Ex Cllr Charlie Young

It was a sad day for me yesterday as I attended the funeral of former Councillor Charlie Young. Charlie was a lifelong member of the Labour Party ( 82 years )and was an example to all of us. Much is written and spoken about local Councillors most of it not very complimentary but just ocassionally someone comes along who sets the standard that we should all seek to achieve, Charlie was such a man. Although he was passionate about his beliefs and politics and spoke with a quiet authority he rarely raised his voice in anger. He was a champion of the underdog and right up to 2007 was fighting for the residents of Salmestone Ward that he represented on TDC.
I learned a lot from Charlie by just watching and listening to him, like him being of the old school I dislike the modern way of politics that seems to be dominated by hype, spin, bluster and image coupled with a reluctance to be honest with the electorate, as he always used to say if you have cocked up just say so and apologise rather than try and cover up your mistake, people will have far more respect for you if you admit to your mistakes than try to hide behind blaming someone else.

We all have to learn from the likes of Charlie Young if Politicians are to become respected again.