Forum Topic

Where is Martin Smith?

About a year ago Martin Smith was appointed Chief Executive of Ealing Council. Maybe it's just me but I haven't seeen his name mentioned anywhere for months. Has anyone else? Boy I thought his predecessor Darra Singh was low profile but Martin Smith is pretty much invisible.Maybe he'll emerge after the 30 November Cabinet meeting which will cut 300 public sector jobs and explain it all to us.

Eric Alan Leach ● 5784d10 Comments

To be fair he attended many VCS meetings in the past year including ECN (Ealing Community Network) almost within weeks of his appointment at Neighbouurly Care Southall.Also he was at GP Consortiia Stakeholder workshops. Yes he is not a "Media Tart" or after the next QUANGO post unlike some of the past CE. Would you like him to be "doing the job" or be appearing in the news every week giving media "spins"? I know what I would like. How about you?

Jim Wong ● 5783d

Ealing Community Network? They have a contractual relationship with Ealing Council to represent the local community. I'm a member of a group of 25 local community groups with whom ECN appears to have no contact whatsoever. I don't know the other two groups you mention so I'll take your word that they are worthy ones.It's not about media tartiness. It's about being seen to be leading hundreds of staff in an organistaion with a £1 billion turnover.We want to hear what he has to say about things like the Council's vision for Ealing 2011 - 2026 (the LDF); his take on the impending cuts; how he approaches his no doubt challenging job; and what his job actually entails.Not much to ask really as I'm one of the people who helps pays his £170,000+ salary.BTW, do you work for Ealing Council?

Eric Alan Leach ● 5782d

No I don't work for Ealing Council. Do you?I work for ECVS one of the many local VCS group affected by the cuts. Lets come clean Eric, what is your group you represent?

Jim Wong ● 5782d

EAL?

James Brown ● 5781d

I'm posting as a private individual but I am an active member of West Ealing Neighbours and Save Ealing Centre.

Eric Alan Leach ● 5781d

Wot?As in ING?shome mishtake surely

Sara Nathan ● 5781d

Haha. I promise Eric really does exist :-)

Jane Salisbury ● 5779d

Jane (or someone) wrote: > Haha. I promise Eric really does exist :-)

D Fox ● 5779d

On the Today programme Eric Pickles Minister for Local authorities questions the need for Chief Execs and legal departments.

George Knox ● 5767d

Ealing Council's Legal Department comprises 60 people! And they also use specialist external lawyers!!

Eric Alan Leach ● 5767d