Election – What Election? 24 October, 2007
Posted by Bassam Mahfouz in Community News.add a comment
Last week was local democracy week up and down the country and whilst there wasn’t a national election to talk about, students at Greenford High took part in selecting their favourite Ealing Councillor. Northolt West End’s Cllr Bassam Mahfouz proved a big hit, as he won the political “speed-dating” event for the second year in a row.
Around thirty students were given the opportunity to quiz local councillors from all parties about local democracy, being a politician and the political issues that matter to them.
At the end of each session students scored each councillor out of 5 on points such as “listening skills”, “approachability” and “would you vote for them”. The votes were tallied, and Councillor Mahfouz was declared the winner for the second year in a row.
Councillor Mahfouz said:
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the winner, and it was great to see so many young people showing an interest in politics. The biggest issue that came across was the feeling by young people that they were all being portrayed as yobs. Most young people are hard working, studious and want to get on in life and enjoy it. It’s great that there are events like this that promote politics amongst the younger generation and I can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the political arena. I’d like to see the council promote this more so that we have even more schools involved next year.”
Lime Trees Residents Send Message to Council 15 October, 2007
Posted by Bassam Mahfouz in Community News, Labour's on Your Side.add a comment
Three petitions were presented by local residents at last week’s Full Council meeting. All came from concerned constituents on the Lime Trees area. Monica and Tina Smith presented a petition with over 230 signatures from residents in Laughton, Bengarth Roads and neighbouring streets. They were calling for funds to implement the much needed traffic calming scheme which has been drawn up following meetings hosted by Cllr Bassam Mahfouz. Transport for London are currently considering funding the scheme and should report later this year with a decision.
There were also two petitions presented on behalf of most of the residents of Lauder Close calling for better access to the bottom of their road for emergency vehicles and issues around a new Niblock building located at the top of their cul-de-sac. (coverage is available in this week’s Ealing Gazette)
Cllr Bassam Mahfouz also tabled a motion at Full Council about the importance of doing our bit to tackle climate change.
If you would like to present a petition to full council or would like more information about what you can do to help tackle climate change then e-mail Cllr Bassam Mahfouz on bassam.mahfouz@ealing.gov.uk
Cllr Mahfouz appears on Newsnight 5 October, 2007
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Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing Central and Acton appeared this evening on BBC2’s Newsnight programme, welcoming the earlier agreement on Crossrail as well as speaking about the possibility of an election.
Speaking to Newsnight’s Michael Crick, Bassam welcomed the final agreement on Crossrail saying, “I am delighted that Crossrail has now been agreed. I met with Ken [Livingstone] on the night that the City had agreed to fund the scheme and clearly today’s events mark an important mile stone in the birth of Crossrail.”
Discussing the possibility of an election, Bassam said, “I don’t mind when it is called, I am up for it, but people I’ve been speaking to have told me there is no appetite at the moment for an election. They tell me they know Gordon Brown has done a good job as Chancellor and want to see him continue that good work as Prime Minister.” “If they are called upon to vote then they will back Brown and the reforms he has proposed.”
You can watch the episode online:
