Politics often feels like it’s all about the big events. Journalists love them, politicians tend to dread them and the public generally don’t care.
It seems to be the season. This week the City Council will be setting its budget – this is a classic example: lots of shouting Councillors and bemused members of the public. Setting a Council budget is a tricky job, particularly at the moment.
Having to deal with funding reductions that total about half our annual operating budget, adult social care costs continuing to spiral as the population ages, and multiplying pictures of opposition Councillors angrily glaring at potholes. But amidst the gloom there are some bright spots.
Of particular interest to students might be the Council extending the Living Wage to all its external contracts; money for improved and more efficient street lighting (good for the environment, our bank balance, and public safety; something we know has been an issue around campus), and continuing to invest in jobs and homes (particularly important to young people living in York). It might not be the West, but it’s important stuff for York residents and no doubt will generate a lot of debate. If you fancy it, come along to Budget Council at the Guildhall, 6.30pm on Thursday.
A rare treat for the city the size of York, but the second weekend of March (that’s week 9 to you lot) will see us hosting that staple of the political calendar: a party conference, in this case the Lib Dem’s.
You’ve got to admire their bravery given that we have a student population of roughly 30,000, but we’ll be sure to give them a warm welcome, with a big demonstration planned (colour-coded for extra fun, more info on their Facebook page at http://s.coop/ldconf), as well as the conclusion to our campaign against cutting student support (which you can still sign up to at www.studentsupportyork).
You may have noticed a few cardboard signs around campus, which can only mean one thing; the ultimate in political events: elections. If I’m being absolutely honest, part of me dies inside when I realise almost four years after graduating I still have to care about YUSU elections, but working so closely with the President and Welfare & Community Officer, that’s the way it has to be. There are some really interesting ideas coming through on how to improve relations between students and the local community and I’ve been fortunate to bump into various candidates and discuss their ideas at events like last week’s Community Connect event. The fun never stops in the life of a Councillor. And if I still have to care, then you definitely do, so get voting.
“If I’m being absolutely honest, part of me dies inside when I realise almost four years after graduating I still have to care about YUSU elections, but working so closely with the President and Welfare & Community Officer, that’s the way it has to be.”
So what you’re saying is you wish you didn’t have to give a shit? Still bitter about not winning prez in 2010?