The Labour Party’s dismal showing in this week’s local elections went from bad to worse as it lost control of Durham County Council for the first time since the Council’s creation in 1919.
Having gone into the elections with 68 councillors, results announced tonight saw the party lose 21 seats and, with it, their majority.
While Labour remain the largest single party on the Council, the historic results saw the Conservative Party increase their seats to 24, up from 10.
In Durham City, the Liberal Democrats retained all three wards: David Stoker was elected for Durham South, David Freeman and Richard Ormerod for Elvet and Gilesgate, and Liz Brown for Neville’s Cross.
December 18, 2020 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The pay for the Pinckney Village president position garnered lengthy debate during Monday nightâs virtual Council meeting.
Council approved $13,600 in the budget line item for president compensation. However, the Budget Committee later proposed half of that â prompting President Rebecca Foster to question why the numbers shrunk from what was originally approved in the budget. Councilwoman Linda Lavey commented there was lengthy discussion and lots of factors considered. She said there was intended to be wiggle room for salary and the idea of having a president-manager but that was shot down by the attorney because the roles legally cannot be confused.
December 16, 2020
Zoning ordinance amendments for marijuana-related establishments have been approved by the Pinckney Village Council.
The Planning Commission earlier crafted the zoning ordinance amendments, which Council discussed during a virtual meeting held Monday night. Council members commended the Planning Commission and planners for putting everything together so fast, calling it complicated and a huge undertaking.
The prospect of allowing marijuana-related events came up. It was stated that a business would need a state license for an event along with a local one but the Village has currently opted to not issue licenses for consumption establishments and events. Some on Council felt it could be a good opportunity, saying the Village has done a very good job of limiting exposure in the community but at the same time, events are powerful economic things for communities. It was further stated by one member that itâs almost a âcatch 22â