Councillor Tomlinson Welcomes Students To Council

Taken From The Evening Advertiser 15/10/02

Students from Swindon College met a councillor only slightly older than themselves as Local Democracy Week got underway.

Fresh-faced Councillor Justin Tomlinson, 25, (Conservative, Abbey Meads) could almost have passed for one of the 16 A-level politics students.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson gave the students a behind-the-scenes insight into local government.

And then they had a chance to sit as the council cabinet themselves when they had a discussion in the main debating chamber on the subject of fox hunting.

The students also met Swindon Mayor Stan Pajak and representatives from the Labour and Conservative political groups.

Local Democracy Week is a nationwide event organised by the Local Government Association to encourage participation in local politics.

In Swindon the focus is on children ­ over the next two weeks hundreds of pupils will be shown around the council offices, meet the mayor and get to take part in a live debate in the council chamber.

Borough election assistant John Carter said: "This is the third year in a row that we've organised these events for National Democracy Week and they're very popular.

"In our debates we encourage children to discuss a given issue before asking them to post their ballots on it in an authentically-managed vote. They seem to really enjoy it.

"The week is intended to increase awareness of local politics and decisions and the importance of voting.

"It is also a chance to explain some of the mysteries behind voting.

"The Swindon College students seemed to enjoy themselves and especially enjoyed meeting councillor Tomlinson."

Sally McGuire, committee members' services officer at Swindon Council, said: "There are lots of schools taking part again this year after finding it very helpful and informative last year.

"The children seem to be genuinely interested in finding out more about what we do here and like trying it out for themselves."

Schools wishing to take part in or find out more about Democracy Week should call Katrina Carpenter at Swin-don Council on (01793) 463000.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, 'I was delighted to be able to play a part in 'opening up' Swindon Council to the students from Swindon College.  They were a real credit to their College, engaging in the debate and discussion with enthusiasm, intelligence and fresh ideas.  With voter apathy so high, it is crucial that we in politics continue to do more activities such as these, to help us reconnect with the public, of whatever age.'