Having just been out delivering leaflets about my standing in the election in my ward (Whitley), I’m continually amazed by the positive reactions I’ve been getting from residents.
I was under no illusion as to how difficult the whole process of standing would be and the attention it would draw but I believe it will all be worth it! Having people wish me luck on the street has motivated me at every step and I believe residents care because I’m local.
One of the things that many people have found it difficult to grasp is that I have a different approach to politics and quite frankly, I don’t blame them! I have vowed to never waste time criticising other parties as that’s valuable time that can be used in solving our problems. Of course, there will be times when I may have to defend myself and only recently I have been attacked for having been an actor! Even today a resident has informed me that there is also a leaflet circulating in Whitley about me but I am yet to see it. Of course, if it is found to be of an unacceptable nature, it will be handed over to the appropriate people.
Whilst delivering by Swallowfield Drive, I got chatting to a few people who were fixing a car. These guys apparently never vote because all politicians are the same. The opinion that they had is that all they do is argue between themselves and forget about the people at the bottom. I could see where they were coming from as I felt the same until a few years ago. Handing them my leaflet, I assured them that I was different and shared the same issues that they did. Whilst they told me that they wouldn’t promise to vote, they wished me luck and I left them to tinker with their vehicle.
Another resident told a similar story and thanked me for standing but was bemused that I wouldn’t be critical of other parties! She asked me about the national debt and I said to her the same answer I say to everyone! There is a huge debt and we’re way past playing the blame game when we can all work together to solve the problem. Laughing she agreed with me that I was different and I left her to get on with her day.
I believe that I can make a difference in Whitley – and It’s reassuring when residents tell me that they believe I can too. Even the Kennet Island Management Company, Hallmark, wished me luck in their newsletter last week which bowled me over! We”re in the final few days now where you have the opportunity to make that difference in Whitley so when you look at the names of the candidates standing on Thursday’s elections, ask yourself the following questions:
- Which candidate actually lives in Whitley?
- Which candidate is actually going to spend their time representing their community rather than being critical of other people?
- Which candidate wants to deliver a difference to all members of the Whitley Community?
I’m proud to be standing in Whitley and I’m proud to be the answer to each of those three questions. It’s our Whitley – don’t lose your voice – use your vote!