Wi-Fi : Contempt for Debate & Disagreement

Today the Swindon Advertiser editorialises, telling us that discussion of the wi-fi should be at an end, 'please shut up'


This speech from Good Night & Good Luck seems appropriate

Democracy features open debate of ideas, points of view and respect of the electorate. None of these seem to be demonstrated by either the leader of Swindon Borough Council or the local newspaper in their response and reporting of the district auditor's look at the wi-fi business deal today.

Councillor Rod Bluh (Conservative, Dorcan, Leader of the Council), still doesn't understand why the Labour group would be concerned with "internal procedures".

Meanwhile, the Swindon Advertiser saw fit to place a banner across their front page, as seen above, with the phrase, 'In the clear, so please shut up'.

Mr Bluh's response, and that of the Advertiser, seem to suggest all debate on this should cease, as this damages and delays the scheme. But the auditor's response is to say legally, it looks sound. But he doesn't rule on moral or ethical issues of business deals so in summary...

Wi-fi deal with Digital City (taxpayer's money invested in a new company with no track record and a cosy relationship with the council)

Legally = Above board.

Morally and ethically = Stinks all the way to the top of the David Murray John Tower (where the company have free offices).

It's strange that Justin Tomlinson MP took a pass on talking about the morality of this scheme when he appeared on Swindon 105.5, when he was after our vote. Now that him and Robert Buckland are in Parliament, will they continue the discussion that Anne Snelgrove began on the wi-fi at a national level in parliament.

Swindon Centric Says ; Surely Mr Bluh's influence doesn't reach to Westminster?