Political parties in local government are in a strong position to work together.Their incentive to do this is the need to produce results in what is commonly regarded more as a corporate than a political environment. Whatever their party political ideologies, the opportunity remains for political parties to develop - through strategic planning - policies and objectives that result in continuously productive relationships between each and every elected member.To do so will ennoble politics.
The more universal the ownership of the council’s startegic plan , the less likely the organisation is to become divided.
The opportunity for politicisation is minimised when issues are addressed comprehensively and in an even-handed manner. Reports to council should look at all sides of the argument, at every different or alternative way of doing things. All options have to be weighed and balanced. A report that does not address all the issues has the potential to divide.
Communities can become sharply divided and seemingly irreconcilable when they’re not presented with sufficient information about an issue. Detailed exposure and reporting might just turn the tide and promote healing in divided councils and communities facing their moments of truth. More people are brought around to a universal view point when the room to argue and manoeuvre diminishes.The council’s leadership and management must create the organisational climate for this to occur.
The more sound a council ‘s leadership and the more effective its management, the less likely a council is to be unnecessarily politicised..