There are seven candidates standing in the local elections on Thursday, May 22, 2014. We gave each the same chance to put information in front of electors. So here’s what they had to say…
If you live in St Denys watch our sister site portswood.info for more about elections in your ward, which is Portswood.
Each candidate was offered the same chance to put information in front of electors, by contributing up to 400 words, a pic and a link to more info. So here are your voting choices (unedited & in alphabetical order).
If you’d like to know how Bitterne Park voted at the last local election in 2012, you can read the results in our report here. For more on the European elections being held on the same day, click here.
Here are the candidates standing, with any information they supplied.
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BLUEMEL Lindsi, The Green Party
As a long standing environmental campaigner I have decided to stand for the Green Party in the forthcoming local elections as I believe that only the Green Party has the policies necessary for a genuinely sustainable future and a more just and equitable society.
I have lived in Southampton for 25 years, the last 12 in Bitterne Park, and throughout this time I have been active in a variety of community and neighbourhood groups concerned with sustainability, environmental issues, preservation of historic Southampton and peace and justice. I have been active in the opposition to the unnecessary and potentially harmful fluoridation of our water supply and to an increase in flights from Southampton Airport.
I am currently secretary of Southampton Cycling Campaign and a member of Southampton Cycle Forum. I have campaigned for the redesign of the gyratory to make it safe for all road users, improvements for cyclists on Bitterne Road West and the prioritisation of pedestrian and cyclist safety by means of a city-wide 20 mph. (residential roads).
I have in the past worked at Southampton Magistrates' Court and for a mental health charity; I have studied at Southampton University, my children have attended local schools and I am an active member of Southampton Society of Friends (Quakers). I therefore have experience of and an interest in various aspect of the life of the city.
I am currently a self-employed artist selling work from home and through October Books and Cobbett Road Library and in the summer months I also work for British Cycling.
I believe that local shops and businesses should be supported and the opening of yet more supermarkets or chain coffee shops should be refused as they have negative impact on independent traders. Essential public services should be maintained and privatisation of health and wellfare services restricted. As a keen reader I believe that local libraries are essential and Cobbett Road Library must be maintained in recognition of the important role it plays in the local community.
The Green Party is the only party with policies which seriously address climate change which may in the future have enormous impact on riverside communities such as parts of Bitterne Park and St Denys. I would support infrastructure to protect homes at risk of flooding and an increase in sustainable energy production.
A Green vote on 22nd May will be a vote for a sustainable future for Southampton.
BOULTON Linda, Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts
No information supplied
COOK Adrian, UKIP
No information supplied
COOPER, Trevor James, Labour Party Candidate
I’ve lived in Southampton for many years and have been working in learning support at City College. I serve the local community in Southampton as a magistrate and this experience has given me a good insight into life in Southampton, in particular the causes of crime.
I strongly believe in local government being accountable to local people and their needs. It should not be controlled by central government. It is not right that in a major city like Southampton the government has cut funding to the council by £148 for every adult and child, while in Winchester it is only £28.
I have spoken to hundreds of people in Bitterne Park this year who agree that this is unfair. But cuts from central government are a reality, and our Labour council has been dealing with it, making those choices responsibly. I want to support them in that. For instance, the council has decided to double the money available to repair worn out roads across the city, which is something many of you raise with me in Bitterne Park.
I will ensure that Bitterne Park gets its fair share of available resources. We need to boost the local facilities we have: shops, schools, Cobbett Road Library, community centres, Riverside Park, and pubs. Without them there would be no real community, so let’s work together to ensure Bitterne Park remains a distinct community: an urban village within a city.
What we are going to do
- Road Repairs – Doubling the spending in residential areas to £2.7 million for 3 years
- Parking Charges – Frozen or reduced for 3 years
- Jobs - Earn and learn – Citywide apprenticeships for local people
- Council Homes – Kept for Southampton people. No one gets on the waiting list without a 3 year Southampton residency
- Cleaner Southampton – We’re committed to keeping weekly bin collections. Remember when the Tories left your bin bags rotting in the street? That won’t happen under our watch!
- Glass Collections – Making it even easier to be green. No more trips to the bottle bank!
