THE Kirklees elections in May present an opportunity for a welcome change in the Almondbury ward.
Some villagers have already voiced their own opinions in Mailbag on Lib Dem performance during a political cartel of 24 years duration.
I stand as a prospective Independent against the secrecy and dithering I also perceive exuding from the Lib Dem bandwagon.
Councillors are supposed to be the voice of our community, champions for the users of local services, people who know what is best for the village and facilitators for effective local democracy. These criteria make several personal qualities a prerequisite. Altruism, insight, judiciousness and persuasive articulation are just a few examples.
I do not have anything like the campaign resources of our present three councillors.
My priority is to visit as many households as I can during the run-up so I suggest villagers afford me a chance to compete against professional PR. We need a level playing field, providing a fair and meaningful basis upon which a candidate can stand or fall. That is what I call real local democracy in action.
I am known locally as a voice for social justice, good and effective use of police resources, improved management of the estates, childcare facilities and the preservation of what is culturally important to our village.
Having retired early I have no financial interest in the post whatsoever and I will donate councillor income to the development of recreational facilities for our young.
Whoever we choose as a councillor we need to be sure it is the right person to secure our share of the Kirklees purse and to see spending on our priorities. What is urgent today must not be constantly shelved with promises of these resources and changes sometime.
Dr M T Gray
Prospective Independent ward councillor
