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Jim Dowd MP
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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #1
09-04-2010 02:26 PM

Does anyone know the answers to the following questions:

Why are emails and letters to Jim Dowd's Constituency Office taking more than three months to be replied to?

Why is the constituency office telephone rarely answered by a live person?

Why is the constituency office not open to constituents?

Piglet Smile

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showtunesgirl


Posts: 203
Joined: Feb 2008
Post: #2
09-04-2010 03:02 PM

I believe Jim Dowd underwent some fairly major surgery last year which might be why replies are taking a long time.

But still better than Joan Ruddock who NEVER replies.

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Sherwood


Posts: 1,419
Joined: Mar 2005
Post: #3
09-04-2010 03:07 PM

He had some heart surgery some time ago.
But I understand he has recovered.

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #4
09-04-2010 03:19 PM

According to http://www.theyworkforyou.com Jim Dowd was backed to work in November 2009.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought his staff would respond to letters and emails and sign in his absence.

Sorry to hear about Joan Ruddock not replying. Not replying seems to be a common problem and they get away with it.

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roz


Posts: 1,796
Joined: Mar 2005
Post: #5
09-04-2010 05:37 PM

The constituency office phone was definitely answered to me this morning by a live person!

I suggest you contact Richard Williams the party worker, directly, and ask him to answer. I would have thought the offices would be open to the public by appointment- I dont' think you can just turn up at any office anytime and expect to be let in for security reasons, as there generally only a few people working in these places at any one time.

I have had personally greater success when contacting Jim at Westminster rather than Sunderland Road, but this was before his illness.

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #6
10-04-2010 10:08 AM

I have tried contacting Jim at the House of Commons via the switchboard and also by telephoning 0207 219 4617 but the call is just diverted to his constituency office which is answered by a machine!

I would be interested to know how you have had success contacting Jim Dowd at Westminster.

The role of an MP is to represent his or her constituents. If the constituents are unable to contact their MP what is the point in having such a person in the first place?

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robin orton


Posts: 716
Joined: Feb 2009
Post: #7
10-04-2010 10:15 AM

I spoke to Jim Dowd after the Sydenham Society AGM last week, and he emailed me afterwards. He seemed fully fit to me, and has promised to come to the Churches Together general election 'forum' on 29 April.

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #8
10-04-2010 10:27 AM

That website is not working.

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robin orton


Posts: 716
Joined: Feb 2009
Post: #9
10-04-2010 11:01 AM

Thanks, Piglet. The link in my post works OK for me, so I'm not sure quite what the problem is -if necessary I'll have to go back to our webmaster.

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robin orton


Posts: 716
Joined: Feb 2009
Post: #10
10-04-2010 12:50 PM

Anyway, the website is http://www.ctsfh.org.uk/

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Dylan


Posts: 58
Joined: Jun 2007
Post: #11
10-04-2010 12:54 PM

Interesting that you should raise these issues during the election campaign Piglet?? MPs hold things called Advice Surgeries
where you can contact Jim (details from the Library the Town Hall
etc., or ring 0208 699 2001)

I am sure there must be some mistake about the delay in replying to
your letter, all MPs Offices are by appointment only for obvious reasons
better luck next time!

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #12
10-04-2010 01:15 PM

Website is still down.......

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #13
10-04-2010 01:21 PM

I think raising issues such as poor communication from the MP who is seeking re-election is very important.

I have just looked up Mr Dowd's profile on http://www.theyworkforyou.com and it would be fair to say based on the information available that Mr Dowd is not the most active of Politicians.

Of course you can attend surgeries and make endless telephone calls but this is not always convenient for everyone particularly if you are disabled.

Most MP constituency offices are open to the public to call in for advice and assistance.

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Dylan


Posts: 58
Joined: Jun 2007
Post: #14
10-04-2010 01:40 PM

which ones piglet what do you mean by "most"?? I think we have got the point!

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #15
10-04-2010 01:44 PM

Check out other MP websites and you will see what I mean by open to the public.

Mr Dowd's website has not been updated for months and contains very little information about local activity.

http://www.jimdowd.org.uk

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Baboonery


Posts: 581
Joined: Sep 2007
Post: #16
10-04-2010 10:33 PM

By the way, Piglet, can you take that sign on Honor Oak Road down? It's dangerous. Cheers.

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #17
11-04-2010 09:46 AM

I would not walk down Honor Oak Road if you paid me! Call the Council if it is dangerous Unsure

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ivor


Posts: 20
Joined: Jun 2009
Post: #18
11-04-2010 06:40 PM

I'm with you, Piglet. I too have had great difficulty getting any kind of response from Jim Dowd's constituency office. His reply to a letter well exceeded 3 months and we only received a written response after we made several phone calls to his office. Even then, his response left a lot to be desired, but that is another story.

I notice a few people are trying to insinuate that Piglet is making a party political point and that she or he may be affiliated to a particular party. Well, I am not; I voted for Mr Dowd at the last election. However, having experienced his lack of engagement with constituency issues, I am thinking more carefully this time.

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tripandfuschia


Posts: 68
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #19
11-04-2010 06:52 PM

I sent an email to Jim Dowd re traffic calming on Devonshire rd ( see thread) but received no response.

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piglet


Posts: 104
Joined: Apr 2010
Post: #20
12-04-2010 01:14 PM

Thanks Ivor.

Yes the service from the office is abysmal but I understand it is a safe seat so I'm not expecting the current situation to change in the near future.

I am a member of the Labour Party for those who feel I am just trying to make a point in the run up to the General Election.

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