Stephen Baldwin, an East Sussex resident, has expressed his disappointment after receiving what he described as a "rude and ignorant" email response from Conservative Councillor Bob Bowdler regarding concerns raised about the cancelled May elections and local road conditions. The Argus reports that the exchange unfolded after Mr Baldwin emailed several councillors seeking clarification on these matters.
In his reply, Councillor Bowdler, who represents Wealden East and has served on the council since 2017, wrote: “You are clearly short on facts, on both topics. When an election is eventually called, can we expect to see your name on a ballot paper? We, that’s the conservative-led County Council, are doing the best we possibly can for our residents. There is much we are unable to achieve, but there are reasons for that. None of us signed up to do the wrong thing, we do the best we can with what we have, which is never enough, but someone has to try!”
Mr Baldwin, aged 62 and a former school governor, reacted by stating, “I thought the email was so rude and ignorant. I was stunned. If you say I don’t know what I’m talking about, then educate me. I have done my research but maybe I got something wrong.” He also noted that while he had contacted other councillors, many did not respond, and he found those who did, despite defending their positions, were at least polite.
Councillor Bowdler subsequently apologised for any offence caused, clarifying that no insult was intended. Speaking to The Argus, he said: “My reply to Mr Baldwin, whilst direct, was not intended to be insulting. It was a frank exchange of views on the matters raised and I was merely pointing out that he was at liberty to stand at the next elections – though I recognise that written communication can sometimes come across differently than intended.”
Addressing specific concerns, Cllr Bowdler explained that the May 25 elections were cancelled due to the Government fast-tracking the devolution programme involving Sussex. “Contrary to Mr Baldwin’s email, devolution of East Sussex does not mean governance will be transferred to Brighton,” he said. “The proposal is that East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton will each be a separate unitary Council but with an elected Sussex Mayor as part of a Combined Authority having strategic oversight.”
He added: “As a councillor, I’m always willing to engage in open and constructive dialogue with residents, including where views differ. I remain happy to speak further with the individual concerned, should he wish to continue the conversation, although he is not a resident of my division.”
Source: Noah Wire Services