2008, an interesting year!

Posted By: Zulfiqar Ali
Date Posted: 15/12/2008

As we hurtle towards 2009, it’s important to reflect on 2008. When placed in history, not many people will see 2008 as a ‘good year’. I have every sympathy for anybody who is losing their jobs or seeing their business struggle as the credit crunch ‘bites’. I reluctantly closed down my town centre shop in the summer after sluggish sales. In every business there are challenges and as the recession gets worse businesses are struggling.  I am pleased that Rochdale Council is doing all it can to help.

So what were the highlights of 2008? Well, I was very proud to get re-elected to my seat in Central Rochdale. Labour said I couldn’t win and were proved comprehensively wrong. I am thankful to everyone who showed their faith in me and recognised my work. This was the year that I took on the new challenge of being Rochdale’s transport spokesperson. It is a vital job and I represent the whole Borough alongside my colleague Councillor Peter Davison. This work is varied but rewarding and I enjoy putting Rochdale Borough’s case first. Obviously the big transport story was the unsuccessful bid from the Transport Innovation Fund. I don’t regret the stance that our Council, led by the Liberal Democrats took. It’s important to take advantage of any funding opportunities that come our way.  The attitude of the Conservatives is a 'do nothing mentality'  In all the celebrations eminating from the NO Camp, I haven't heard one single positive statement as to what they would do to improve public transport.

That said; I respect the fact that the people have had their say. I always respect democracy and I will now work to maximise any funding opportunities that come our way. I am firm believer that we need a state of the art public transport system and we need to re-evaluate how we lobby the Government for more funding.

I was very pleased this year to have been selected to Deputy Mayor for the Rochdale Borough for 2009 and Mayor for 2010. This will be a very proud time for my family and I. Looking forward to 2009, we will be working hard to improve the situation in Falinge, an area of Rochdale receiving unwanted bad publicity. I will also continue to work hard to ensure that the people of Central Rochdale continue to receive a decent service from their Councillor. Whilst the Labour Party are busy resigning and ripping each other apart, the Liberal Democrats will continue to work hard to improve our Borough.