Saturday, 11 May 2013
Sunday, 5 May 2013
What are the problems on our roads?
Throughout the election campaign the issue which came up again and again was the state of our roads.
Whether it's potholes, needless traffic calming, inadequate lighting or speeding cars you let me know things aren't working.
Now I am elected I want to go to County Hall to argue for better road conditions in Whitwick and Thringstone.
But I need your help.
Please leave a comment here to let me know where and what the issues are and I will make sure they are looked at.
Whether it's potholes, needless traffic calming, inadequate lighting or speeding cars you let me know things aren't working.
Now I am elected I want to go to County Hall to argue for better road conditions in Whitwick and Thringstone.
But I need your help.
Please leave a comment here to let me know where and what the issues are and I will make sure they are looked at.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Now it's time to work for you all.
The campaigns are over, the polls are closed and the counting has been done.
I am so delighted and privileged that the people of Whitwick and Thringstone have elected me to be your County Councillor.
For so many of you to trust me with your votes is a great honour, one that I can only try to repay by working hard for you every day.
Whether you voted for me or not my job is to work on your behalf.
If there is any problem that you need help with please do not hesitate to contact me, I am there for you.
The Labour Party has been through difficult times in recent years but I hope that by seeing how hard we work for you locally, how we are on your side, that we are rebuilding your trust.
Once again, thank you for your trust.
I am so delighted and privileged that the people of Whitwick and Thringstone have elected me to be your County Councillor.
For so many of you to trust me with your votes is a great honour, one that I can only try to repay by working hard for you every day.
Whether you voted for me or not my job is to work on your behalf.
If there is any problem that you need help with please do not hesitate to contact me, I am there for you.
The Labour Party has been through difficult times in recent years but I hope that by seeing how hard we work for you locally, how we are on your side, that we are rebuilding your trust.
Once again, thank you for your trust.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
When our time came. We did it right.
This Thursday the people of Whitwick and Thringstone will go to the polls to elect their County Councillor for the next four years.
I fervently hope that you give me the honour of representing you at County Hall.
But win or lose I want to take this opportunity to say that the past few months have been some of the most uplifting of my life.
This election campaign has time and time again shown me something that I am sure most of us already know, Whitwick and Thringstone are the most amazing communities one could possibly hope to serve.
So many people have given their time unhesitatingly to help my campaign, not only people who are members of the Labour party but ordinary (or should I say extraordinary) people who have seen that I am trying to positively work for our villages and they have volunteered to help out to make a difference.
The past few weeks have been emotional.
I have never failed to have been touched by the many, many people who have pledged not only their support but their faith in me to represent them.
As one lady said to me earlier today 'make us proud'.
How could I not feel privileged?
All through this campaign I have tried to remain positive. I have tried to say what I will do for our community and never resorted to criticising my opponents.
I honestly believe that is the way politics should be done.
Society needs people to become interested in politics once more, particularly our younger generations. We will only ever make the uninterested interested by showing how we are trying to make a difference, not by criticising the personalities of those we are up against.
Last summer our nation witnessed one of the greatest events of many of our lifetimes in the London Olympics.
In running my campaign I have constantly aspired to the words of Lord Coe at the Closing Ceremony.
'When our time came. We did it right.'
No matter the result on Thursday I want to be able to say the same thing.
If I am lucky enough to be elected this week I promise I will work hard for my wonderful community.
If you want to see me representing you please remember every vote matters.
By working together we really can make a difference to Whitwick and Thringstone.
I fervently hope that you give me the honour of representing you at County Hall.
But win or lose I want to take this opportunity to say that the past few months have been some of the most uplifting of my life.
This election campaign has time and time again shown me something that I am sure most of us already know, Whitwick and Thringstone are the most amazing communities one could possibly hope to serve.
So many people have given their time unhesitatingly to help my campaign, not only people who are members of the Labour party but ordinary (or should I say extraordinary) people who have seen that I am trying to positively work for our villages and they have volunteered to help out to make a difference.
The past few weeks have been emotional.
I have never failed to have been touched by the many, many people who have pledged not only their support but their faith in me to represent them.
As one lady said to me earlier today 'make us proud'.
How could I not feel privileged?
