The two faces of a corporator

The difference between a conscientious councillor and his counterpart who
merely offers lip service always shows up: in the quality of your roads and
footpaths, cleanliness of public spaces, the extent of slum population, etc.
Here are the big tell-tale signs

THE NICE GUY

Is accessible and continually moves around to know what's happening
Ensures adequate water supply and regular disposal of garbage * Ensures
clean roads and gutters, well-maintained gardens and public spaces
 Is vigilant against encroachment by slums on open spaces and mangroves and
by hawkers on footpaths and roads
 Ensures the public health dispensary is in working condition with a doctor
 Ensures the local ward office attends to complaints within reasonable time
 Citizens do not have to bribe him or the officials to get work done
Ensures regular spraying of pesticides and insecticides
Identifies work needed to be done on storm water drains, toilets
Follows up with officials on how the budget is being spent in his ward
Participates and contributes meaningfully to debates in the House

THE BAD GUY

Leaves citizens to fend for themselves
Not only encourages encroachments but collects money from encroachers
Takes commission from citizens to get things done; sometimes even for
obtaining a birth/death certificate
Allows illegal constructions for money
Keeps filing complaints against those who refuse to pay up
Looks the other way when an open space is being dereserved
Lobbies for a particular group or company even if the policy is detrimental
to the well-being of the city
Does not participate in debates in the House
Raises slogans and disrupts the functioning of the House
Connives with officials and other corporators to obtain a cut on contracts


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