Young Darwen councillor hits back at age criticism
ONE of Lancashire's youngest councillors has hit back at claims that he is too inexperienced to represent the Darwen community.
New For Darwen member Andrew Graham, who won Labour stalwart Dave Smith's seat in the Sunnyhurst ward in last week's council elections, said that everyone has to start somewhere'.
And added that critics should remember that Mr Smith was also in his early 20s when he first won his position as councillor.
The 24-year-old undertaker, who is the youngest councillor in the borough, said: "Some people have mentioned that I am inexperienced and I have read comments on the Lancashire Telegraph website that I don't have enough experience.
"I have quite a lot of involvement in the community. I have been involved with several scout groups in Darwen, Lower Darwen and Bolton. I have worked and lived in Darwen all my life."
Labour councillor Dave Hollings, a longstanding ally of Mr Smith in the Sunnyhurst ward, said his own caseload had increased since Coun Graham's election.
He said: "More people have contacted me with council queries.
"I do not want to be unfair on the lad but he's got a lot to learn. He's got experience of voluntary work in the scouts, but he's not done any council-related work.
"Everyone has to start somewhere but people have taken a punt on him with little information to base it on."
Coun Graham polled 875 votes, 67 more than Mr Smith.
The For Darwen party was the biggest winner in the council election, gained three seats bringing its total up to five. Labour lost four seats and the Conservatives gained one.
Coun Graham, who works for Blackburn Funeral Service, New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, added: "I have plenty of experience of working with young people and with adults because of my job as an undertaker.
"I have worked with a wide variety of people. I have already worked for the council before as a swimming instructor so I understand how it works.
"We all have to start somewhere - David Smith started as a councillor when he was 21, he was young.
"I feel a lot of people are criticising my age, but it doesn't bother me to be honest.
"If I can do something to help people then I have done what I set out to do as a councillor.
"I am looking to see Darwen get some importance back."
4:21pm Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Ian the Beancounter, Darwen on 4:43pm Fri 9 May 08
[quote]"I have [italic][bold]worked[/bold][/italic] and lived in Darwen all my life."[/quote] [quote]Coun Graham, who works for Blackburn Funeral Service, New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn [/quote]
Do I detect an inconsistency here? Or is the start of a career in saying one thing, but meaning another?
"I have worked and lived in Darwen all my life."
Coun Graham, who works for Blackburn Funeral Service, New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn
Do I detect an inconsistency here? Or is the start of a career in saying one thing, but meaning another?
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:42pm Fri 9 May 08
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already.
Give him a chance is what i say!
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already.
Give him a chance is what i say!
Posted by: keeping itreal, too local on 8:27pm Fri 9 May 08
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:42pm today
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say!
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already.
Give him a chance is what i say!
WayneKerr by name, and WayneKerr by presence - say's it all really
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:42pm today
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say!
If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already.
Give him a chance is what i say!
WayneKerr by name, and WayneKerr by presence - say's it all really
Posted by: Honest Darrener, Darwen. on on 9:54pm Fri 9 May 08
I think everybody should get off Councillor A Graham case as he has got to learn by his mistakes. As for Councillor Dave Hollings dose he not think that he is now an old hand at this job and people are testing him so they can see how he dose and if he not up to it they will vote him off just as they did with Dave Smith because people are now sick of Labour and want shut of them.
I think everybody should get off Councillor A Graham case as he has got to learn by his mistakes. As for Councillor Dave Hollings dose he not think that he is now an old hand at this job and people are testing him so they can see how he dose and if he not up to it they will vote him off just as they did with Dave Smith because people are now sick of Labour and want shut of them.
Posted by: Blondie on 8:53am Sat 10 May 08
It doesn't matter how old he is as long as he represents his people. Councilor Graham will be supported by his more experienced councilors and learn from his experiences as we all do in life.
It doesn't matter how old he is as long as he represents his people. Councilor Graham will be supported by his more experienced councilors and learn from his experiences as we all do in life.
