Argyll and Bute Council election 2017 – Lomond North candidates in their own words

Lomond North is a large and varied ward, including all of the Rosneath Peninsula, as well as Rhu, Shandon, Garelochhead, Arrochar and Loch Lomondside as far north as Ardlui.

It is represented by three councillors, and in 2012 Maurice Corry (Conservative) and independents George Freeman and Robert MacIntyre were elected.

Mr Corry, who became an MSP last year, is not standing again, but George Freeman and Robert MacIntyre are candidates once more, together with Fiona Baker (Independent), Fiona Howard (Labour), Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat), Barbara Morgan (Conservative) and Iain Paterson (SNP).

In 2012 the turnout was 47.6% and the election under the single transferable vote system was much closer than in Helensburgh Central, requiring six counts.

Here are the candidates for May 4, in their own words; Robert MacIntyre has not responded to requests for information as yet and this will be updated if he does so.

Fiona Baker, independent

I grew up in Helensburgh and have lived in Rhu since 2000 where I have been a community councillor since 2011. I enjoy contributing to the community and trying to help local residents resolve the issues that have arisen over the last six years. Being a community councillor has given me an insight into the workings of the Council and I believe Argyll and Bute Council could be more effective in delivering local services. I am the Chair of the Friends of Hermitage Park, which is a beacon of what can be achieved when the Council and a local action group work in partnership. In the face of budget cuts I believe real partnership working between the Council and residents is the only way we can maintain and improve local services. I think effecting this simple truth requires fresh thinking and a change in operational style at Lochgilphead. If elected I would hope to bring fresh ideas and approaches with a determination to achieving practical common sense solutions to the issues that affect us all.

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

The key issue is the reduction in the Council’s budget and less money available for absolutely everything (though an awful lot seems to be wasted on bureaucracy and seemingly never ending consultations). Health services, for example, are required to save £22 million pounds and already Helensburgh and Lomond as a whole suffers an unsatisfactory delivery of health services. The incoming councillors will inherit the responsibility of delivering the cuts determined by the outgoing Council. There is no avoiding the fact that cuts and savings must be made but I would like to try to find solutions to soften the blows. Housing availability, facilities and opportunities for all and building strong economically viable communities are key issues.

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

As a new councillor I would have a lot to learn about how the Council works, it is a big area and an elected councillor’s responsibility extends to the whole area. I am certain things can be improved but I think it is easy to look on from the outside and criticise without understanding the logistics, budget constraints and management structures. Obtaining an overview and understanding the constraints will be necessary before being able to progress solutions.  I think it would be naive to say the first thing I will try to fix is the delivery of health services or the roads.  Marine environment, an issue where there is already local momentum and I think real progress can be made fairly quickly and addressing the integration of HMNB Clyde in the community and maintenance of its estate are what I would focus on first.

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected?

If elected I would anticipate working with all political parties and independents. I believe party politics should play no part in the administration and delivery of local services. Local Authorities should focus on their remit and not the affairs of Holyrood and Westminster.

Any are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

Of course not, I am prepared to work with everyone.  Only collaboration and cooperation will deliver a successful administration.

George Freeman (independent)

Could you tell readers about yourself, and why you’ve chosen to try and represent this ward?

I was first elected as an Independent Councillor in 1999. I do not believe that party politics should come in to local government. My principles have always been to put the communities I represent first rather than toe the line of any political party or political group within the Council. I have demonstrated that on many occasions, but principally, in 2010 when other councillors wanted to close Kilcreggan, Rosneath and Luss primary schools, I gave a promise that I would fight these closures and eventually, the Council was forced to withdraw their plans. I am the only ward councillor who holds monthly surgeries (three). Rather than wait a month to see me at a surgery, I encourage constituents with problems to contact me at any time. I believe that it is important that constituents have easy access to their councillor and I try to do all I can to facilitate that. I attend all Community Councils meetings across my ward to ensure that I am kept up to date on local community issues. I believe that I still have a great deal to offer the communities I have served over recent years and wish to continue to do that.

