More about 2007 election candidates

Civic Centre
pic: Rob Francis

We thought it would be useful to use the website to find out a little more about the candidates standing in the forthcoming local election (May 3) for the Bitterne Park ward, so we invited them all to contribute.

 

We proposed that each tell us about their background, why they'd like to be elected, and the top issues for Bitterne Park and Southampton. We'd like to thank them for taking part. Here, in alphabetical order, are the contributions the candidates put forward for inclusion.


Peter Baillie
The Conservative Party Candidate
Peter Baillie

Please could you tell us a little about your background
I am 44, married to Kim and we have three children, James 18, Elspeth 16 and Sarah 13. My wife, and I are pharmacists - for seven years we ran the Pharmacy at the Bitterne Park Triangle - and now we run a similar pharmacy in Regents Park. Whilst living on The Triangle, I started up (with Graham Cotton and Roy Smith) the Triangle Traders to fight for improvements in Bitterne Park, and The Triangle in particular. Over several years we fought the council but also brought various events such as the Halloween Night to the Triangle. The complete lack of help from our then local Lib-Dem councillors forced Roy, Graham and myself to stand for council as Independents on behalf of the Triangle Traders - and the rest is now history. I have been a councillor for five years and I regard representing the Bitterne Park Ward as a great honour.
 
Why would you like to be elected
My heart is in Bitterne Park. It is a special place within Southampton. I have been a councillor for five years and I try to work hard for people and for what is best for Bitterne Park. The successes - Cobbett Road Library, winning planning applications, keeping the weekly bin collections, and being able to help people make being a councillor so worthwhile. I would like to carry on because I feel I am able to continue helping and fighting for the Bitterne Park Ward.
 
What are the top issues for Bitterne Park, and what would you like to do about them
Planning issues, traffic, parking, state of the roads / pavements, airport.
 
I will continue to fight as hard as possible for all issues - and to fight to ensure that Bitterne Park gets its fair share of money from the council.  Planning issues need to be fought as vigorously as possible to prevent inappropriate development, and I will carry on fighting with local people any such plans.
 
What are the top issues for Southampton, and what would you like to do about them
Car congestion, planning, budget.
 
The budget needs to be controlled and the services run better - huge amounts of money could then be freed to improve other services.
Cars should not be forced off the road - we need to provide the infrastructure for a proper, efficient local, integrated travel network to entice people out of their cars. Planning issues must be taken in a city wide context rather than the hap-hazard jumble of buildings which seem to sprout up taking away the character of the area.



Shaun Brady
The Labour Party Candidate
Shaun Brady

Please could you tell us a little about your background
I’ve been involved with transport — the railways — and trade unions, and, as the landlord of the Castle Inn in Midanbury I’m closely involved with the community. I also live in the ward, and lived here before taking over the pub. I was born in Woolston, and I’m married with two children.

Why would you like to be elected
Bitterne Park is a fantastic place, but I think money does need to be spent. For example at Riverside Park we need facilities for youth and for the whole community. The Triangle could also be developed into a great shopping area, but it does need investment to make it more attractive, to bring people, and traders, into the area, and to encourage people to shop locally rather than going outside.

What are the top issues for Bitterne Park, and what would you like to do about them
The top issue has to be law and order. There is a problem with petty crime, car break-ins and vandalism, and we need to address this. We need a more localised police presence  — for example officers who live in the area. The manager of the Co-op was assaulted only today, and older people are frightened: the highest priority should be to make it safer; if CCTV needs to come in to create that feeling of security, then so be it.

What are the top issues for Southampton, and what would you like to do about them
With Southampton it’s leisure: we need to attract tourists and bring in jobs and money. We’ve lost the Tall Ships, the Carnival and Southampton Show, and this has impacted on Southampton as a tourist venue. Leisure facilities too are a concern — for example we need an ice rink, but we need to find creative and inventive ways to fund this kind of project without increasing local taxes further.



Sarah Curl   
Green Party

Sarah Curl

Please could you tell us a little about your background
I’m married with two children and have lived in Southampton for 12 years. I’m the Deputy Chief Executive of a charity working around conflict resolution in families. I’m a parent governor in one of Southampton‚s secondary schools and active in my local church. I also used to be the lead vocalist in a Southampton band!
 
Why would you like to be elected
My strengths lie in working with people facing significant challenges. I’m an experienced communicator, with good problem solving skills and the ability to see different points of view.
 
I think the Green Party has the right vision for Southampton. We’re on the move, with increasing environmental concerns, but also clear views on a range of other policy areas. The Green Party’s a key party of local government in London, Oxford, Norwich and other cities; I'd like to see us make a similar difference locally.
 
 
What are the top issues for Bitterne Park, and what would you like to do about them
Many residents, particularly older people, tell us that they fear antisocial behaviour and crime. There have been some positive local initiatives, such as the new Police Community Support Officers, but more needs to be done on community policing and improving communication between generations.
 
Another issue: Bitterne Park Triangle has some thriving local businesses and we’d like to keep it that way. The Green Party’s been influential nationally in the sustainable communities debate, and in opposing unhelpful corporate developments that undermine small business - Tesco in Cobden Avenue opening before getting proper planning permission, for instance! The Green Party also has a good track record in opposing post office and library closures.
 
Finally, the airport - scheduled to double passenger numbers over the next thirty years. More noise, concrete, low flying, and pollution: we’ll oppose this by all legal means.
 
What are the top issues for Southampton, and what would you like to do about them
“Where there’s no vision, the people perish,” as the saying goes.
 
The Council’s obsession with casino development, against the wishes of 68% of local people (according to the Echo) and despite obvious impacts on crime, families and community, is one sign of a lack of vision. Its willingness to see Ł200,000 spent on an absurd laser show is another.
 
Clearly, we need to get the basics right - transport, local services, recycling. But we also need to put Southampton back on the map as a world-class port which celebrates its rich heritage and vibrant multicultural present. We also need to build for the future by getting education right - socially inclusive schools promoting individual excellence, at the centre of their communities.



Robbie  Robinson
Liberal Democrat
Image


Robbie is a retired electronics engineer and HGV lorry driver. He lives in Bitterne Park ward. He is very active in a number of community groups such as the East Neighbourhood Partnerships, Pensioners Forum and is Chair of the Steering Group for Youth in Townhill Park. He is keen to get more facilities provided for young people in the area.

For more information please visit www.southampton-libdems.org.uk



We're not currently accepting new comments on this site

We're reader powered! Please help us keep publishing today...

Our local news is currently free to view, but not to produce. Join people just like you who already chip in to keep our site going by becoming a 'Good Friend' supporter for just £2.99 a month - or more if you can.

Use the subscribe button below using a debit or credit card securely via PayPal. You don't need a PayPal account - just use the "Pay with Debit or Credit Card' option, when you click the 'Subscribe' button below, on the next screen. There's no obligation to open a PayPal account. Or use your existing PayPal account if you prefer. Or even better, contact us to set up a standing order so we get all your sub rather than PayPal taking a percentage.

Click here for other options/to set up a standing order - and help us keep on keeping on.

It's appreciated!

Subcription Options

 

Alternatively make a one-off donation here - you don't need a PayPal account for this option either.