About Me
I have always wanted to bring more energy and new ideas within the community. Over the years I have tried to do this in many ways. I continue to campaign on issues involving injustice, unfairness, ignorance of the needs of others and at all times defending the rights of the most vulnerable people within our society
I stood for Devon County Council because I was, at the time, concerned at the quality of services in Tavistock and its immediate areas. I knew that the County Council provided most of these services. I have learnt a lot now about the challenges around the budget in delivering those services, the County’s need to sustain what it does and the problems of being able to support all sections of the community. I know much more now about what needs to be done in delivering services and the extent to which local authorities are struggling to provide a better service.
I stood for West Devon Borough Council because my wife and I together with the rest of our family love our life in Tavistock. I know that there are pressures to change the look and environment of the area. I wish to help it develop as a vibrant working community in a sustainable way, respecting its heritage and culture to avoid central government destroying our “way of life”.
Being involved in my local schools as a Governor and Trustee of Tavistock Community College has been one of the real pleasures linked with the councillor role.
Some of the local issues that I feel most strongly about include:
-
All my electorate knowing they have a voice, are listened to and supported;
-
Community partnership – together we can achieve so much more;
-
Giving young people a voice to express themselves;
-
Initiatives that engage with the hard to reach and socially excluded.
Some of the improvements we need to look for:
-
Affordable housing to rent or buy for local people
-
Getting the balance of housing, infrastructure, and employment right in the area.
-
Reflecting environmental and ethical costs and benefits in decisions..
-
Tackling excessive vehicle speeds around schools and in residential areas. Dealing with congestion and parking problems.
I want to continue to help develop the area in a co-ordinated way using all our skills, our position as a successful market town and the important role we play in Tavistock, its surrounding parishes and the County.
What motivates me as a councillor is to ensure the collective voice of the residents in this ward is heard and to ensure that Tavistock and its surrounding areas develops and improves in a way that it meets the needs of all its residents. It is about listening to all, facilitating communications, and acting in the best interests of the majority.
If you have thoughts about local issues or ideas about how we can work together to improve our quality of life in Tavistock and the local area please do get in touch.
