priority setting between all important topics isn\u2019t rational at all<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSo, actually, as an individual councillor we don\u2019t have effective power. But we do have influence. We even could have authority, though only in the field of opinions. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Our visit to Derby showed us that inhabitants, the people of the neighbourhood with an interest in the local park, the regeneration of the street they live in, are capable of effecting power, or better effecting influence. Each can have opinions if the matter is boiled down to the essentials, minor and practical or major and principal.<\/p>\n
We learned that it is fruitful and do-able to make use of those opinions, choices and priorities. The Derby method of regenerating the area around their own homes can have an impressive result. The key is \u2018interest\u2019. And interest there is because it is all about their own neighbourhood. The role of the council then is to balance conflicting neighbourhood interests, and expenditures to citywide services.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Secondly, we learned the difference between 1) inform inhabitants, 2) investigate for local ideas \u2013 both one-directional \u2013 3) consult \u2013 two-directional \u2013\u00a0 4) priority setting & decision making by the neighbourhood \u2013 one directional. We know those differences, but don\u2019t dare to be explicit on it when we consult with inhabitants living around an area to regenerate. We don\u2019t like angry interests group emerging each time we make decisions on regenerating neighbourhoods and parks. We are vague in this procedures which are obliged by law. Thinking about this, and applying this to ongoing consulting procedures in Almere (a new leisure park and an existing sports and leisure park) we realised that their should be an addendum to the list of 4 steps. Their should be a 0) and a 3a). The council should define the borders at the start as \u201cThe park will be regenerated with limited costs, which are \u2026\u201d. Than the informing (1), investigating (2) and consulting (3) can be processed. After that it is the council\u2019s turn again. We should decide on the resulting plan and budget, leaving a specific list of issue\u2019s that could be decided on by the neighbourhood. This could lead to \u201cThe neighbourhood prefers a tennis lawn and a kindergarten, and not a skating field, if the budget does not allow us all three\u201d.<\/p>\n
Well, it is not finished. Democracy is never finished.<\/p>\n
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to visit your city, to learn and to enjoy.<\/p>\n
Thank you very much.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
(Diner speech 14 September 2007, Community Councils of Derby and of Almere<\/p>\n