All through this campaign I have tried to remain positive. I have tried to say what I will do for our community and never resorted to criticising my opponents.
I honestly believe that is the way politics should be done.
Society needs people to become interested in politics once more, particularly our younger generations. We will only ever make the uninterested interested by showing how we are trying to make a difference, not by criticising the personalities of those we are up against.
Last summer our nation witnessed one of the greatest events of many of our lifetimes in the London Olympics.
In running my campaign I have constantly aspired to the words of Lord Coe at the Closing Ceremony.
'When our time came. We did it right.'
No matter the result on Thursday I want to be able to say the same thing.
If I am lucky enough to be elected this week I promise I will work hard for my wonderful community.
If you want to see me representing you please remember every vote matters.
By working together we really can make a difference to Whitwick and Thringstone.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Whitwick and Thringstone - the community that made me who I am
Often during an election candidates will resort to negative campaigning about their opponents.
I don't believe in negative campaigning.
I would much rather let you know how I plan on positively serving our community and then you decide on whether you want me to work for you (or not).
However in a leaflet one of my opponents has made an issue of the fact that I do not live in the division of Whitwick and therefore in the interests of clarity I will offer you the facts and then you can decide whether I am 'local' enough for you.
Every fibre of me links me to Whitwick and Thringstone. It's the community that made me who I am, the community where I serve and the community that I love.
On May 2nd you have a choice.
When other candidates knock on your door and tell you they live locally I would urge you to ask them 'what have you done for our community'?
If you choose me you know you will have someone with a track record of working in our community, the community I am passionate about.
I don't believe in negative campaigning.
I would much rather let you know how I plan on positively serving our community and then you decide on whether you want me to work for you (or not).
However in a leaflet one of my opponents has made an issue of the fact that I do not live in the division of Whitwick and therefore in the interests of clarity I will offer you the facts and then you can decide whether I am 'local' enough for you.
- I do not currently live in the Whitwick 'Division' (Whitwick and Thringstone). I live on Long Lane in Coalville which is around 200 metres (over the bypass and onto Green Lane) from being in Whitwick.
- I was born and spent the first 25 years of my life living on Main Street, Thringstone.
- When I got married I moved to Cademan Street, Whitwick.
- I went to school in Thringstone and Whitwick.
- I go to church in Whitwick.
- I am Vice-Chair of Governors at Castle Rock High School, the secondary school for Whitwick children.
- I am a member of the Executive Committee at Thringstone Community Centre.
- I am a member of 'Friends of Thringstone'.
- I campaigned for and voted consistently to protect Whitwick green wedge.
- I am a District Councillor for Thringstone.
- I am a Parish Councillor for Whitwick.
Every fibre of me links me to Whitwick and Thringstone. It's the community that made me who I am, the community where I serve and the community that I love.
On May 2nd you have a choice.
When other candidates knock on your door and tell you they live locally I would urge you to ask them 'what have you done for our community'?
If you choose me you know you will have someone with a track record of working in our community, the community I am passionate about.
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Our Common Future: Improving Lives in Leicestershire
The past few years have been the hard for our county. Whilst we have paid our council tax, the Government has cut its vital contribution by around 30%. Cuts will now continue for at least two more years because of this Government’s failure to grow the economy.
Under the discredited Tory leadership of David Parsons, Leicestershire’s most needy have borne the biggest burden. It is time for Leicestershire to stop picking on those least able to protect themselves in these hard times. We intend to protect much needed local services through a complete spending review from the base budget, stripping out waste at all levels.
Your Council Tax
Money is tight so we will not raise Council Tax above the planned freeze and 1½% rise. We will also stick to current spending levels but conduct a complete review of base budgets. We will argue the case for Leicestershire to get a fairer slice of the national cake. We will look to invest the Council’s excessive reserves for social care and young people and abolish the gravy train left by the Tories.
Care, Independence and Older People
Huge areas of social care, such as home care for the elderly, have been removed and their eligibility considerably reduced. Our priority will be to halt further reductions in the care of those with learning difficulties, sick, disabled and elderly people.
We will provide more appropriate housing locally, good local placements for those with exceptional needs and stop wasting money on expensive out-of-county places. Leicestershire has been overtaken by other counties who have provided modern purpose built ‘ExtraCare’ housing for people with increasing needs.
