New Year Resolution

Before anything, I`d like to wish readers of this blog a happy new year. A purposeful and remarkable year may it be for all and sundry. Its of course the time of the year we tend to do an inventory of our lives. Asking ourselves what works what us and what doesnt. What to do more or less of. Im talking about new year resolutions. Some of us persevere for a couple of months and revert to our old ways, some stick at it a bit longer and some do actually keep to their vows. This year I promise myself to be more health conscious. I will be updating my LA  Fitness membership for the year and make it a duty to be there at least twice a week. So whatever you vow to change or do this year, do give a good go.

We look forward to two major events in London this year. The first is the mayoral election and the other is the  Olympic Games.But not impressed by the fact that the race is between the usual suspects.  Boring if you ask me. Boris Johnson will be staking his claim for a second term and Ken  Livingstone trying to claim back what he assumes to be his rightful throne. I personally think Boris is justified in going for a second stint at City Hall. Why Ken Livingstone is in the race I dont understand. How many tmes has he been at the helm of affairs at City Hall? Doesnt the man get tired of running the city? I predicted Boris Johnson`s victory last time around. I think he will be returned to City Hall. Put some money on that f you are a betting person.

Come summer and the spotlight is on London as host of the 2012 Olympic Games. The planning got off to a shaky start but found its feet as time went on and everything seems to be in place for a memorable showpiece. The Games have already brought some remarkable benefits to the city. A large swathe of East London has seen tremendous re-generation. as part of the preparation for the Games. London surely will prove its claim as a world class city.

Boris Johnson For Mayor

I am not a betting man but if i was my money would be on Boris Johnson flying the flag for the Conservatives come next year`s mayoral election. I support the choice. I do not have anything against Bozza {as he is now referred to} but he is not having my vote. Not that i am a Livingstone sympathiser as well. I do not think Livingstone listens to the people of London or carry out the wishes of the majority of the city`s inhabitants and stakeholders. Unless the Liberal Democrats come forward with a creditable candidate with a half- decent chance of winning then i shall refrain from voting in the election.

What i would like for London is a charismatic,urbane,well travelled,business savvy character with a strong link to the city. Someone who knows the city well. Someone not shackled to or encumbered by political affiliations and ideology nor driven by the quest to make political gains or points. Someone who appreciates not only the need to sell London as a brand to the world so we can maintain a competitive edge over other world class cities, but also commited wholeheartedly to finding practical and lasting solutions to the challenges faced by Londoners.

Whose name comes to mind here. One Richard Branson. I think he fits the description of what kind of mayor i envisage for London. Proven business acumen,seen a fair bit of the world{owns a bit of it too}, is well conversant with London, has a fresh outlook and and is not lacking in charisma. Please Richard Branson, be our mayor.

Congestion Charging Extension Countdown

Despite widespread disquiet with the extension of the Congestion Charging Scheme in central London Ken Livingstone forced the idea through and this month sees the scheme starting in a sizeable swathe of west London. For a couple of weeks red C signs have been springing up on newly included areas. I must confess its kind of weird to see those dreaded C signs on streets which they never were before. There are even talks of confused tourists paying the toll to drive on these roads even though the extension does not start until the 19th of this month.

I do not believe the extension to the scheme has anything to do with traffic calming or congestion. Just a cynical way of taxing the public. The Mayor saw the immediate revenue potential in widening the scheme and thought wise to take advantage and raise funds. With the emphasis on `immediate potential` because respected studies have shown that it is not financially beneficial in the long run to extend the scheme.

One wonders then why, if there is no considerable concrete benefit to traffic flow in these areas and the cost involved in the long run Livingstone still decided to go ahead with it.

London2012 Olympics Budget Muddle

What is it with us and planning a project, delivering it on time and on budget?.Cue The Millenium dome,Wembley Stadium,NHS Information Technology infrastructure and many others.Now a week barely passes without ramblings from the seemingly clueless people charged with delivering such showcase event as the Olympics. No one seems to know what exactly is happening regarding a host of issues connected to the project.The Olympics Minister Tessa Jowel admitted that she has no idea.The certainty is that the Games would cost Londoners more. Considerably more! The original budget for the extravanga was something like £2.4b but now a sum of £3.3b is being mouthed. Analysts reckon we should make that £5b.Sighs.

Highly commendable of Vince Cable,Liberal Democrats Shadow Chancellor to put down a list of parliamentary questions regarding the issue.