It is so important to remember that these elections must focus on LOCAL concerns, not to be swayed by Parliamentary preference.
I have every sympathy with the current need for change but am not ruled by political parties vying for control. The newly emerging national parties have sent out very generalised leaflets proclaiming their intentions on dealing with national concerns, such as immigration, defence spending and issues that certainly worry us all – but none of these are dealt with locally.
This election is where we must focus on all of the issues we DO have a say on. Dog fouling, parking issues, traffic management, rubbish collections, disability provision, social care and local schools are the things we must concentrate on.
The Floating Bridge is still very much an issue, but with a good positive approach I feel confident we are nearing a satisfactory solution in the near future.
The Government has continually decreased the budget provision year on year – no matter which national party is in power – leaving the Isle of Wight Council to find ways of making the funding go further than ever.
Being a councillor is not for everyone. It can be incredibly frustrating when striving to make the right decisions for the good of the Island, but hugely rewarding when you are part of a good result.
I have always been involved in promoting and protecting both Cowes and the Island as a whole, with the dedication to continue while I am still able to give it my best.
I have worked closely with councillors from all parties but choose to remain Independent so that I can work for everyone without worrying about any party political pressure to support things I do not agree with.
I regularly go out with our ‘speeding team’, often in the most horrid weather conditions, to educate and gather evidence of where more needs to be done to prevent accidents. I don’t have to, but I know that without these surveys and visible patrols from your local volunteers, our roads would be far more precariously unsafe.
I note there are very many new faces offering themselves up for election, which is marvellous to see. Our country relies heavily on those prepared to face the daunting tasks set before our council on a weekly basis.
I very much hope my residents will again turn out and vote for me so that, if I am re-elected, I can help those new to the task work their way through all the intricacies of how committees actually work. The protocols are quite strictly set out, which can take a long time to get used to.
We need new, younger councillors to come through the chamber, learn the ropes and get to grips with what needs to be done. It’s tough work that sometimes requires compromise, but above all needs patience, concentration, understanding and dedication.
I welcome the new challenges ahead and look forward to a fair, decent and positive election.