Our pledge is to extend the programme of Extracare for older people, providing the care we need.
Children and Young People
The Tories have broken up our county’s celebrated schools system. We must now work co-operatively
with all schools to improve standards, attendance andtackle racism and bullying.
We will review child protection in Leicestershire. Modern children’s homes maintained within the
county where need and costs are justified.
The youth service has been halved. Labour councillors will attempt to rebuild the service from the bottom
up.
Our pledge is to provide grants for youth projects where they are most needed.
Health and Families
County Councillors have statutory responsibility to oversee the local health services. We will do this with diligence putting the needs of patients first, ensuring the large contracts at the disposal of commissioning groups are working for the benefit of the local community.
We will re-envigour school sports partnerships and the Olympic legacy in sport and the arts. Wellbeing
means far more than medical treatment.
Our pledge is to fight the breakup of local Health Services and ensure they are focused on you.
Countryside, Museums & Libraries
We will value libraries and museums. We will protect and improve our flagship museum at Snibston. Leicestershire’s heritage needs both protection and celebrating. We will champion projects like the Charnwood Regional Park and Ashby Canal. We will not let history down by ignoring archaeology.
Transport and the Environment
Climate change is posing real problems and we must reduce carbon in the atmosphere. We need to encourage more people to cycle, better public transport, with fewer car journeys. Flooding must be addressed with measures from gully emptying to major plan-led infrastructure.
We strongly support the electrification of Midland Mainline but will continue to challenge the route and the business and environmental case for HS2.
We will review the failing Park & Ride Schemes with all options open. We will resist large scale incineration of waste in favour of recycling and cleaner technologies.
Our pledge is to prioritise road safety with 20mph limits where residents want them and safe cycle and walking routes.
Jobs and Young People
The national economy is static and our local economy has received less help than other regions. We will boost business plans and marketing of sustainable employment sites including the Rail freight project at Junction 24, and business, science and enterprise parks.
New apprenticeships and training opportunities for young people will be increased. We will explore discount travel cards for young people to cut the cost of fares.
Our pledge is to launch a new Economic Plan for jobs and increase the capacity of the local enterprise partnership, increasing job opportunities and creating at least 1000 new youth apprenticeships.
Improving Lives and Improving Leicestershire
Our Vision for Leicestershire
We need our County Council to ensure the best education for our children, to help elderly people live happy and independent lives, to protect Leicestershire’s countryside, and help deliver jobs and opportunity for residents. We want all those in work to receive a living wage. Labour councillors will dedicate themselves day in day out to achieving this for all residents across all communities.
Who we are
The Labour Party was founded to defend working people and help the weakest in harsh times. The Bedroom Tax and real cuts in help for working people on the lowest wages are the actions of political bully boys and not a government that believes we bear burdens equally as one nation.
Labour candidates share a passion for better social and public services in a world where everyone has the
opportunity to reach their potential. We promise you that all Labour candidates will work hard when elected to serve Leicestershire.
Working Together
Our County Council represents the community in all sorts of ways and has hands on responsibility for key services such as Health and Education. We recognise we cannot do this alone and depend on community and voluntary organisations working together.
The Tory idea of the Big Society has failed largely because they depleted resources for successful voluntary
organisations providing vital services whilst squandered what was left on short term projects.
We will support and rebuild voluntary and community organisations at the grassroots across Leicestershire.
Labour Listening Pledges
Under the discredited Tory leadership of David Parsons, Leicestershire’s most needy have borne the biggest burden. It is time for Leicestershire to stop picking on those least able to protect themselves in these hard times. We intend to protect much needed local services through a complete spending review from the base budget, stripping out waste at all levels.
Your Council Tax
Money is tight so we will not raise Council Tax above the planned freeze and 1½% rise. We will also stick to current spending levels but conduct a complete review of base budgets. We will argue the case for Leicestershire to get a fairer slice of the national cake. We will look to invest the Council’s excessive reserves for social care and young people and abolish the gravy train left by the Tories.
Care, Independence and Older People
Huge areas of social care, such as home care for the elderly, have been removed and their eligibility considerably reduced. Our priority will be to halt further reductions in the care of those with learning difficulties, sick, disabled and elderly people.