For more information please visit http://www.southampton-labour.org.uk/elections_info or contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
INGLIS John, The Conservative Party Candidate
As we approach the local elections on 22nd May it is important to remember that we have elections for Southampton City Council as well as the European Parliament.
Europe
During my conversations with local residents I know that a significant number are concerned about Europe and have strong opinions about many issues. Let me state clearly that I agree with most of those concerns.
That is why I support the Conservatives.
Britain has managed to help reduce the EU Budget by £8 billion as well as refusing to join the EU bailout of the Eurozone. The Conservatives continue to fight for British interests. The Conservatives are renegotiating our relationship with Europe and bringing powers back to Britain and away from Brussels.
Then we’ll give you the final say with an in out Referendum.
Labour and the liberal Democrats won’t give you a referendum and UKIP simply can’t deliver one.
If you feel that the European issue is important you only have one choice
Vote Conservative
Local Elections For Ward Councillors For Southampton City Council
The main issue that will concerns you is how you chose your local councillor and what this will mean to you in your local community. The conservatives have a good record in delivering good local services and we have put together 5 promises to improve the lives of local residents.
Our 5 Promises
Freeze Council Tax
Scrap Evening Parking Charges
Invest More into Roads and Pavements.
Consult on 20MPH Limits
Restore Pensioner Discounts
Labour have let you down
In just two years Labour has reneged on just about all of their commitments to you. They said they would freeze council tax and keep pensioner discount. They said they would protect bus routes, invest more in libraries and Sure Start centres and build one affordable houses every day they were in office.
They have broken all those promises.
Pensioners are now paying a massive 16% more council tax, library hours have been cut and £1million has been taken from sure starts. Bus routes have been slashed and next to no new housing has been delivered.
The Way Forward With Conservatives
A Conservative Council would freeze council tax all residents, abolish Labours unfair night time parking charges and bring back common sense to running the council.
John Inglis
Councillor. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MACGILLIVRAY Ann, Independent
My Heart in the Community
I have a BA (Hons) in Product Design with Marketing from Southampton Solent University
Bitterne Park – Townhill Park – Midanbury – Bitterne Manor
Yes I still believe in the same ideals!
I grew up in the local area and went to the Bitterne Park Schools. I am also a long term resident. This gives me a genuine local interest not only in the built environment but also in the natural environment and the River Itchen. I have also run businesses in local property and transport tuition. I have an active interest in Art and Design in the community and business.
Community – As a local Independent Candidate and being quite well known in the area I will be someone that you feel you can turn to. With considerable experience of working with visually impaired and other disabled people in the community. I have an interest in local issues and have not been afraid to present your concerns and proposals through to the right channels in local government.
Environment – With knowledge and a keen interest in preserving and enhancing the historical architecture and character of built environment. As a Driving and Cycling Instructor in the area for over a decade and a river user for most of my life I have experience of the issues of the local transport network. Throughout my life in Bitterne Park I have explored and experienced all of the many green areas and the flora and fauna that they contain. I am keen that these free and open spaces shall remain as community assets for local people and visitors alike to enjoy.
Local Businesses – As a business owner in Bitterne Park I am very aware that businesses in the area serve the needs of the local community and also further afield.
Many of businesses in the area that do not have a shop front are often run as family and independent concerns by tradesmen, craftsmen and professionals.
I believe that local businesses underpin the economy of our community and that it is these businesses that will provide experience and employment for the next generations of school leavers. I believe that our future is in the hands of a practical skilled work force with new products and services in business as the way forward and out of our recession.
Ann MacGillivray©2014 - Ann MacGillivray This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
READ James Arnold, Liberal Democrat
James has lived in Bitterne Park for more than 2 years and has lived in Southampton for 13 years.
James is an active campaigner and in the past few years has campaigned to improve roads & pavement repairs, to save the cheque book, for better play areas, against fluoride, against Post Office closures, for better public toilets, and against charging disabled drivers on Itchen Bridge.
He works for an insurance company and is a former Chair of Southampton Liberal Democrats.
James is especially interested in education and environmental issues.
http://www.southamtpon-libdems.org.uk/
We'd like to thank all the candidates who took part.
If you live in St Denys watch our sister site portswood.info for more about elections in your ward, which is Portswood.