Posted by: stooball66, backburn on 12:38pm Sat 10 May 08
Kate Hollern hasnt poked her nose in?
Has she defected?
Ah i bet the age thing must worry her being in her 90s oh sorry 80s.
You carry on mate but one favour look back at blackburn and darwen 40 years ago and look at it now? the slum that is now was created by the Kate Hollerns of this world.
MY ADVICE DONT GET YOURSELF TARRED WITH THE SAME BRUSH AS THE CRAP COUNCILLORS WE HAVE AND STILL HAVE IN LABOUR.
Kate Hollern hasnt poked her nose in?
Has she defected?
Ah i bet the age thing must worry her being in her 90s oh sorry 80s.
You carry on mate but one favour look back at blackburn and darwen 40 years ago and look at it now? the slum that is now was created by the Kate Hollerns of this world.
MY ADVICE DONT GET YOURSELF TARRED WITH THE SAME BRUSH AS THE CRAP COUNCILLORS WE HAVE AND STILL HAVE IN LABOUR.
Posted by: WayneKerr on 2:31pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]keeping itreal[/bold] wrote:
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:42pm today If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say! If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say! WayneKerr by name, and WayneKerr by presence - say\'s it all really[/quote] Is it not the case that some Councillors are giulty of going abroad for several months and are un contactable by the people they are supposed to represent?
Is it not also the case that these Councillors have not turned up at meetings for many months too?
If you want to 'keep it real' then you have to recognise these [bold]facts[/bold] .
Or rather than 'keep it real' why not just 'keep it shut' and do everyone a favour?
INNIT!!
keeping itreal wrote:
Posted by: WayneKerr on 7:42pm today If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say! If all he does is turn up at the local meetings on a regular basis instead of swanning off to Pakistan for 6 months he will be doing a lot more than some Councillors do already. Give him a chance is what i say! WayneKerr by name, and WayneKerr by presence - say\'s it all really
Is it not the case that some Councillors are giulty of going abroad for several months and are un contactable by the people they are supposed to represent?
Is it not also the case that these Councillors have not turned up at meetings for many months too?
If you want to 'keep it real' then you have to recognise these
facts .
Or rather than 'keep it real' why not just 'keep it shut' and do everyone a favour?
INNIT!!
Posted by: What a tool 66, bar none. on 3:56pm Sat 10 May 08
Stoolbar66,I think you have an obsession with Kate Hollern.Seems to me that just like in the school yard,the girl you tease the most is the one you like.Almost all of your angry rants focus on her.Just get yourself together man and get over it .
Stoolbar66,I think you have an obsession with Kate Hollern.Seems to me that just like in the school yard,the girl you tease the most is the one you like.Almost all of your angry rants focus on her.Just get yourself together man and get over it .
Posted by: barneyboy on 5:05pm Sat 10 May 08
No you are never to young the other good thing is Darwen will need a good UNDERTAKER by the time For Darwen Councillors are finished with it.
No you are never to young the other good thing is Darwen will need a good UNDERTAKER by the time For Darwen Councillors are finished with it.
Posted by: Sue, Sunnyhurst ward on 5:58pm Sat 10 May 08
I am planning on getting out of this hell hole in next few years, thank goodness, Darwen has got worse since I came here 20 years ago, that road for a start, nightmare!
I just hope you can pull it off Coun. Graham, it isn't an easy job.
I am planning on getting out of this hell hole in next few years, thank goodness, Darwen has got worse since I came here 20 years ago, that road for a start, nightmare!
I just hope you can pull it off Coun. Graham, it isn't an easy job.
