Planting more democracy

Quote

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.”  George Jean Nathan

News

Next Thursday a new election takes place in England and Wales – for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).  The government wants to make police more accountable to their local communities, by replacing the unelected and invisible police authorities with a single commissioner for each of 41 police forces. 

However the government has come under criticism for failing to convince voters of the need for the change.  Also no money has been made available for candidates to present their case, which means the people who come and vote (it’s predicted to be a low turnout) don’t have much to go on in deciding the most appropriate person.

Government ministers argue that democracy is good per se, and that local people voting must be a better way than making the appointments centrally.  But is it? 

Democracy is about people choosing someone they know is trustworthy and competent, to assume some public responsibility.  It is inherently relational.  Trust develops best when there is real encounter between people, built up over time, accompanied by mutual knowledge and respect, and shared goals and values.

Most voters have never heard of their candidates for PCC; with so little information available, it’s hard to form an opinion as to who would be trustworthy.  Effective local democracy requires more than a decision from Whitehall to hold an election.  Local government in Britain has few powers and responsibilities that require meaningful engagement by local residents; this leaves thin relational soil for local democracy to take root.

Read on…

The R Factor was a landmark book published nearly 20 years ago about relationships in public life. In the first chapter, Michael Schluter and David Lee explained the crucial difference between encounter and contingent relationships. Read the excerpt here.

Walk the talk

For those of you based in Britain and eligible to vote in the PCC elections, why not look up your candidates (if you haven't done so) here.   Why not try to find out more about them online, see if they are going to hold any public meeting before the election, or phone them if they have given a number.  As you do so, which candidate seems the most trustworthy and competent?

The last word

From the Bible, Deuteronomy 1, verse 12-13: "But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you."