Letters / Candidates support Wills
Last week I wrote to all four candidates for the Shetland seat in the Scottish Parliament, asking them if they agreed with the principle that the majority of trustees on the Shetland Charitable Trust should be elected.
I have had replies from Danus Skene (SNP), Cameron Smith (Conservative) and Robina Barton (Labour). All of them agree with the democratic principle being applied to the trust. Tavish Scott, the Liberal Democrat candidate, told me he did not wish to comment at this stage.
Next Thursday, 12th May, the trust is scheduled to discuss a proposal to reduce the number of councillors on the £200m+ trust from seven to four, perpetuating an unelected majority on the board.
I have been informed that trustees at their meeting will not be allowed to vote on my alternative proposal, that the number of councillors be zero and in their place the public should directly elect eight nominees for seats on the trust. These eight would have a majority of the 15 seats on the board.
It is deplorable that there is apparently no intention to consult the public before the undemocratic option for change is voted on. There was an extensive public consultation last time the trust changed its constitution. No-one has explained to me why this time is different.
Cllr. Jonathan Wills
Independent
Lerwick South ward
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