Be a councillor – it’s Democracy Week!

Bury is using national Democracy Week (15-21 Oct) to generate wider interest in local government and encourage more people to stand for election.

The council has been asked by the Local Government Association to join the “Be a Councillor” project.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “This is about encouraging local people to become councillors, and also to encourage sitting councillors to carry on doing their good work for the community.

“Democracy Week may last only seven days, but we want to put in place something that has lasting impact; one which gives Bury residents a choice of high quality candidates from which to elect the highest quality councillors who best reflect the whole of Bury.”

Cllr Connolly highlighted the work done with young people, through schools, colleges and the Youth Cabinet, to encourage involvement in the democratic process - and on 26 October, the Town Hall will host a Youth Democracy Day.

“This work will continue, but we are determined that "Be a Councillor" will reach all sections of the community,” he added. “We plan to stage ‘Democracy Open Days’ across the borough, taking the project out to our Township Forums to reach people directly.”

Cllr Connolly also cited Bury’s Member Engagement Strategy, which aims to provide councillors with support and training.

ENDS

Press release issued: 12 October 2012.