Leader comment by Conservative Group Leader Cllr Karen Garrido - originally published by the Salford Advertiser.
Ho! Ho! Ho! I cannot believe I have actually managed to write my leader’s article for this week, with only a few days left to go and no turkey ordered yet. I would not say I was panicking but I am pretty close to it!
I have still got cards to write and presents to buy but I am sure that like you, come Christmas Day, it always seems to come together - as I write, here’s hoping!
What a great time of year! With families getting together and time to relax (after the cooking) and reflect on all of the good things that have happened during the year, and to be thankful that we have at least got through the more difficult times.
For me, Christmas is one of the best times of the year. I enjoy everything about Christmas and although nowadays life is run at a hectic pace, I do try to remember what Christmas is all about.
I am reminded about those who are not so fortunate and was proud of my local community when I went to a toy service at Worsley Methodist Church and saw how much had been given to help some children have a happier Christmas.
I also think about those who have no homes for whatever reason - a friend recently made me realise that just basic needs such as toiletry items, for those who arrive at a hostel without even a toothbrush, can be very welcome.
In our city we have a great tradition of helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves and I would like to pay my personal tribute to all of you who have helped throughout the year to make other people’s lives just that little bit better.
It was a great piece of news we heard about The Deans Primary School in Swinton, who were confirmed as the highest performing primary school in the country in the 2007 Key Stage 2 National Tests.
This follows a recent inspection by OFSTED which judged the school to be outstanding.
When I listened to the headteacher explaining that all she had done was to give the children the opportunity to read and to be helped with their reading for just a few minutes each night by their parent, it reinforces my own and the Conservatives’ view that we do not necessarily need expensive equipment to teach our children, we just need good teachers who care and who are able to enthuse parents.
We clearly have such teachers at The Deans and I would like to congratulate them and all the parents and children for what they have achieved. I hope that in 2008 more schools will follow their example.
The other day I was asked if I was going to make a New Year’s resolution. I said “yes”. I am not saying what it is but I would like to share with you some of my wishes for the City in 2008:
- Affordable Council Tax
- Encourage good schools - not close them
- No congestion charge and improved bus services
- Affordable housing for families - not apartments
- More youth facilities
- Less crime
- Community facilities in those parts of the City which have none
My final wish is that more Conservative Councillors get elected in May to achieve these wishes. On behalf of the Conservatives on Salford City Council may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.
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