Will the IWA hijack the elections again?
AFTER four years, once again elections are being held for the Canal & River Trust Council, that includes just four people representing boaters out of the 40.
The first election saw the Inland Waterways Association arrange for all four places to be taken by its members, even to having one purposely join the association who they wanted—resulting in a complete hijack.
Done nothing
Since that election, complaint upon complaint has been received that those four have done nothing to further the boaters' interest whatsoever.
CaRT tells us:
'This year's elections will decide four posts representing the interests of private boaters, two representing boating businesses, a post representing the Trust's staff, and for the first time, elected posts for volunteers and people who make a regular donation to the Trust'.
Same again?
But surely what boaters will want to know is, will CaRT make sure that they are 'independent' boaters, or again allow members of its bed-mate, the Inland Waterway Association?
The election process will be run independently of the Trust by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) and it will be an online process. Anyone keen to stand for election, or anyone who may have a query about eligibility or the election process, can find out more at: