Candidates' statements
| Published: 6th September 2007 15:52 |
The following eight people have been nominated for the election of a councillor for the Brandwood Ward of Birmingham City Council on Thursday 20 September.
- Ken AXFORD - The Conservative Party Candidate
- Keith AXON - New Nationalist Party
- Frank CHANCE - Independent
- Francois William Teissier JONES - UK Independence Party
- Michael Patrick LEDDY - The Labour Party Candidate
- Anna Lucille MASTERS - The Green Party
- Brian Alec PEACE - Liberal Democrat
- Robert PURCELL - British National Party
Find out what each of the candidates have to say for themselves below.
No official election literature will give you the information to make a direct comparison between the candidates. Elsewhere in the country AboutMyArea's election coverage has been praised by councillors, candidates, election bodies and MPs - now that AboutMyArea is available in B14 we are giving you the chance to compare the candidates. Make your vote count!
Each of the eight candidates was asked to submit a 300 word statement explaining why people should vote for them. These are listed below in alphabetical order.
Ken AXFORD - The Conservative Party Candidate
No statement submitted by initial deadline
Keith AXON - New Nationalist Party
My name is Keith Axon of the ‘New Nationalist Party' the first ever nationalist party with a social conscience and I am your candidate for the Brandwood Ward by-election on September 20th. I was born and raised in Birmingham where I have been a happy resident for the past 60yrs.
Many things have changed in that time some for the worse and some for the better and it is the things that have changed for the worse that if elected I would address and do my utmost to solve.
After speaking with people in Brandwood the following issues will be my priority.
Housing : With more than 60,000 people on the housing waiting list in Birmingham it is hardly surprising that both the young and elderly view this as a priority.
Road Safety: Road safety for me is high priority particularly outside schools where children and parents congregate. Also in busy shopping areas where the public can be at risk.
Better street lighting and Parking Facilities: This is essential for many who feel vulnerable and at risk.
Better Services for youngsters: More youth workers need to be taken on by Birmingham City Council and retained. These people are essential in passing on the necessary information required to ensure youth services meet the needs of youngsters.
More investment for local businesses: Local businesses are the heart of the community whether they are shops or small factory units. Their input provides local employment for local people and provides a local vibrant community.
Please call: 0121 604 0318 to speak to Keith Axon
www.nnp.org.uk
Frank CHANCE - Independent
Statement to follow
Francois William Teissier JONES - UK Independence Party
No statement submitted by initial deadline
Michael Patrick LEDDY - The Labour Party Candidate
No statement submitted by initial deadline
Anna Lucille MASTERS - The Green Party
Anna Masters moved from her native Winnipeg in Canada to Birmingham nearly three years ago and works as an Educational Administrator. She had always been suspicious of political parties but found the Green Party to be refreshingly different, with well-thought-out policies that respond to the issues and challenges that face us all today. She feels that the Greens are the only party that is serious about social justice and the environment. Anna believes that a fairer society based on individual and corporate responsibility is essential in creating a sustainable world not only for us now, but also for coming generations.
Her policy priorities for the Brandwood Ward include:
- to revive local democracy and decentralise power from the City centre to local Brandwood neighbourhoods and communities.
- to address poor housing conditions, particularly for Council homes in the Brandwood area.
- to give priority to reducing waste and increasing recycling.
- to promote renewable fuel sources and enhance energy efficiency.
- to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads by providing better public transport, encouraging walking and cycling and reducing people's need to travel long distances.
- to improve education for all and encourage life-long learning.
Anna believes that over the years Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour politicians have all failed the people of Brandwood. She is concerned that too much power in too few hands leads to corruption and complacency and she would campaign hard to ensure that local people in the Brandwood Ward have a much bigger say about what happens in their area.
Brian Alec PEACE - Liberal Democrat
I have lived locally in Kings Heath, B14, for 13 years and was also the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Brandwood Ward in May this year.
I am committed to the area and see the local environment as one of my priorities. Walking around the local area, I see lots of problems with graffiti, litter and dumped rubbish that I want to tackle. I will campaign for improved street cleaning and tougher enforcement action.
I am also concerned about the shortage of social housing in Birmingham. A lot of council housing is being demolished locally and not fully being replaced. Labour Government restrictions over the last 10 years have made it difficult for any new Council housing to be built and I want to campaign for greater flexibility and money for local Councils to build new homes.
I also want Birmingham to be greener - increasing recycling rates and reducing CO2 emissions.
- If you elect me as your councillor, I will:
- be a strong and proactive representative for you and our area;
- hold regular advice surgeries in the ward;
- produce regular Focus leaflets (paid for by the Liberal Democrats) to report back on actions taken on your behalf; and
- regularly attend community events and meetings of local organisations.
You can find out more about the Liberal Democrats in Birmingham at www.birminghamlibdems.org.uk
Robert PURCELL - British National Party
No statement submitted by initial deadline
