Make Your Views Count

Written by Duncan Hames and published in West Wiltshire Messenger on Mon 15th Nov 2004

So many people back home in Wiltshire have told me of their disappointment to see Bush re-elected, but I think we were all relieved that this time the election was at least decided by the voters and not the lawyers!

America Voted - Now its up to us

Election fever gripped the United States in the run up to their Presidential Election. Having saved up my air miles, I had the chance to go and see it for myself, staying with some Democrat campaigners in Virginia. Everyone was so welcoming, even Bush supporters, and many were pleased to see a 'Brit' taking an interest in their election. In America they depend heavily on a spirit of volunteering, not just to campaign in their elections, but to administer them as well.

Make Your Views Count

Many thanks to couple of thousand of you who have already responded to my recent residents' survey. As we begin to analyse the results, it's clear the returns are full of helpful information about your own experiences of public services. Many of you have also taken the opportunity to offer me your support for our campaigns, so a special thanks to you.

We will remember them

Finally, the situation facing Warminster's Black Watch in Iraq has never been far from all our thoughts recently. I would like to offer my sympathies to those families who have lost loved ones. Those brave soldiers have found a place in the hearts of people right across the country.