Liz Wade Lib Dem: Wolvercote (quoted in Ox Times 07/05/20)
‘I have concern that the ODC is one of several local and national groups which have sprung up in recent times. Theoretically, they assume the role of informing their communities about activities of their democratically elected representatives. In practice, they may sometimes unwittingly, be creating a parallel structure to the established structures of government at every level, and one that does not have the same scrutiny built in. She added that her Lib Dem colleagues know that every day they are accountable to their residents and at elections stand or fall on their record. ‘We try, by every means possible, to inform and keep in touch with our residents at all times - not just at elections. We are passionately committed to making Oxford the best place it can be. We do not need our views to be mediated through the democracy cafe.’
‘I have concern that the ODC is one of several local and national groups which have sprung up in recent times. Theoretically, they assume the role of informing their communities about activities of their democratically elected representatives. In practice, they may sometimes unwittingly, be creating a parallel structure to the established structures of government at every level, and one that does not have the same scrutiny built in. She added that her Lib Dem colleagues know that every day they are accountable to their residents and at elections stand or fall on their record. ‘We try, by every means possible, to inform and keep in touch with our residents at all times - not just at elections. We are passionately committed to making Oxford the best place it can be. We do not need our views to be mediated through the democracy cafe.’
