Fancy The Challenge? Prospective Candidates Invited to ‘Be a Councillor’ Event

Fed up of reading negative comments about Wrexham on social media? Feel like you have something to offer your community? If so, you may be interested in finding out more information about taking on the challenge of being a local councillor.

With the local government elections fast approaching, some residents may be thinking of putting themselves forward as potential candidates.

On Monday 30 January 2017 residents and those who work in the county borough are invited to find out what being a local Councillor really entails at an event at the Guildhall.

The “Be a Councillor” event will begin at 5.00 pm with a welcome by the Chief Executive, Dr Helen Paterson, who will make reference to the challenges currently facing the council, its corporate priorities and its link with other authorities and organisations.

Attendees will then hear about the Corporate Governance arrangements in place followed by how the Council works and how decisions are taken and the purpose of the Council’s Constitution, the importance of the code of Conduct and local government finance.

There will then be an opportunity to take a tour of stands which will offer information and advice on:

– The election / nominations process
– Support available to Councillors
– Councillor Remunerations
– ICT provision
– Functions and responsibilities of Council departments
– The roles of Councillors and the role of Community Councillors.

Senior officers and Councillors will be on hand throughout the evening and will be happy to answer questions.

Dr Helen Paterson, Chief Executive, said: “Anyone considering standing for election next May will be made very welcome at the event.

“Being a Councillor can be a rewarding and worthwhile vocation but it is often underestimated how much work is involved in the role and what is expected of those elected.

“We invite prospective candidates to come along and find out how the council works and where and how they could fit into the democratic decision making process.”

The event will end by 7.00 pm and tea and coffee will be available.

A previous event in 2012 was very successful with over 80 potential candidates attending and some went on to be elected in the local elections later that year.

Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest by emailing [email protected]

Don’t forget the local government elections are on Thursday May 4 2017 – make sure you’re registered to vote!