Everyone Wins in the Candi-dating Game!

Dozens of people from different walks of life spent the evening on a 'date' with a difference yesterday [Monday, 30 October, 2006], being wooed as potential candidates in the District Council elections in May next year.

Around 40 people from community groups, parish councils, chambers of trade and other local organisations joined curious members of the public at the invitation of North Norfolk District Council, finding out what being a councillor really involves, using the increasingly popular 'speed-dating' format.

The guests heard brief presentations about how local government works, including a no-holds-barred account from former South Norfolk Council Leader Richard Carden. They then broke out into small groups for a series of chats with some of NNDC's current Councillors, changing places every 10 minutes at the sound of a horn.

The event was devised with cross-party support as part of a drive to attract a wider variety of people to stand for election in May 2007. The aim is to make the next intake of councillors more representative of the community they serve, regardless of political persuasions. Last night's event was the brainchild of Councillor Robin Combe, who chairs the Member Training, Development and Support Group - a small group of Councillors and officers that works to improve the skills and capabilities of our elected representatives on North Norfolk District Council.

Councillor Combe said: "If councillors are more representative of their neighbourhoods and communities, they will understand their electors better and will make better decisions on their behalf. Good election contests are good for democracy.

"I was delighted that we were able to share our experiences - the good and the not-so-good, the rewarding and the frustrating - with such a variety of people. I hope we have strengthened their enthusiasm, because the personal rewards from being a councillor far outweigh those frustrations, and the role itself is so vital in ensuring communities have a say in decisions that influence their shape, their livelihood and their future. If these people choose to stand for election, whatever the results we are all the winners."

• For more information about standing for election, call NNDC's Electoral Services team on 01263 516317 or visit www.northnorfolk.org/democracy

ENDS