Have your Say!

Seasons Greetings!

I'm really getting in the festive mood now that Christmas is fast approaching. The excitement of Christmas is very apparent in our house, with two young grandsons around!

I get invited to all sorts of festivities and my favourites are the wonderful nativity plays put on by local children and the uplifting carol concerts held in churches and schools all over the constituency. If you're looking for one to attend, there's a list on the Community Events part of the website.

The Christmas message is very important to me and I've been dismayed in recent years to hear some of the nonsensical bureaucracy surrounding it. Attempts to ban Christmas lights and replace traditional phrases with secular versions seem ridiculous and unnecessary. I've yet to meet anyone from any religious group or sector of society who is offended by lights and nativity scenes!

What do you think? Should we adapt the message of Christmas to ignore the birth of Jesus or is it political correctness gone mad?

Whatever your views I'd like to hear them and I hope you are enjoying the build up and festivities!

Yours,

Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Thursday, December 14, 2006

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I've ventured nearer to the City Centre more often lately, curious to see how it's huge face-lift is shaping up. And I've been really impressed. Plymouth is a fantastic city and it's hard to miss the new found confidence and upbeat vibes. What goes on in Plymouth is obviously going to have an impact on South West Devon and I like to keep up to date with all big decisions being mulled over by the local council.

One issue I am seeking your opinions on is whether the city should elect a mayor. Someone chosen by the people to run the city in the way we the public choose. The citizens of Plymouth last looked at this issue 4 years and 11 months ago and the idea to have an elected mayor was defeated. The law requires a gap of 5 years before we can ask the question again. That period expires on 24th January 2007. A petition signed by just 5% of the adult population, less than 10,000 people, will trigger a second referendum.

A yes vote would open the way for a mayoral election next year and personally I'm all in favour of it.

So what do you think? Are things fine the way they are or could the city use more direction and more focused leadership? I'm keen to hear what you've got to say!

Yours,

Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Thursday, December 07, 2006

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