For many of my constituents it is a weekly, if not daily occurrence. The processes of many democratic organisations whether at national, local or even community based level can often be frustrating.
They are seemingly hamstrung by bureaucracy to the point that those reliant on their services pull their hair out at the seeming lack of urgency or empathy on display.
Since becoming a councillor three years ago, I have learned this is often the nature of the democratic process. Holding people to account and ensuring they are transparent often makes for a slow process.
However frustrating it might be, I believe that it is essential for Glaswegians to buy into the democratic legitimacy of their local council and that they are reassured that their views, expressed at election times, are represented in the decision making process.
I’m not asking for my Conservative views to always be front and centre, but merely that they are heard and recognised, perhaps even helping to refine or improve the views of other political parties in the City Chambers.
Imagine my shock then that early last month I learned, by accident as no one bothered to let me know, that I had been removed from the cross-party budget group meetings which take place regularly ahead of the full council setting its budget each February.
I won’t pretend that my party are not going through tough times in Glasgow and across the country right now nor that other parties have greater representation within council committees as a result of electoral success.
But whatever your political views, I hope that all Glasgow Times readers can accept that for the sake of those voted for me in Baillieston and Scottish Conservatives across the city in 2022, that their views should be heard in these discussions.
If not, we are sleepwalking into another Budget that will be dictated by the left-wing parties in the council, with the SNP being backed by the Greens, and sadly all too often by the Labour Party as well.
For those who want some common sense brought back into politics, for the focus to be on growing Glasgow’s economy, fixing our roads, and talking about the things that really matter to you, then I’m afraid the powers that have decided I’m not welcome in these discussions.
You do not have to be a clairvoyant to know that people are scunnered with politics and politicians right now, so this sort of exclusion can only rile them even more, making our citizens and council tax payers feel as if their Conservative views are to be ignored. That is just not good or accountable governance.
There is still plenty of time before February’s Budget takes place for officials to rethink this decision and ensure that I can put forward the views of Conservatives across the city, as well as those who residents of Baillieston, whether they voted for me or not.
If not, I fear yet again this will be a Budget that means Glaswegians will pay more but get less in return.