Claims of wrongdoing in at least three local councils, as well as the subsequent chain of unedifying events they have triggered, are quite disturbing, leading, quite naturally, to general concern about the state of local government. In view of contestations already made or which are likely to be made, and of the fact that it is therefore far too early to make a proper overall judgment before all the facts are made known, in all probability in court, it would be unwise, and unjust too, to go into the details of the cases at issue.
However, given the seriousness of the developments, it is well to stop and reflect a little on the workings of local councils. For, whatever the final outcome of the cases at issue, the trouble indicates that, as most have probably perceived, local government has yet to find its proper feet. True, taking a general perspective, it would be unfair to cast a bad impression on all councils as some are doing a good job. But, despite all the efforts that have been made so far to make the councils play a more effective role, many are not yet convinced of their validity.
The councils have been mired in controversy ever since they were set up, when there was sharp political disagreement over whether or not they ought to operate under the wings of political parties. But leaving the politicisation, or, in some cases, over-politicisation, of local councils aside, as this is quite an intricate subject requiring a deeper analysis on its own, it is the running of the councils and the people manning them that often create concern.
Leave also aside all the government’s hype about the councils’ role and what you get is a wobbly administrative set-up which, in its broadcast aspect, has yet to measure up to the people’s expectations. Wardens have been the cause of endless irritation when their role ought to have been restricted to enforcing the rules in an intelligent manner. This has done untold damage to the councils’ image.
Not only that, but mismanagement has led to a number of councils running deficits in their accounts. No wonder then that an EU survey has found that the relevance of local councils in everyday life is not considered to be very important by the overwhelming majority of the Maltese. This is really a matter that ought to make the government think long and hard about the role, and running, of the councils, although, to be fair, efforts are being made in a bid to put things right.
Reforms aimed at making wardens concentrate more on driver education, rather than on dishing out fines even for the slightest offences, could go a long way towards improving their image and reduce frustration on the road. Making the councils’ executive secretaries accountable directly to the Local Government Department is a most important step that can well lead to better management if it is followed to the letter.
Very useful and badly needed too was a course for council members that included instruction in better management and administration. On the other hand, the setting up of the mini-councils is a bad idea. For its tiny size, Malta has far too many local councils. The effort should have therefore gone into the opposite direction – cutting the number of councils. Ultimately, though, what ought to count most is the uprightness of the people manning the councils. A crash course in ethics will, therefore, be well in order.