IT had been a fruitful week for the executive of the Manning Valley Important People Collective.
A forum organised to discuss the area’s disintegrating roads was a runaway success with politicians and local government types of all stripes in attendance. It was a gruelling, yet informative session. At the end it was agreed. The area’s roads are r....ted.
“At least it’s official now,’’ the chair said.
“We can move on from there.’’
“As long as we don’t have to move too far on these roads. They’re r...ted, remember,’’ another executive member quipped.
And there was much merriment, just showing that even in times of crisis, the MVIPC has a sense of humour.
However, roads are one thing. The collective now believes it is time to tackle another major issue. One that impacts on every resident of this valley, whether they be important or not.
“We have to do something about this weather,’’ the chair intoned, suddenly getting serious.
“It’s ruined our summer. The collective must lead the fight to ensure we never have another saturated holiday season.
“This is crucial to the survival of not only our valley, but indeed, the collective.’’
But this left executive members in a quandary. What can we do about the weather?
“We could call a think tank,’’ an executive member suggested.
This resulted in a quick rebuke from the chair.
“Please refer to Collective bylaws,’’ the chair replied sternly.
“Here it is clearly noted that all gatherings must, forthwith, be called forums or an exchange of bright ideas. Under no circumstances will the chamber host a ‘think tank.’ That’s so 1980s.’’
Suitably chastened, the executive member rephrased his suggestion.
“We could hold a forum or even an exchange of bright ideas,’’ the executive member.
“That’s a brilliant thought,’’ the chair beamed.
“We must now break into groups to workshop this and so ensure the best result for our valley.’’
The collective knows from long experience that getting the right mix of important people to either a forum or exchange of bright ideas is paramount.
“Otherwise it just becomes a talkfest,’’ the chair said.
“Naturally, we will have to invite all political parties to send representatives.’’
This led to some animated discussion.
“It just gets political then. Labor blames Liberal. Liberal blames Labor. Greens blame everyone and the National Party gets confused. How about we skip the political parties this time,’’ one executive member exclaimed.
The chair was less-than-impressed.
“What are you, a communist? If we don’t have politicians we don’t get television. And what’s the use of having a forum/exchange of bright ideas if we’re not going to be seen on television?
“We’ll invite all local members, the premier and whoever is the Prime Minister when we come up with a date.’’
There was then a lengthy discussion over the venue, seating arrangements and what snacks would be served afterwards. Much was achieved.
“Mark Twain once said that everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it,’’ the chair said in conclusion.
“Well, we’re going to do something about it. We’re going to talk about it - that worked a treat with the road crisis,’’ he added, to rousing applause from executive members.
“Who is Mark Twain?’’ one executive member whispered.
“Dunno,’’ another replied.
“He might be the bloke opening that new business in Manning Street. We better invite him to the exchange of bright ideas as well.’’
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