Posted by: MIKEOXLONG on 9:50pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]What a tool 66, bar none.[/bold] wrote:
Stoolbar66,I think you have an obsession with Kate Hollern.Seems to me that just like in the school yard,the girl you tease the most is the one you like.Almost all of your angry rants focus on her.Just get yourself together man and get over it .[/quote] It makes a change that hes not having a go at the cops
What a tool 66, bar none. wrote:
Stoolbar66,I think you have an obsession with Kate Hollern.Seems to me that just like in the school yard,the girl you tease the most is the one you like.Almost all of your angry rants focus on her.Just get yourself together man and get over it .
It makes a change that hes not having a go at the cops
Posted by: M Arbles, Darwen on 8:54am Mon 12 May 08
Darwens lost a dedicated councellor now Mr Smith has gone.It just proves how ignorant the people of Darwen are,a 24 year old geek getting on the council with no experience!
What next Micheal Johnson for mayor?
Darwens lost a dedicated councellor now Mr Smith has gone.It just proves how ignorant the people of Darwen are,a 24 year old geek getting on the council with no experience!
What next Micheal Johnson for mayor?
Posted by: Impartial, Darwen on 12:50pm Mon 12 May 08
I have had enough of the 'shame on you for voting out Smith' drivel. Regardless of whether he was a good councillor, people no longer identify with his politics and have used their democratic right to make a change. That is how things are done in this country and I am sure ex Cllr Smith will live to fight another day. In the meantime, he may wish to advise Cllr Hollings to be more constructive and work with his fellow ward Cllr, or else he will be voted out too.
I have had enough of the 'shame on you for voting out Smith' drivel. Regardless of whether he was a good councillor, people no longer identify with his politics and have used their democratic right to make a change. That is how things are done in this country and I am sure ex Cllr Smith will live to fight another day. In the meantime, he may wish to advise Cllr Hollings to be more constructive and work with his fellow ward Cllr, or else he will be voted out too.
Posted by: Listen up, Lancs on 7:57pm Mon 12 May 08
Er, democracy, anyone?
It doesn't matter what any of us think, the people have spoken and this man is now a councillor... END OF.
So let him get on with it and less of the ****. Let the man prove himself if he can.
Er, democracy, anyone?
It doesn't matter what any of us think, the people have spoken and this man is now a councillor... END OF.
So let him get on with it and less of the ****. Let the man prove himself if he can.
Posted by: Baden Powell, Dirty Darwen on 11:12pm Mon 12 May 08
Be Prepared the boy scout has 2 scout badges hes probably too qualified to be a councellor.
Working in a funeral parlour he will have a good rapport with the dead beats of the for Darwen party.There a dead waste of time. Maleady for councellor your havinglaugh.
Be Prepared the boy scout has 2 scout badges hes probably too qualified to be a councellor.
Working in a funeral parlour he will have a good rapport with the dead beats of the for Darwen party.There a dead waste of time. Maleady for councellor your havinglaugh.
Posted by: milano, darwen on 4:19pm Tue 13 May 08
'Young Darwen councillor hits back at age criticism'
You really told them all with that article,(not)
The guy doesn't know which town he works in and thinks that being a swimming attendant for a short time educates you on how the council works.
Like you say everyone has to start somewhere, maybe in future interviews he should remember the Scouts motto 'Be prepared'
Dib dib dib
'Young Darwen councillor hits back at age criticism'
You really told them all with that article,(not)
The guy doesn't know which town he works in and thinks that being a swimming attendant for a short time educates you on how the council works.
Like you say everyone has to start somewhere, maybe in future interviews he should remember the Scouts motto 'Be prepared'
Dib dib dib
Posted by: niki ward, DARWEN on 5:32pm Thu 15 May 08
What a load of rubbish Cllr Graham better make the most of this short interlude in power. David Smith will be back, Let Smithy have a holiday after 22 years he deserves some fun? Good luck to Dave Smith and he will be back[bold]bold[/bold]
What a load of rubbish Cllr Graham better make the most of this short interlude in power. David Smith will be back, Let Smithy have a holiday after 22 years he deserves some fun? Good luck to Dave Smith and he will be back
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