Local Councillor Defends Argument Amid Constitutional Debate

In a recent exchange regarding the governance of the Guildford Borough Council (GBC), local councillor Simon Higgins has clarified his stance against fellow councillor Bernard Quoroll. The discourse revolves around criticisms of the council’s constitution and public engagement mechanisms, with Higgins asserting that Quoroll mischaracterized the existing procedures.

During a council meeting, Higgins addressed Quoroll’s previous letter, which implied that the GBC’s constitution lacked a mechanism for public inquiries and responses during council sessions. Higgins challenged this assertion, emphasizing that Quoroll, despite his insightful understanding of the council’s framework, chose to mislead the public about their rights.

Higgins pointed out that the difficulties citizens face in navigating government processes are indeed a recognized issue nationwide. He expressed disappointment that Quoroll did not focus on this broader conversation but instead opted for what he termed a “cynical” portrayal of the GBC’s constitutional capabilities.

Engagement vs. Mischaracterization

In his statement, Higgins stressed that he engaged directly with Quoroll’s arguments, clarifying that his criticism was directed at the misrepresentation of the GBC constitution rather than at Quoroll himself. He stated, “I was taught that playing the man is when you choose to denigrate the person rather than engaging with their argument.” By this definition, he asserted that his comments were not personal attacks but rather necessary critiques aimed at correcting misunderstandings.

Higgins acknowledged the importance of Quoroll’s insights into public engagement issues. He expressed hope that future discussions would focus on improving clarity and accessibility within the council’s procedural guidelines. “There is a genuine problem, nationwide, that government at all levels is hard to navigate,” he remarked.

Setting the Record Straight

Following this exchange, Higgins welcomed Quoroll’s latest letter, which aimed to clarify the actual provisions of the GBC constitution. He noted that while he had felt compelled to comment on Quoroll’s earlier letter due to its inaccuracies, he appreciated the effort to rectify the narrative.

In conclusion, Higgins reaffirmed the need for constructive dialogue regarding the GBC’s public engagement strategies. He encouraged both councillors and constituents to prioritize clear communication and understanding of the council’s functions. This ongoing discussion highlights the critical nature of transparency and accessibility in local governance, ensuring that council members can effectively serve their communities.