Could you tell readers about yourself, and why you’ve chosen to try and represent this ward?
Having first been elected in 2007 to represent the Helensburgh & Lomond South ward I believe that much has been achieved for the area in that time but there is still a great deal that needs to be done. I was born in Helensburgh and have a great deal of affection for the town and surrounding area. I am currently employed by a local Motor Dealer where I have worked for over 30 years and I believe there have been many improvements in the town in recent years. Having been part of an administration which has delivered projects like CHORD, the Civic Centre and the new Leisure Centre, I would welcome the opportunity to continue to make improvements for the benefit of everyone connected with the area
What do you think are the three key issues in the future for the ward, and how close is your relationship with it?
Roads and infrastructure are always high on my list of priorities and I would always argue for continued investment for our local roads, footways and street signs. As part of the administration I have always advocated putting additional funding into this each year when deciding the council budget. A focus needs to be maintained on the delivery of the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle route and a concentrated effort must be made by the next Council to ensure each funding bid is successful and is delivered within the given timelines. Then of course there is the magnificent new Helensburgh Leisure Centre which is due to open in August – this will be an asset to the Helensburgh & Lomond area and community engagement will be vital in getting the next stage of the waterfront development right and the levelling up funding available from the UK Government must be pursued to ensure the wooden pier is brought back into use.
Currently Argyll and Bute Council is run by TALIG – the Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Group, a coalition of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and some independent councillors. If elected, would you join this group?
The answer is a definite yes – I have been involved with TALIG since it was formed in 2013 when the SNP led administration collapsed. As a group, we are able to focus on local issues and delivering on the priorities of the communities we represent leaving, national politics at the door!
Currently the council is considering a ‘collectives’ system, which would see several schools share a headteacher and management team. Do you support this policy?
The most important outcome of this process is what works best for the school pupils. Argyll & Bute covers a vast area and the most important things to consider are the views of those who have participated in the consultation process and the delivery of an education system which focuses on the best outcomes for the pupils. This would have to be my focus when making any decision going forward.