PORTFOLIO HOLDER MISLAYS HALF HER PORTFOLIO

Maureen Lawrence, Liberal Democrat Portfolio holder for Community Development, forgets about Somerset’s economy.

The correct title for the portfolio is, Community Regeneration and Economic Development. The Liberal Democrats have dropped the Economic Development half.

Council Papers describe the portfolio only as Community Regeneration. Maureen Lawrence clearly does not see it necessary to boost Somerset’s economy.

At the County Council meeting of 17th April 2002, Conservative councillor, Ken Maddock asked Mrs. Lawrence why no report had been made to full Council since Christmas. Her response, ‘no executive decisions have been made to report on.’

Ken Maddock later commented, ‘It is disturbing that this most important portfolio is in the command of someone so uninterested in Somerset’s economy. We need a pro-active approach to boost tourism, agriculture and industry in Somerset. When there are huge job losses throughout the County, I find it unnerving that the economy is so low on the Liberal Democrat’s list of priorities.’