Pant Election Candidate 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!

Pant (1 seat)
Humphreys – Independent
Matthews – The Labour and Co-Oprative Party
Owens – Independent

Humphreys – Independent

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

Standing as Independent candidate for the Pant ward, Rhosllanerchrugog. I do not align myself to any Party. I will not do so in the future if I am elected. I have no wish other than to serve my constituents and my conscience.

I believe that party politics are in real danger of imploding as a direct consequence of self-serving dinosaurs manipulating the genuine membership, purely to serve their power-crazed egos.It is happening locally now. In the future I believe the role of Independents in national politics will grow as the country’s trust in party politics sours.

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

To grasp the real issues that affect the most vulnerable in our communities, and seek to make a real impact to support them. The elderly, the less able and increasingly worrying, young families.

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

I have tried to be active in my community in a number of ways over the years. I genuinely care. Those that know me well, know that to be so. Selfishness is something I fail to understand. I know I can and will make a real difference. I am very focussed to do this. Progress is never an easy street and not for the faint-hearted. I’m prepared for that.

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 endeavour to foster a new level of interest in the community. There is undoubtedly a need to effectively engage and bring together the whole of the ward. Something of which I am aware, – that perhaps has not been happening historically. – A monthly surgery in different locations. The village café, a pub, a church hall – whatever. I am determined to achieve a ‘bringing together,’ effectively engage and move forward from there. For instance I am involved in setting up a ‘cooperative market’ which should benefit all in the community.

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

I have no means of knowing what the public perception of ‘anti-social behaviour’ is – as it applies to my community. I will need to put in a lot of hard work to establish what to prioritise in our community, and move on based on that knowledge. I do know Policing as an issue in itself, – and also within the context of ASB – is very high on the agenda.

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?

I have no way of knowing what the ‘means’ are at this point in time.. Most people would single out ‘financial means.’ I believe success is derived from innovation, creativity, – we know money is short, so we must find ways to get more from less. Putting people on the dole is no answer. I would like to see a joint ‘ innovation think tank’ set up with business, Glyndwr University, WAG and the Council. The priority must be creating jobs. A major factor in helping to maintain front line services.

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

I have to be honest, I am not sufficiently aware of council activities to the point where I have been impressed by any particular event. Reality perhaps suggests the human mind best remembers failures not successes? I admit I may be in that faction.

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

Without doubt I do remember my disgust at the withdrawing of funding from youth projects. I earnestly believe we continue to sow the seeds of many youth-related problems by our unwillingness to properly invest in our young people. From the day they start crèche, to the day they finish their education. We MUST do more.

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

I have to admit I enjoy being involved with anything that improves the cohesiveness of our community. Being a part of a choir is one such thing. The work in hand to improve the quality of life in the Gardden Road area of Rhos is another, where the fruits of a little effort can be substantial.

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

On a lighter note, my best memory connected to Wrexham is at the age of 14 years, playing football for North Wales schoolboys at the Racecourse, cheered on by my father’s cousin, the late Hugh Roberts. ( the famed ‘Hugh Man U’ – the man who signed Mark Hughes for Man U.) What a thrill that day was!