
http://www.iniref.org/crew.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About I&R ~ GB
We advocate the introduction of direct democratic procedures such as
citizens' initiative, issue-ballot, referendum, and recall in the
countries of
Great
Britain and Northern Ireland. With over ten years' experience
we put forward proposals, provide campaign resources, offer to
provide
speakers, organise workshops and conferences.
Web site: http://www.iniref.org
Contact: info@iniref.org