Grosvenor Election Candidates Question and Answer

We here at Wrexham.com sent written letters to all 130 odd candidates in the local Wrexham Council elections this year, and here are the replies! Where there is no reply below from a candidate, we did not receive one before the week of the 23rd April. If you are a candidate or voter reading this join in the debate or let us know what you think in our Wrexham Forums!

Grosvenor (1 seat)
Bomber – Plaid Cymru
Roberts – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Wilson – Welsh Labour

Roberts – Welsh Liberal Democrats

1 – Which party do you align yourself with, and why? (Or if non aligned, why not?)

Liberal Democrat; I was brought up to believe in the importance of the individual in society as opposed to the state representing the vested interests of big business or organised labour.

2 – What will be your first personal priority or aim if you were elected?

To renew my contact with local residents and continue to represent their concerns.

3 – Why do you personally want to be a councillor when so often you just get blamed for problems beyond your control?

That’s local politics! (and someone has to take responsibility)

4 – Many politicians and local councillors are accused of bring out of touch with voters. What will you do to ensure you stay ‘in touch’?

Regular letters / leaflets / email and phone accessibility.

5 – How do you plan to tackle or prevent anti-social behaviour in your local area?

By continued strong support of the PCSO scheme and liaison with the local PCSO.

6 – Do you think any local authority has the means to improve economic and job opportunities? And if you do, what do you think the priority actions should be?

Not directly, but the Council can (and does) create an environment which is attractive to those with the means to create economic recovery and thereby job opportunities.

7 – What do you think has been the best decision taken by the council in the last four years?

All decisions are taken in good faith and are best judged by the electorate. Of course, I believe that the current Lib Dem led coalition has made excellent decisions, leading to maintaining and improving services while spending less.

8 – What do you think has been the worst decision taken by the council in the last four years?

See 7.

9 – What is your favourite place to visit or favourite thing to do in the local area?

I am a committed Christian and so my visits to my own chapel and other places of worship are paramount.

10 – If you had to pick your best memory connected to Wrexham, what would it be?

I have so many, but last year being elected Deputy Mayor and recently being proposed as Mayor of Wrexham for 2012/13 would take some beating.

Bomber – Plaid Cymru

1 – Which party do you align yourself with, and why? (Or if non aligned, why not?)

Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales! The party most attuned to the needs of Wrexham – more focused concern on grassroots politics that have an impact on our day-to-day living. Also a strong, passionate and energetic network of candidates and supporters, both on local and national level – I have a strong sense of being part of a team committed to working towards a better future.

2 – What will be your first personal priority or aim if you were elected?

Residential parking problems and road safety are long awaited priorities that need to be resolved once and for all.

3 – Why do you personally want to be a councillor when so often you just get blamed for problems beyond your control?

There are long standing problems in the Grosvenor ward that should have been resolved a long time ago. Councils have an impact on the day to day running and functionality of our community, and the role of councilor to me is to act as a clear and open line of communication between constituents and the council. I hope I can make a difference as a councilor who is prepared to listen and seek out problems in the ward and work with, and for, the best interests of its residents.

4 – Many politicians and local councillors are accused of bring out of touch with voters. What will you do to ensure you stay ‘in touch’?

I work from home and am always out and about walking my dog – Daisy Petal. I am also available over the phone, email and through various social media. I would also aim to create an online presence for the ward – facebook/twitter pages and regular newsletters and e-letters in order to create a network of communication throughout the ward. We can achieve better results if we are all aware of issues and problems, along with opportunity to spread good news and events throughout our area. A number of people have called and emailed me already during the past few weeks – and therefore know that I am always available in some way.

5 – How do you plan to tackle or prevent anti-social behaviour in your local area?

Vandalism, litter, graffiti, dog fouling and theft are all issues that have been mentioned to me by local residents. These problems seem to come in intermittent waves and I think it important to work closely with PCSO’s, Police officers, council officers and dog wardens in order to find preventative measures and enforce deterrents to such anti-social behavior. A large proportion of these problems are created by a small few that pass through our area, extra vigilance in order to identify the perpetrators would help stamp out a lot of unneeded damage, waste and hassle.

6 – Do you think any local authority has the means to improve economic and job opportunities? And if you do, what do you think the priority actions should be?

Yes absolutely – ensuring council contracts go to local companies not only helps financially, but also gives a vote of confidence in our local businesses. More help and support to small local businesses too would ensure that we gain back a sense of community within our town centre.

7 – What do you think has been the best decision taken by the council in the last four years?

Fitting 3000 council houses with solar panels reducing the carbon footprint and lower energy bills for tenants.

8 – What do you think has been the worst decision taken by the council in the last four years?

Having a misdirected focus – applying for city status while losing the heart of our town centre. Also our one-way road system into the town has many problems.

9 – What is your favourite place to visit or favourite thing to do in the local area?

As mentioned above – I’m always out and about with my Jack Russell – either in one of our many local parks – or Erddig!

10 – If you had to pick your best memory connected to Wrexham, what would it be?

The lovely heart-of-the-town atmosphere when I was a little girl – going to the old Market (The People’s market’s predecessor) to get a toy or some sweets, before going to see a film in the Hippodrome!