LETTER: Mind is already made up

I write regarding the article quoting Coun Tyrell in the Voice on August 29 and further to the letter from Denise Davis on September 5, in which she deduces “his comments imply that he’s already made his mind up”.
She’s almost certainly accurate with this observation, although not quite hitting the target.
I suspect the decision was already taken previous to the launch of the public survey. Remember Coun Tyrell stated “the decision won’t just be based on the amount that vote for it”. No democracy there, then sir!
If the councillor was really concerned about monies being taken from other services, then perhaps this charade of a consultation should never have been commissioned.
No doubt we’ll have to endure the usual bovine guano explanation that the survey was paid for from ringfenced funds and, therefore, doesn’t affect any other service.
In The Voice, when the idea of this survey was first promulgated, it was stated that, alongside the online and paper form pick-up choices, “there will also be a leaflet drop to every household in the area”. No one in my street, nor village, received one. Amongst others, I mentioned it to people living in Moulton Chapel, Holbeach St Johns, Whaplode, Cowbit, Weston, Holbeach and Spalding. I was unable to find anyone who had received such a communication, so, not quite “every household”, then! I’m sure in true political fashion we will be informed that this was a mistake rather than an untruth.
In the same edition, Coun Tyrell stated “the feedback we receive will play a crucial role…” together with “we really value the input of our residents…” Of course you do, sir! All this from an individual who, in another edition of The Voice, was bemoaning the fact that he couldn’t put a firearm up to people “I can’t put a gun to people’s head. I wish I could but I can’t”.
The arrogance of such a comment is exceeded only by its abject stupidity, and surely displays, and must call into question, a complete unsuitability to be in public office.
Taking inspiration from some dialogue spoken by that great cinematic fictional character, Charles Foster Kane, in the film Citizen Kane, I have composed the following observations, which some might feel could be reflected in, and possibly justifiably applied to, Coun Tyrell’s apparent attitudes.
“The decent ordinary electorate know that I’ll do everything in my power to consult with, listen to, and represent, them, the damn fools. I’d make my political promises to each and every one of them, right here, right now……if I weren’t so busy writing my excuses for not keeping them”.
Tony Bown
Whaplode St Catherine