GLYNNEATH NEWS & VIEWS - FESTIVAL of DEMOCRACY

On Thursday 14 November we will have a by-election in the West Central ward of Glynneath following the death of Councillor Stephen 'Anzac' Evans. The Glynneath News and Views Festival of Democracy will over the next three weeks look at all things political in Glynneath and the world. It is an opportunity for us to discuss and learn about how our government works and how it affects you, the elector. If you have any queries or questions about democracy now is the time to post them. Someone out there will know the answer.

The West Central ward is the one in which the former Mayor of Glynneath, Roger Simons lived. Still missing after 2 years, the Festival of Democracy is intended to be a celebration of the life of Roger Simons.

Day 1 Today's question is What is Democracy? CLICK HERE		According to Wikipedia "Democracy is a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state." I believe that in the UK we have two types of democracy: Direct democracy where the people vote directly on a particular issue, good examples of this are Brexit and Devolution Representative democracy where you vote for someone to represent you. The recent parliamentary general election is a good example of this as is the by election on the 14 November. What does democracy mean for you?
Day 1 poll		Are you satisfied with the democratic systems of governance in the United Kingdom? If you vote no, what would you prefer to see.?
Day 2 Candidates standing in the election CLICK HERE		This image shows that 5 members of the public in Glynneath have been nominated to stand in the election. Jennifer Herbert, Phil Pendry, Marie Powell, Gerry Reynolds and myself Dai Richards. None of us live in the West Central ward so why are we standing? Each of us will have a purpose for putting ourselves forward. What do you think? What reasons do these 5 people have for putting themselves forward, what is their purpose? JENNIFER HERBERT - PHIL PENDRY - MARIE POWELL - GERRY REYNOLDS - DAI RICHARDS
Day 3 Memories of Roger Simons CLICK HERE		ROGER'S ROUNDS - MEMORIES OF ROGER The following recording is of a Glynneath resident who knew Roger well and was on Roger's Rounds. Roger's Rounds were a group of residents who Roger called on unannounced to chat about local issues and life. I was one of these people, the first time he called, I answered the door and he said to me "David Richards" I've heard about you, my name is Roger.............. and we struck up a friendship from there. Were you on Roger's Rounds - I'd be keen to record your stories of Roger if you were or you can tell them here. We are also looking for photos of Roger from any period in any pose.
Day 4 CLICK HERE	GOVERNANCE	What is governance ? I would suggest that once you've exercised your right to democracy and you've made your selection for government your elected official enters a system of governance.......... more.......
		ROGER THE POLICEMAN & ROGER'S MOTORBIKES Glynneath resident Kenwyn Davies with his memories of Roger Simons.