Wales Green Party recruit more candidates than ever in the build-up to the May 2017 Council Elections. Some of our key candidates have released a joint statement to highlight what matters to them in their local area.
Anthony Slaughter, who is standing in Penarth, said: “I am pushing for safer, healthier roads, better public transport and vibrant green spaces in Penarth."
Anthony said his priorities as a prospective councillor are “20mph speed limits on all residential roads, and a clamp down on dangerous and inconsiderate parking, all combined with improved public transport links to our vibrant town centre”. He added: “I will ensure our public parks, green spaces and urban trees are managed for the well-being of Penarth people, and to attract visitors to the town. As a councillor, I will be working for local residents, with local residents. I will work together with the locals and neighbourhood organisations to build on our town’s strong community spirit and ensure development decisions are made with the needs and well-being of local residents firmly in mind.”
Pippa Pemberton, a prominent local activist in Caersws in Mid-Wales, is also determined to win a council seat in May’s election. Through active campaigning and local community engagement, she has become aware of the local residents’ issues, aspirations and values and intends to change things for better in her local constituency. She said: “People in Powys are deeply worried about the future of council and health services. The fabric of society is being stretched to breaking point as local volunteers are asked to take on more and more of our essential community services. One of the great things about living here is that everybody already volunteers. But what I am hearing on the doorstep is that people don’t want their care for the elderly to be utterly reliant on volunteers. They want properly resourced and well-funded services.”
Green Councillor Gwynfor Edwards, Wales Green Party’s councillor in Bangor, said: “ Here in Bangor, change is happening fast. Bangor has turned a curve and is facing the future in the right direction. I want to carry on as a councillor, to see these developments through and continue making sure that these changes benefit everyone in our community. My absolute priority for Bangor is to ensure that we form and support new communities in our city centre and that as a city we continue to be innovative and outward facing.”
Deputy Spokesperson and prospective council candidate in St. Mary’s, Brecon, Grenville Ham, said: “Brecon has been dying a slow and painful death, largely due to the austerity policies implemented by the council. With my experience of developing not-for-profit companies, I want to bring that expertise in to show the council that services don’t just have to be cut or privatised - they can be delivered in a way that builds a resilient local economy and support the community. I look forward to campaigning with other Wales Green Party candidates and our local activists.”
Deputy Spokesperson and prospective council candidate in Malpas, Newport, Pippa Bartolotti, issued a joint statement with Malcolm Degroot, also a prospective council candidate in Malpas: “Our campaign priorities in Newport are to review the Council’s outsourcing contracts and check for best value for money, and to invest in public transport instead of building more roads. We will press the council to divest council pension funds from fossil fuel companies and put the money into projects which enhance the local economy such as renewable energy and low carbon housing. We are also keen to give community housing priority over big housing contractors when council land is sold. Importantly, we would promote our modern, skilled green businesses to ensure a lively, healthy Newport for the next generation.”