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

Unfortunately, constituents have continued to suffer from cuts in services by the current Administration. We have seen cuts in the bin collection service, cuts in school janitors, cuts in street lighting maintenance, cuts in school crossing patrollers etc etc. The list goes on and on. It is essential that the Council now starts to deliver high quality basic services. The Council also needs to start listening to the communities it serves. Over the past year, we have seen the current Administration members on the Area Committee only paying lip service to consultation and trying to force traffic management proposals on to the residents of Luss which I believe is unacceptable. The Council has now received one of the worst ever Education Service reports in Scotland from Education Scotland yet the current Administration tries to blame the inspectors for this damning report. That is unacceptable. The Council needs to accept the criticism and address the shortcomings in the Council’s Education Service that have been highlighted in the report as a matter of urgency. Too many councillors appear to have turned “native” and believe that the Council can do no wrong and try to defend the Council against any criticism, no matter how justified that criticism may be. Too many of these councillors appear to have forgotten that one of their most important roles is to represent their constituents and those communities who elected them. Some councillors do not even bother to respond to email messages which I believe is unacceptable.

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

There are a number of priorities across my ward and each community within my ward will have its own priorities which need to be addressed. One of the biggest priorities is the need to address a wide range of environmental issues relating to litter. That includes the litter that washes up on our beaches and at the head of our lochs and litter that is strewn along our roadsides and verges, much of which is throw from passing cars. The Council has tried to push responsibility for dealing with much of this work on to volunteers within our local communities when in fact, much of this needs resources to be set aside by the Council so that a regular professional and managed approach can be introduced to address these problems. I believe that this will require the Council to allocate funding through the budget process to address these problems.

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected? And are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

I have always stated that I am happy to work with any other councillors who like me, want to put what is best for Argyll & Bute and our communities first. That includes other independent councillors or councillors who are elected under a party political label. I refuse to rule out working with any individuals or political parties at this stage. Good will, mutual trust and a positive and constructive attitude is what is needed from all councillors, no matter what their affiliation may be.

Fiona Howard (Labour)

I spent over 40 years as a local newspaper journalist watching local government in action.

As a reporter and later newspaper editor I was a voiceless onlooker but now I can put all that experience to good use and do my own bit for the future of Helensburgh and Lomond.

This is a pivotal time for Scotland as well as for A&B and I believe that my experience will allow me to play a useful role in changing times.

As a mother I appreciate the fears of parents who are seeing education provision going downhill, I understand the worries of rural communities over the loss of health care at the VoL Hospital and as a businesswoman I know the concerns that the threat of Indyref 2 is causing.

I am a “WASPI” who expected to qualify for State Pension at 60 and now looking at 66 as qualifying age so I am still working, and run a small print, design and promotions business.

I am a board member of Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce and on the committees of Helensburgh Summer and Winter Festivals.

I also volunteer with a number of other local groups and organisations and am secretary of Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council. (206 words!)

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

1: Village communities in Lomond North is suffering from de-population. Communities are seeing much of their affordable housing sold off for holiday homes and as a result businesses, schools and community halls are facing an uncertain future. I will seek ways to encourage community growth and to develop new affordable housing for young families.

2: To create jobs for young people and skilled workers who have suffered redundancy in long held careers you need a business community which is empowered to grow and develop. A&Bute is ill-served by a lack of joined up thinking. I will do everything in my power to redress that and bring people together to create a bright future for Lomond North.

3: TEN years ago A&B Council was forewarned that nearly 2,000 additional Naval personnel would be posted to Helensburgh and Lomond when the British submarine fleet was moved in its entirety to Faslane. There are just three years left and NOTHING has been done to provide these personnel with the homes that will encourage their families to move with them. I will join the battle for progress.

