Brandwood Ward
| Published: 7th April 2008 21:55 |
The following six people have been nominated for the election of a councillor for the Brandwood Ward of Birmingham City Council on Thursday 1 May 2008.
- Susan BURFOOT - The Labour Party Candidate
- Frank CHANCE - Independent
- Anna MASTERS - The Green Party
- Lynette ORTON - British National Party
- Brian PEACE - Liberal Democrats
- Neville SUMMERFIELD - The Conservative Party *** RE-ELECTED ***
Find out what each of the candidates have to say for themselves.
No official election literature will give you the information to make a direct comparison between the candidates. Elsewhere in the country last year AboutMyArea's election coverage was praised by councillors, candidates, election bodies and MPs - now that AboutMyArea is available in this area we are giving you the chance to compare the candidates. Make your vote count!
Each of the six candidates was asked to submit a 300 word statement explaining why people should vote for them. These are listed below in alphabetical order.
ALL of the candidates were written to at their official address. They were sent identical letters, first class, on the same day. The envelopes were marked "important election communication" and all candidates were given the same deadline.
Some of the candidates clearly thought it was valid to explain to you, the electorate, why they think you should vote for them. Others, it seems, couldn't be bothered. Lazy? Complacent? Not interested in local people? You decide.
If for any reason the letter didn't arrive, we should apologise on behalf of the Post Office. Although any candidate interested in local news and opinion should be reading their local website anyway. Any late statements will be added, up to polling day - although the date of their receipt will be indicated.
Susan BURFOOT - The Labour Party Candidate
I live and work locally, am a governor at two schools in the area and I am involved with a number of local community groups.
I have been working alongside Councillor Mike Leddy and Steve McCabe MP trying to get things done for residents in Brandwood. I have met some lovely people who are as concerned about their neighbourhoods as I am. I am asking for your support in the local elections on May 1st so that I can go on working to try and make a difference for Brandwood residents.
People have told me about how fed up they are with graffiti, litter, rubbish bags which have been uncollected or dumped. I think Brandwood deserves better.
There have been some great successes, since September, when Mike Leddy was elected as a Labour Councillor in Brandwood:
- Several pieces of open land have been cleared of dumped rubbish and four have been securely fenced off to prevent it happening again.
- Some of the roads in the ward have had weeds removed and roads swept, for the first time in months and in two roads" the first time in years", we're told.
- There have been two graffiti removal sessions in Druids Heath.
- Two graffiti removal sessions in other parts of Brandwood
Two weeks ago Mike and I and a group of young people did our second graffiti clean, in Brandwood in a six week period, and so many of you took the trouble to stop and talk to me as you passed by. It was good to listen to your views about what you want - this will help me to be an effective Councillor if I have your support.
Mike Leddy wants the same. Imagine what it would be like, if you had two Labour Councillors working together
Frank CHANCE - Independent
No statement received by deadline given. The candidate phoned on the afternoon of Wednesday 30 April to say they had not received a letter. (This page had been live on the community website for over three weeks by the time of the phone call)
Anna MASTERS - The Green Party
No statement received by deadline given
Lynette ORTON - British National Party
No statement received by deadline given
Brian PEACE - Liberal Democrats
My name is Brian Alec Peace and I live in the Brandwood ward. I am standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Brandwood ward in the forthcoming local council elections to be held on May 1st 2008.
I am a retired stock/production controller.
My interests are in public transport. I am for reducing the cost of travelling on public transport, as this is now more expensive than using a private car.
I am concerned about rising housing costs and social housing provision and wish to promote positive retention of council housing.
I want to continue to increase recycling in order to reduce pollution and the effects of climate change.
I'm concerned at the rising costs of gas and electricity particularly in the way it affects those on fixed incomes.
If you wish to contact me on any of these issues please e-mail brian@birminghamlibdems.org.uk or write to Brian at Freepost, BM4127, Birmingham B30 1BR
Neville SUMMERFIELD - The Conservative Party
This statement was submitted late
I have served the area since 2003 as one of your local Councillors. As a local man living and working in Kings Heath it has been a privilege to have been elected to serve you.
I have initiated and been involved with many local initiatives and have successfully dealt with a wide range of local issues. I am particularly proud to have attracted substantial investment from central funds for Cocks Moors Leisure Centre. This has raised income and therefore relieved pressure on a wide range of budgets, enabling us to improve other local services.
Improvements to the local environment have been an important priority. However, there is still much to achieve: lamp-post and road name plate painting, planting more trees, protecting our grass verges and continuing the battle around litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. Education is crucial and will play a key role in addressing long term solutions to some of these important issues.
