Nominations for Community Council Elections Open
Written by admin on August 15, 2012
Nominations for Community Council Elections in Dumfries and Galloway have opened with polling day set for 4th October 2012.
If you are 18 years or over, appear on the Register of Electors in your Community Council area and have a desire to play an active role in safeguarding, promoting and representing your community this opportunity is for you.
Community Councils are key partners in local government and in developing local communities. Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the vital role that Community Councillors play and acknowledges the dedication, knowledge and expertise that they bring. There are 107 potential Community Council areas across Dumfries and Galloway with 90 currently established.
Community Councillors standing for election will, if elected, represent their community for a period of 3 years. Nomination papers, duly completed and signed, must be delivered to the Returning Officer during office hours no later than 5pm on Friday 7 September 2012.
The main purposes of Community Councils are to:
* Safeguard and promote the best interests of the community in their area;
* Collate the views of the communities which they represent and express these to Dumfries & Galloway Council and other public sector authorities;
* Help communities to be more resilient and take an active part to ensure those in need receive assistance
* Community Councils are also consulted on planning applications and applications for liquor licences.
Once elected, a Community Council becomes the voice of their local community. They have this in common with local authority Councillors, Members of the Scottish Parliament and MPs. One of the key roles of a Community Councillor is to gather public opinion, they are then in a position to pass these opinions on to local authorities and other public bodies. Community Councils can influence planning applications, transport, Roads and Street Lighting and Local Amenities etc.
For further information on Community Councils and on how to become a Community Councillor go to www.dumgal.gov.uk/communitycouncils or call 030 33 33 3000.
