This week’s look at Cabinet life would not be complete without mention of  Councillor Yvonne Gunter, who has been exercising  her peers  considerably since last week’s full council meeting.

It began when the Jubilee fountain was officially switched on – after which it was vandalised and removed for “reinforcement” … and no more has been seen or heard of it since.
The fountain ceremony was carried out by the Mayor – as you might expect – but a commemorative plaque also named Councillor Gunter as portfolio holder for crematoria and cemeteries, allotments and grounds maintenance, leisure services, parks and open spaces, country parks and reserves, playing fields, and tree management.
This has provoked strong criticism from many other councillors – notably Brian Rush, the Independent member for Frampton and Holme - who challenged Councillor Gunter about it.
He asked: “On whose advice did you act when you decided to add your name  ... to the Mayor’s commemorative plaque, placed upon the fountain to celebrate the Queens Jubilee?”
Councillor Gunter’s dismissive and pompous reply has caused a sharp intake of breath.
“It has been protocol for many years to include the names of dignitaries, sponsors and private individuals who have represented projects to which a commemorative plaque has been appropriate. The plaque was prepared by a local business and is consistent with other plaques around the borough including those on buildings, trees and other facilities.”
Councillor Rush responded: “She has either been misled by an officer in the protocols of the council, has made up her own version of the protocols, or is simply deluded by her own self-importance.  Can she indicate any other similar commemorative plaque that includes the portfolio holder on it?
“Madam, you have slighted our Mayor and maybe even our Monarch, and I insist you remove your name forthwith.”
Councillor Gunter took refuge in the traditional bunker used by her colleagues – a written response – in which she said she stood by her comments regarding “dignitaries” et al.
“There are numerous plaques in the borough on council premises and at other sites where people representing projects are included. These plaques date back over many years and include dignitaries, elected members and members of the general public. I will leave it with you to make your own enquires, as there are many and they are not at all difficult to locate. I find your comments relating to the Mayor and Her Majesty offensive and inappropriate. I can assure you that the mayor (sic) was entirely happy with the arrangements in central park (sic). For information I will not enter into any further dialogue with you on this matter.”
At this stage it is worth a look at the dictionary definition of a dignitary – since this where Councillor Gunter seems to include herself.
One says: a person of high official position or rank, especially in government or the church, whilst another adds an important or influential (and often overbearing) person.”
We remember Yvonne Gunter when she ran a wool shop in Boston's High Street.
Think Wendolene Ramsbottom from Wallace and Gromit’s  A close shave (see photo at the top of the page.)
In those days the only needle she gave people was an Aero No 10 or a Prym circular – but she always showed a flair for publicity … before, during  and after her earlier term as a councillor.
As we have remarked before, Councillor Gunter is doubtless the most photographed member of the council in the borough’s monthly bulletin - and possibly the local "newspapers."
In the latest July bulletin, she appears four times, bringing her total since the publication began to 32 appearances.
In her waffle before last year’s local elections, she said: “I would welcome the chance to serve the town again … I would relish the opportunity to make a difference … listening and working for you.”
We have to say that the definition of “service” appears to be of the supermarket variety rather than customer facing, and - whilst listening may form part of the brief, - answering clearly is not.
Councillor Gunter has drawn considerable criticism from her colleagues for her stance on this  latest issue, but we have given the last word to Councillor Rush – who has devised an entertaining game that we can all play.
“I would like to invite the people of Boston to join myself and Councillor Gunter, in a childhood game that we are all familiar with called ‘I Spy,' ’” he says.
“We both want to know, where  - and how many - commemorative plaques have been provided by the borough council in recognition of a special celebration, or visit by a dignitary, or mayor on a ‘really special’ event.
“But - and this is what you should be looking for, children -  the plaque must also carry the full name and title of a ‘council  portfolio holder.’  
Like Councillor Gunter is…
“I will not have time to look, but Councillor Gunter assures me she knows of loads around the area, just like the one she has in the park … you know, on the broken fountain.
“It might even be possible to get Councillor Gunter to be photographed with each one we find.”
We are sure that it would not be too much of a problem …

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com  Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.

Our former blog is archived at: http://bostoneyelincolnshire.blogspot.com