‘Let Cllr Heath take up post of mayor’ (From Basingstoke Gazette)

‘Let Cllr Heath take up post of mayor’

9:15am Friday 12th February 2010 in

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Sir.–The role of the mayor is not to be a political pawn or indeed, perhaps in this case, a political punchbag, but to represent the people of Basingstoke in an honourable and respectful way.

Some consider the actions of Councillor Phil Heath to be those of a “maverick”. How bizarre that standing up for the rights of people, speaking out when mistakes are made and standing firm in your belief in democracy should be considered in such a way.

I have experienced first hand the joys and tribulations that Cllr Heath has experienced over the past 18 years. I have stood by while those looking for their “pound of flesh” have come after him, condemning a man for speaking against the council when no one else would.

I watched as people stooped to making personal comments in an email about his state of health, causing not only offence to Cllr Heath, but also myself due to my own personal health issues at the time.

Despite all this, I stayed quiet and supported him in my own way.

Now on the eve of becoming our first citizen, he is being told “no”

because, once again, he spoke the truth when others would not.

Perhaps, the borough’s chief executive and other members forget the gridlock situation we had in Basingstoke over December. I certainly have not. They may even have trouble in recalling all the abandoned cars in and around Hatch Warren, and the other residential areas of Basingstoke. Next time I will be sure to send in a photo of all the residents frantically trying to dig their way out of their homes so they can get to work.

Although I am Cllr Heath’s daughter, and some may see my letter as being biased, I can no longer stand by and let a man who has devoted years of his life to the people of Basingstoke, standing up what for is right, being told that he cannot be mayor.

I know that he would indeed be an honourable mayor, taking pleasure in representing and being part of the special occasions of so many organisations, schools and businesses of Basingstoke. He would conduct himself in an admirable, respectable and worthy manner expected of all councillors and mayors.

I implore for sense and reason to be returned to the council and for this “playground” behaviour to end.–Helen Heath, Primrose Gardens, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke

Sir.–I am a Basingstoke resident and would like to pledge my support for Phil Heath for mayor.

I have had problems with Basingstoke and Deane Council, which have been very upsetting, and I had not received any help or feedback from them. I contacted Cllr Heath, who helped with my problem. Now I am getting the answers and help I was expecting in the first place.

Who do we want for mayor? A man who speaks his mind like he did about the snow and gridlock situation in Basingstoke, or a “yes” man who has to agree with the rest of the officials. I know who I would choose.

I will be setting up a petition supporting Phil Heath, so anyone wanting to sign it, can email barbarahoskins@hotmail.co.uk.

–Mrs Barbara Hoskins, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I would like to offer my support to Cllr Phil Heath and feel he should rightly become mayor after holding the post of deputy mayor.

I have always found Cllr Heath to be very helpful. He goes out of his way to help people and yet there seem to be people who almost seem jealous of this. He is one of the longest serving members of the council and with that comes a wealth of knowledge which some people seem nervous of, instead of listening to and embracing it. As regards challenging the chief executive about the way the snow clearing etc was handled over Christmas and again in January, I am glad somebody had the bottle to do so! It was a shambles.

The position of Mayor of Basingstoke is meant to be nonpolitical but for some reason the Conservatives seem to want to turn it into a political battle.

Good luck on Thursday, Cllr Heath. I am backing you! –Pauline Macdonald, Popley, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I am writing to express my shock and dismay regarding recent reports in your newspaper regarding Cllr Phil Heath and the attempt to prevent him from becoming our new mayor in May.

I have known Phil and his wife Christine for several years. They have always been supportive of me throughout my long battle with cancer and are always at the end of the phone if I have any concerns regarding problems within the community.

Phil is, and always has been, extremely active in Hatch Warren and across Basingstoke, speaking up for those who sometimes find it difficult to do so themselves. His is a sympathetic ear whatever the circumstances and I can think of noone better suited to become our next mayor – a position I know he will hold with great honour and pride for the office.

I implore the borough council to listen to the people of Basingstoke, and not carry out an action that will only serve to denigrate the reputation of Basingstoke.–Diane Sewry, The Brackens, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke.

Sir.–I would like to make some observations in support of Mr Phil Heath. Mr Heath is a good councillor who has worked hard for the people of Basingstoke and has always been willing to help people with concerns, particularly in relation to housing issues, irrespective of their personal political viewpoint.

Speaking from personal experience, Mr Heath has been pleasant, helpful, courteous and a good advocate when I needed assistance. Mr Heath has sought to represent his constituents fairly and to work hard on their behalf. I am sure that I am just one of many who have particular reason to be grateful to him.

Whatever is happening, for whatever reason, this reflects badly on the due process of local democracy and the trust we put in those we elect to work together in our best interests, thereby damaging us all. I am sure that despite his critics Mr Heath will continue to work hard for the town and people he represents. Let’s offer our support in return. –Katy Full name and address supplied Basingstoke