About
I am a Hayle Town Councillor, elected on 11 March 2005, and my term expires on 3 May 2007. I stood for “Thoughtful development of the harbour.’
I am also a Penwith District Councillor, elected on 10 November 2005, standing as an Independent. My term expires in May 2008.
In the town council I found that communications between the council and Hayle residents and groups was poor and I have worked hard to improve this. I proposed that the council should aim for Quality Council status. This sets standards for a range of council activities, including communications, and improves the democratic process by requiring elections for all council members – rather than co-options when vacancies occur. The council voted to “strive to achieve Quality Status” and we are moving ahead with the process. Part of this is improved communications and we have started a regular column in the Hayle Pump called ‘Council Corner.’ We also have a web site at http://www.hayletowncouncil.net/ which I designed, set up and administer.
On the district council I have found that there are a lot of good, committed councillors and a strong core of well-qualified officers to carry out the many tasks required to provide good service to the community. There is never, of course, enough money and resources and conflicts inevitably occur. Unfortunately, I have also found that there are councillors whose reputation does not enhance that of the district council and whose capabilities and accomplishments are meagre. Again, I am hoping that by strenthening the democratic process, we can select new, competent representatives who have Hayle at heart.
What I will endeavour to do
I will try hard to represent the people of Hayle, recognising that there are frequently many views on any subject – the harbour development, for example. I will listen to my constituents and try to creatively resolve the differences.
What I expect you to do
Understand the issues as much as you can. Read the information that is available and ask me for more where needed. I try to put as much as I can on this web site. Look through it.
Don’t dwell on past failures. Help me to look to the future and get some wins.
Communicate with me. If I don’t know your views on an issue, I cannot take them into account.
Tell me when I go wrong. I can’t improve without feedback.