Posted: Tue 10th Apr 2012

Gwersyllt East and South Election Candidates Question and Answer

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Apr 10th, 2012

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!

Gwersyllt East and South (2 seats)
Griffiths – Welsh Labour
McCann – Welsh Labour
Walsh – Welsh Liberal Democrats

Walsh – Welsh Liberal Democrats

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

I am a member of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. My fundamental values are based upon social justice and fair play. The Liberal Democrats are the party that best fit my values. The main reason I joined the party however was because of the quality of the Wrexham Lib Dems. They are a great of bunch people who work very hard for their communities and I am proud to be associated with them.

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

Residents have already highlighted many local issues that cause them concern. My first priority would be to find out the issues I can help with and those which I cannot. If there are issues that are beyond my remit then I will try to point residents in the right direction to enable satisfactory conclusions to these issues.

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

I want to be the link between residents and the Guildhall. I want residents to feel confident that my voice on Wrexham Council will also be their voice. If I get blamed for problems beyond my control, I will not take it personally and try to speak to residents to explain the situation.

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 will always listen to the concerns of residents and send out a newsletter several times a year. More importantly, I will continue knocking on doors to ask about local concerns. Being on the end of a telephone line is also very important. However, I think it is the duty of the councillor to meet as many residents as possible in order to put a face to the name. Making an effort to meet residents will give them the confidence to contact me whenever an issue comes to light.

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

The council must act within the guidelines of the law so finding sustainable solutions will not be easy. If elected I would certainly like to find out what options are available. I would like to see greater provision for young people in the area.

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?

Wrexham Council must do everything possible to encourage more businesses to invest in Wrexham and to support current businesses to perform to their full potential.

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

The council`s commitment to green issues. The recycling scheme and installation of solar panels are very important as we cannot rely on landfill sites and non-renewable energy sources indefinitely. The low rate of council tax Wrexham residents pay compared to other councils must also be highlighted.

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

I honestly cannot think of any. That`s not to say that there isn`t room for improvement. No matter how successful a council is, any complacency will come back to haunt.

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

I enjoy walking through Alyn Waters, visiting Bangor-On-Dee racecourse and socialising in many of Wrexham`s fine pubs and restaurants.

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

I was in the crowd when Wrexham beat Arsenal in the FA Cup in 1992. That was a surreal day. I only went to see Arsenal`s team of superstars play at the Racecourse. I never thought that Wrexham could win. When Wrexham took the lead the electric atmosphere is an experience I will never forget.




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