Mixed review of ASCC after four years of the new constitution and leadership

A mixed review of ASCC is in order after four years of operation of the currrent constitution and the changed leadership.

There have been major improvements - a much better website with improved content which is a great resource for community councillors - a higher profile in policy making circles - the achievement of better levels of funding - an occasional improved newsletter - and regional meetings to meet the members.

However this is all jeopardised by a culture which does not tolerate opposition or views that are critical of the leadership and its performance and which seeks to expel or exclude those with contrary opinions. A clear example of this is the failure to ensure that the Edinburgh and Lothians region is properly represented on the Board/Executive while steps have been made to ensure that other regions are so represented when vacancies arise.

Too many community councils find their experience of the constitution disempowering. Too many shackles are put upon independent initiative. Vigorous debate on the policies of ASCC (an essential element of a democratic and membership organisation) is relegated to the end of the agenda of the annual meeting.

Above all, the failure of the Executive/Board to present members with a choice of candidates for national officer posts indicates that it just seeks endorsement rather than participation from its membership . Contested elections are an essential feature of democracy, especially in a large membership based organisation.

Failing a choice of candidates a substantial section of the membership has this year decided to vote NO against the single candidate for national president to express opposition to the disempowering nature of the constitution and the leadership of ASCC.