There's been a fair bit of blog coverage of the Power Inquiry's findings which if you are interested in the interaction between electorate and elected representatives you might want to read.
 
I have to admit I'm sceptical about some of the recommendations; for example, the claims made for electoral reform.  I don't think that changing the electoral system will automatically increase participation, and that even if it did that this would necessarily create better governance.  That said, I'd be amongst the first to acknowledge that we do need to do something about turnout.
 
I'm also not a big fan of referendum politics, but recognise that in some quarters consultation isn't good enough.  I still believe that representative democracy is a better system than direct democracy, but want to find better ways to bring services more in line with what people aspire to.
 
On balance, I guess I support the general thrust of what the report is arguing - that we need to find a new way to develop our political discourse, that politicians should be open to working with communities to develop more responsive services, that the electorate can feel disenfranchised by representative democracy.

But at the same time I think (and I would wouldn't I) that elected politicians do somethings that society wants, we try (imperfectly) to bring about changes to society that improve the commonweal, we try (again imperfectly) to balance the needs of competing interests, and we step aside when you've had enough of us.

Now if this story in The Times is true then good luck to him.  He'll definately make it onto my must read list. 

But I can say I'm glad I don't have to have someone checking its okay to write about subjects that interest me.  Then again when I get it wrong there perhaps isn't the same pressure as David Miliband might face.

(Via Andrew)

My sister in-law's movie didn't win.  But that controversy seems likely to be put into the shade by this one.

(via Blue Cat)

Suw has a strategy for getting a group of people to start to use social software. 

I only mention it because I know there has been quite a lot of soul searching going on about the relatively small number of councillors who are actively using their websites to communicate with the electorate.

I've had the following briefing on the Lee Green Junction from TfL:

Transport for London (TfL) and 'Trees for Cities' are looking at planting some of the new street trees along the completed sections of footway over the next few weeks.  This will provide an improved Street-scene and help to prevent vehicles illegally driving on the new footways.  These vehicles are causing damage to the new footways as well as causing an inconvenience and danger to pedestrians. 12 trees have been planted and tree pit excavation has taken place in preparation for 7 more trees to be planted.
 
The diversion of mains and cables at Eltham Road and Burnt Ash Road were completed early January and since then new kerb lines have been constructed and carriageway formation laid in preparation for carriageway surfacing.
 
Other elements of the scheme currently in progress are:
 

Completion of the widening of Eltham Road to Burnt Ash Road

Completion of the feature paving opposite the Leegate Centre

Installation of new pedestrian and traffic signals and pedestrian islands  

The scheme will be completed by May 24th 2006. Your continued cooperation and understanding is appreciated during this stage of the works and TfL apologises for any inconvenience they are causing.
 
TfL will continue to provide regular updates with this type of notice on the progress of the works.  
  
What the Project will Deliver;
 
The project will deliver major improvements to Lee Green providing;

All round pedestrian crossing facilities stopping traffic in all directions

Improved road safety features

Enhanced road lighting including pedestrian lighting

New trees being planted by Trees for Cities. Information about Trees for Cities can be found on their website www.treesforcities.org

Improved streetscape - reduced street clutter, new street furniture and paving works

If you wish to contact TfL they can be emailed at enquiries@streetmanagement.org.uk or called on 0845 305 1234.