4: Young people in rural areas are disadvantaged by geography … they live too far away from facilities to make the most of what is on offer. The cost of transport is an issue for many who are unable to travel to town to swim, attend sports or hobby clubs or even to take an evening class. These are not easily solved problems but I will campaign for solutions. (252 words)

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

I don’t believe there is one single priority for Lomond North. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed and each community has its own issues. These range from the ferry service for Cove and Kilcreggan, to the lack of jobs in Arrochar and parking problems and problems with the school in Luss. The shortage of affordable homes is a problem for everyone, the decline of educational standards despite the efforts of our teachers is of vital importance for parents, the elderly and disabled have their own problems to be addressed including access and lack of decent pavements and young people have been badly let down over access to facilities. I will also be doing what I can to help the fight for the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital. I am sure there are plenty more which I will learn about if I am elected. (150 words)

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected?

Over the past five years control of Argyll and Bute Council has swung back and forth as councillors regularly fell out with each other, even within the same group, and put their own party political interests ahead of our local services. Far too often the back-room deals brokered between councillors at Kilmory have focused more on who gets what job rather than the needs of our schools, care for the elderly and the lack of affordable housing in Helensburgh and Lomond. Labour has no interest in playing power games. We will put the needs of our local communities first and fight for the best possible deal for Helensburgh and Lomond in any discussions after the election.

And are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

Helensburgh and Lomond needs a council that is fully committed to fixing the problems in our schools, investing in housing and helping local businesses flourish. The current leadership has let down our area, with recent Education Scotland reports documenting the decline in educational standards at some of our schools. We would equally find it difficult to work with SNP councillors who think their day job is to fight for independence. Indeed the last time they controlled the Council there was so much infighting that they had no interest in delivering our services.

Paul Kennedy, Liberal Democrat

I became interested in the Liberal Democrat party during the 1980’s when my cousin, the late Charles Kennedy, was elected to the UK Parliament. As Charles’ career progressed to Party leader, my beliefs, values and aspirations became closely aligned with those of the Lib Dems; a recipe of policies for the majority and not solely for the extremes of the right or left.

For the majority of my adult life I have served the public.

I moved from Glasgow to Helensburgh and Lomond in 2003. On retirement from Strathclyde Police Force, I embarked on a second career as a secondary school mathematics teacher. Having taught in a variety of schools, including Hermitage Academy, I have experienced the recent changes in Education.

I have also operated a taxi service in Helensburgh and the Lomond North ward since 2008. I have a good geographical knowledge of the area and, through discussion with many customers, have gained many insights into the problems and concerns of local residents.

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

I am aware, through discussion with local individuals, that there are many concerns to do with the roads, particularly pot-holes and flooding, fly tipping, street lighting and similar issues. While these may appear to some to be minor irritations, to the people that reside there, these are major issues. I wonder why such issues have not been resolved to date and would try to expedite possible solutions.

I believe that I have the experience to perform the duties of local councillor. If elected, my main priorities would be:

To continue to develop a close relationship with local communities to gain a deeper understanding of local problems and concerns and work with local people to deliver solutions

To promote the area to attract new business, residence and tourism

To ensure the area is a healthy and safe place to live, with close connections to Helensburgh and further afield

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

In 1975 I joined the City of Glasgow Police Force. During my 30 years service I performed a wide variety of duties, experiencing many challenges. I would anticipate using this experience to help the local population in various areas:

Policing: Are there significant problems in requiring police attention? Drugs. Youth disorder. Domestic abuse. Speeding. I would liaise closely with the local area Commander to ensure resources are targeted towards areas of concern.

Licensing: Having specialized in the area of Licensing legislation during my police service, I would take great interest in this area as a councilor, particularly with regard to liquor licensing and the prevention of the consumption of alcohol by under-age persons.

Teaching: With a current vested interest in the education system, I would take great interest in primary schools in the area and encourage greater liaison between these schools and the transition of pupils to Hermitage Academy and other Schools. I am keen to ensure that local education services meet the needs of all young people in Lomond North.

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected?

With no party able to command an overall majority in the Council the Liberal Democrats would be prepared to work with any party or individual who is prepared to work co-operatively, honestly and in the best interests of the people of Argyll and Bute. The Liberal Democrats do not exert central control over their Council groups and therefore it will be a matter for the elected LibDems in the Council to agree who to work with/not work with.

