First and foremost, I see myself as a champion of the communities I represent – I make no apologies for saying political allegiances come second at a local level. My wife and I have lived in this area we love for over 30 years and our sons grew up here.
Parish Councils
Since being elected as your County Councillor in 2013, I have made a point of attending almost every monthly parish council meeting of the nine parishes in my Electoral Division. This has kept me very involved in local concerns and issues. In most cases I have also spoken at, or taken part in, the Annual Parish Meeting each year.
County Council Responsibilities
At County level, I have served as Cabinet Member for Finance for the last four years. I never forget that the Council’s money is your money and I take a cautious and prudent approach to all expenditure.
Neighbourhood Plans
I have done what I can to support the completed and emerging Neighbourhood Plans in my Division. The dedicated volunteers who work so hard to produce these plans in order to properly control new housing developments deserve every help to ensure the plans are fully respected.
Achievements and Challenges
As a Conservative-led Council we have done much to help the vulnerable and needy, but I never forget the things that are important to everybody, such as the Oakley Wood Household Waste Recycling Centre, which I successfully fought to keep open, and the state of our roads and drains, which I do what I can to improve in the face of budget pressures. I will continue to speak out against those of an urban mindset who promote growth at all costs and do not understand our village way of life. I hope you will vote for me in the County Council elections on Thursday 6th May.