We will provide more appropriate housing locally, good local placements for those with exceptional needs and stop wasting money on expensive out-of-county places. Leicestershire has been overtaken by other counties who have provided modern purpose built ‘ExtraCare’ housing for people with increasing needs.
Our pledge is to extend the programme of Extracare for older people, providing the care we need.
Children and Young People
The Tories have broken up our county’s celebrated schools system. We must now work co-operatively
with all schools to improve standards, attendance andtackle racism and bullying.
We will review child protection in Leicestershire. Modern children’s homes maintained within the
county where need and costs are justified.
The youth service has been halved. Labour councillors will attempt to rebuild the service from the bottom
up.
Our pledge is to provide grants for youth projects where they are most needed.
Health and Families
County Councillors have statutory responsibility to oversee the local health services. We will do this with diligence putting the needs of patients first, ensuring the large contracts at the disposal of commissioning groups are working for the benefit of the local community.
We will re-envigour school sports partnerships and the Olympic legacy in sport and the arts. Wellbeing
means far more than medical treatment.
Our pledge is to fight the breakup of local Health Services and ensure they are focused on you.
Countryside, Museums & Libraries
We will value libraries and museums. We will protect and improve our flagship museum at Snibston. Leicestershire’s heritage needs both protection and celebrating. We will champion projects like the Charnwood Regional Park and Ashby Canal. We will not let history down by ignoring archaeology.
Transport and the Environment
Climate change is posing real problems and we must reduce carbon in the atmosphere. We need to encourage more people to cycle, better public transport, with fewer car journeys. Flooding must be addressed with measures from gully emptying to major plan-led infrastructure.
We strongly support the electrification of Midland Mainline but will continue to challenge the route and the business and environmental case for HS2.
We will review the failing Park & Ride Schemes with all options open. We will resist large scale incineration of waste in favour of recycling and cleaner technologies.
Our pledge is to prioritise road safety with 20mph limits where residents want them and safe cycle and walking routes.
Jobs and Young People
The national economy is static and our local economy has received less help than other regions. We will boost business plans and marketing of sustainable employment sites including the Rail freight project at Junction 24, and business, science and enterprise parks.
New apprenticeships and training opportunities for young people will be increased. We will explore discount travel cards for young people to cut the cost of fares.
Our pledge is to launch a new Economic Plan for jobs and increase the capacity of the local enterprise partnership, increasing job opportunities and creating at least 1000 new youth apprenticeships.
Improving Lives and Improving Leicestershire
Our Vision for Leicestershire
We need our County Council to ensure the best education for our children, to help elderly people live happy and independent lives, to protect Leicestershire’s countryside, and help deliver jobs and opportunity for residents. We want all those in work to receive a living wage. Labour councillors will dedicate themselves day in day out to achieving this for all residents across all communities.
Who we are
The Labour Party was founded to defend working people and help the weakest in harsh times. The Bedroom Tax and real cuts in help for working people on the lowest wages are the actions of political bully boys and not a government that believes we bear burdens equally as one nation.
Labour candidates share a passion for better social and public services in a world where everyone has the
opportunity to reach their potential. We promise you that all Labour candidates will work hard when elected to serve Leicestershire.
Working Together
Our County Council represents the community in all sorts of ways and has hands on responsibility for key services such as Health and Education. We recognise we cannot do this alone and depend on community and voluntary organisations working together.
The Tory idea of the Big Society has failed largely because they depleted resources for successful voluntary
organisations providing vital services whilst squandered what was left on short term projects.
We will support and rebuild voluntary and community organisations at the grassroots across Leicestershire.
Labour Listening Pledges - A New Leicestershire Economic Plan for Jobs, creating 1000 new apprenticeships.
- Extended Programme for Extracare Homes for older people, providing the care we need.
- Grants to deliver Youth Projects and Facilities where most needed.
- Fight the break-up of local Health Services and ensure they are focused on you.
- Prioritise road safety with 20mph Speed Limits where you want them.
Tory Record
- Poor record of Inward Investment
- Homes for the Elderly Sold off
- School Transport abandoned
- Voluntary organisations decimated
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