And are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

As above – the Liberal Democrats would be prepared to work with any party or individual who is prepared to work co-operatively, honestly and in the best interests of the people of Argyll and Bute.

Barbara Morgan, Conservative

I live in Kilcreggan part of the Lomond North Ward.

I moved to the area a number of years ago with my partner Denise and our two pets. Living in this area I feel proud to be part of a community that has a wealth of knowledge, creativity and a strong sense of togetherness.

I work as a shift manager within the semiconductor manufacturing industry for the past 24 years – loving the job and the people that I work with on a daily basis who over the years are regarded as friends and in some ways extended family.

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

To get a good input from the residents across the ward on what is priority to them I recently distributed a survey across the ward. Due to the feedback I was able to support a pedestrian crossing being installed at the Co-op in Rosneath by submitting a petition of residents signatures to the council, which helped the motion being passed and the crossing to be installed. Further to the survey results, the feedback was great with main issues being, providing and maintaining good schools for our children, road maintenance, speeding and the general upkeep of our surrounding areas i.e.: grass cutting, pavements, and foot paths.

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

As above

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected? And are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

To your question on who or what party would I work with or not work with. If I am given the honour of working for the Lomond North ward within the council. I will work with all individuals and all parties to achieve the best results, I would see it as a team striving to provide the best for the ward and the residents within it.

Iain Paterson, SNP

I was born in Succoth Farm Arrochar, which my father ran with his brother and my great grandfather.

We moved away to where my fathers work, as a shepherd took him to various farms around Scotland, before returning again.

I left Arrochar to travel as a welder for various jobs in the oil industry, now both my wife and I work with people with learning difficulties and mental health issues, providing outdoor day activity opportunities. I had previously gained experience in this line of work by volunteering in my time off while working in the oil industry.

Arrochar &Tarbet has a great sense of community, where people help and look out for each other, this sense of community gave me the grounding and desire, to want to serve the community, and this is why we chose to raise our family here. It’s a place I am pleased to call home.

In my spare time I am a member of the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team. The team members come from all walks of life and give-up their free time to help those in need. I am proud and privileged to be a member of this organisation.

What do you think are the four key issues in the future for the ward?

Pertaining to my ward are these issues that have such an impact:

Enviromental: beach waste, fly tipping and dog fowling etc

Roads: surface conditions, lighting, flooding etc

Transport : having effective transport links with good bus and train services, effective car parking in villages for visitors, and more importantly locals, and for local communities to benefit from car parking charges, (which they could reinvest in their communities, be that beach cleans or other such local initiatives).

Health: access to local services, Gp access, local mental health initiative. We have an excellent mental health initiative in Arrochar that helps people who have mental health problems ,to address them, and find a way of dealing with things which in turn helps individuals, to get back on track with their lives.

This in turn benefits not only them, but the families who care for them. I would like to see this replicated throughout the ward, a policy that

I would hope the council would support to develop and implement.

Education – to engage with our young people and work to improve our education, childcare and early years support.

Of course each area has different issues ,what is key to one can be totally different to another.

What is the biggest single priority for the ward that you would try to address immediately after the election?

After consulting with individuals in the Rosneath area and being informed that there is a severe lack of facilities for the local community –

I would like to try and prioritise the facilitating of a drop in hub that local individuals can use. There is a building that a local group have made approaches to obtain, which would be suitable for their needs , this would enable people to use it as a drop in and information centre, (with access to computers and the internet, which could help the individuals who are trying to get into the workplace, to be able to search the jobs market). Also a place where people could meet up and develop ideas for their community, somewhere that could be used by all, also having a cafe in the building that could help generate funds for the running of the enterprise.

No single party is fielding enough candidates to achieve overall control of the council. Which other parties or individuals do you anticipate working with if you are elected?

We have, and continue to talk to people about working together, we will be focusing on people who share our ambition that is set out in our manifesto, for the good of Argyll & Bute.

And are there any parties or individuals you would not work with? If so, could you list them?

We could not work with people who do not, share our manifesto aims.