Wrexham.com - Damian Wynn Conde , Independent candidate for Gwenfro

Statement of Damian Wynn Conde

We invited them to tell you a little about who they are, any political history and about their political leanings.

Hello - my name is Damian Wynn Condé and I'm standing as a independent for the upcoming May elections in the Gwenfro ward.

I am standing as an independent because I believe that county politics should not be dominated by party lines - we should all be interested in the best outcome for those we wish to represent. There will be those who say that this can only be done by a political party - I believe this is tosh. It would be doable if political party's didn't try and score points against each other. I am not interested in party politics on a local level - it should be about what's right for the area we live in. Regardless of what your views on national politics are.

At the ripe old age of 23, I am probably not the oldest candidate in this election - I'm sure we can all agree on that. However, in 23 years what have I done? A lot of different things!

I am a professional recruiter (awarded by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation) working in the logistics industry. It's my job to make sure there is a driver able to deliver your bread, TV's, shirts, steel pipes when they are needed.

I have worked for Wrexham Council and the Welsh Assembly before moving into the private sector in both IT and recruitment roles. I have enjoyed taking my career in a direction that has allowed me to help people. In the Welsh Assembly, I was able to help people solve problems or at least attempt to advocate on behalf of people. I now am able to encourage people into employment. Nothing makes me prouder as a recruiter than knowing someone who was struggling to get employment and was near the breadline is now taking their first family holiday in years because of a placement I've managed to support.

I grew up in the Lodge, near Brymbo; the son of an electrician and a cleaner. I attended St Mary's Brymbo School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Yale College and finally Wrexham Glyndwr University where I studied Accounting and Finance.

I have also represented many students in our town, having been both elected as Wrexham University's Student's Guilds' Welfare Office and a Student Governor at Yale College (and supported the shadow board of Coleg Cambria)

I last stood for council in 2012 as a Liberal Democrat - since that, I've managed to do a lot of thinking about where my political leanings are. I would currently say that no political party matches my beliefs and at times the entire party system infuriates me because it can often lead to votes that are point scoring as opposed to doing what is right for the population.

My main priorities are:
Developing community spirit (something I believe has been lost in several areas)
Increasing transparency from within the council chamber
Championing local businesses
Raising the quality of "Councillor Service" to our residents
Trying to create situations to raise the aspirations of our young people
Working to future-proof the county.

I do hope that people vote for me in May.

Regardless of your natural instincts to vote I believe I am worth a consideration - if you are not sure about me and would like to ask your own questions; I'm available on Twitter (@WrexhamDamo) or via e-mail [email protected] I will always try and respond within 24 hours. I believe that it is only good courtesy for at least an acknowledgement within this time frame.

Questions & Answers

1. Often we are told that highways, street lighting, bin collections and anti-social behaviour are some of the issues people care most about. Aside from those what are the key local issues in your ward? (The question below will ask what you think should be done)