New Year Message

11.03.40am GMT Wed 13th Jan 2010

The frosty start to 2010 exposes the gaps between the expectation of the public and the provision of services by elected representatives at both national and local level. The exceptional weather conditions were forecast well in advance yet the authorities failed to make preparations. Many folk have been stranded and others isolated in their homes, afraid to venture out due to the treacherous conditions.

There are few certainties in life but we can say for certain that by June 2010 we will experience a General election and the campaign seems to have started five or six months before the predicted date!

It is time that the public were able to regain their trust in those they elect and that the elected representatives are able to reflect their concerns and worries through fiscal policy. North Thanet needs Politicians (Local as well as National) who know that they are elected to serve as opposed to the self-serving individuals that have been well documented in the expenses scandal.

My New Year message last year encouraged residents to grasp hold of the hope within and that individuals be an influence for good within our communities. However all of us were aghast at the way in which those responsible for making National and Local decisions. 2009 will be overshadowed by the shocking news that MPs have been lining their pockets for years whilst so many of their constituents have been struggling to make ends meet. Worse still that any have gone on to justify their actions!

There is no doubt at all as we face the General election this year that things must change. Trust has to be renewed between the public and the politicians that surely means that we cannot opt for the 'same old'? A Member of Parliament justifying the withdrawal of public funds to boost the household income is indefensible and the time has come for you, the voter, to have your say. I ask you to carefully reconsider the way in which you have voted in the past and to take into account the fact that little has changed to improve your quality of life. Inward investment is lacking and the infrastructure across the area is weak. You have been under represented for many years.

When you consider the opportunity you have to make a dramatic change to the way in which you are served by elected representatives I ask that you trust me to keep my word. I will be transparent, accountable and accessible to you, the electorate. I put myself forward to serve the public and not be self serving. I will not draw from the public purse for my family to be employed furthermore I pledge to invest 10% of my Parliamentary allowance back into community projects. This reinforces my view that I am elected to serve and not to gain.

The future of North Thanet is in your hands you can change its destiny there is a clear choice - a continuation of the same or an opportunity for a change that will reflect your interests and aspirations.