Choose who to vote for in the Whittington Ward
| Published: 19th April 2007 20:46 |
We approached each of the four candidates standing for election in Whittington Ward and invited them to submit a statement of up to 300 words explaining why they think you should vote for them. These statements are reproduced (unedited) below in alphabetical order of the candidate's surname.
Voter's Pocket Guide
If you want to print out the details for all candidates, click here to download a handy voter's guide. You could even take it to the polling station with you on Thursday!
Colin Ablitt - Conservative
Living in Boley Park I am pleased to be equidistant from Streethay and Whittington which together make up the ward I have been pleased to serve for four years. I am 57, married with two adult children. I am a trustee of the Conduit Lands Trust, a council member of the Arts Council England (West Midlands), founder chairman of the Lichfield Mysteries, a member of the Staffordshire Scout executive and a governor of Whittington Primary School.
I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to assist in shaping the villages and the lives of the people in them in a number of ways, the principle areas of concern being planning applications and housing concerns.
Promoted by Nick Sedgwick on behalf of the Conservative Party at 28A Tamworth Street Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6JJ
Celia LePla - Liberal Democrats
Hi there - My name is Celia LePla and I am standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Whittington in the local District Council elections on May 3rd.
I was born and bred in Cornwall but left there to study in Exeter and moved onto SE London to work. During a ‘career break' looking after 2 children, I was a Liberal Democrat councillor in the London Borough of Bexley for 4 years. I have moved to Lichfield during the last year.
Liberal Democrats set out to serve the interests of local communities. We would work hard to listen to and represent the views of local people. We believe regular surgeries and consultations are important for local people, to give you the chance to inform yourself and have your say. We would speak out on issues which affect you, including planning and environmental matters. We would keep you informed of District Council matters through regular FOCUS newsletters. If you know anyone who lives in the Leomansley area of Lichfield, ask them about the service provided by their Liberal Democrat councillors who have represented them for the last 4 years. If you would like to know more about Liberal Democrat policies for the local area, our manifesto ‘Going for Gold' is published on our website: www.lichfieldlibdems.org.uk .
Promoted by Celia LePla, 20 Richmond Drive, Lichfield WS14 9SZ for Lichfield Liberal Democrats
Printed AboutMyArea
Marguerite Stockdale - Liberal Democrat
I have been campaigning actively for the abolition of Council Tax and its replacement by a local income tax - a policy supported by 6 out of every 10 people according to a recent NOP poll for the BBC. Over 1 000 local people have signed our Axe the Tax petition - part of a nationwide campaign by Liberal Democrats. We intend to continue this campaign and keep up pressure on the government.
We are opposed to proposals for up to 15 000 new homes in Lichfield District and in particular we will fight to protect our Green Belt. Our research shows that there are around 15 000 empty homes in the county (government figures). Councils have powers under the 2004 Housing Act to bring these back into use. They are part of the solution of the housing crisis.
Liberal Democrat-controlled South Shropshire Council has pioneered a scheme to ensure that half of all new build homes are affordable. We will press for the introduction of a similar scheme here. Our young people and key public sector workers need and deserve a decent home.
We also highlight environmental issues in our Manifesto (see www.lichfieldlibdems.org.uk) and will work for a more robust approach from the District Council.
We have recently run a campaign highlighting the successful Liberal Democrat record in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in areas where councils are Liberal Democrat controlled. These are effective policies which can work here too, and these are also featured on our website.
Promoted by Marguerite Stockdale, 25 Sturgeons Hill, Lichfield WS14 9AW, Tel: 01543 256659
Printed AboutMyArea
Alan White - Conservative
Over the past four years as your District Councillor I have worked hard to bring about improvements to Lichfield District and Whittington. As Operational Services Portfolio Holder I was responsible, with your help, for taking Lichfield District to Number One in the Country for recycling. I have helped many residents in the Ward with planning and housing concerns over the past four years, and look forward to continuing that service for the next four years.
I am currently employed as the Chief Executive of Central Technology Belt. In my spare time I am Chairman of Howard School Parent Teacher Association and am an enthusiastic runner (mainly around the golf course and Hopwas Woods) and cyclist, I also regularly play tennis. I am married to Carlen and we have three children; Chloe who is 12, Seb who is 10 and Louis who is 9.
Promoted by Nick Sedgwick on behalf of the Conservative Party at 28A Tamworth Street Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6JJ
Footnote
This site is not promoting any individual candidate or party. The AboutMyArea local site editor approached all the candidates nominated in the listed wards and asked them to submit a 300 word statement. All were approached equally and given the same deadline. Where indicated, no statement was received by the initial deadline of midnight Wednesday 18 April. The site may be updated periodically where late submissions are received. The text of all statements is reproduced exactly as submitted by the candidate or their agent and AboutMyArea is not responsible for the content of the candidate statements. Any statements over the 300-word limit have been cut at the end of the last complete sentence preceeding the word limit.
For further information please contact the site editor.
Campaign concept: Actuality Media 2007
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