Could you tell readers about yourself, and why you’ve chosen to try and represent this ward?
My name is Graham Hardie and I have been a local councillor representing the ward of Helensburgh Central for 5 years now. I am 50 and live with my wife locally. Having been brought up in Helensburgh and attending Hermitage Primary and living in the town subsequently for another 8 years I know it and it’s residents well. Also I gained an MA Honours degree in Sociology and Social Policy from Glasgow University in 1997. I have worked as a youth worker, a support worker for the disabled and owned a gardening business in the town. Volunteering is something I enjoy and I worked in the local Cancer Research shop for nearly 2 years. I like hill walking and completed The West Highland Way in 2020 raising £1200 for SAMH. Reading and writing are also other hobbies. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 5 year term as a local councillor especially helping my constituents with any issues or problems they might face. I have been on different boards including NHS Highland and LiveArgyll and helped out in the community being involved in the maintenance of the shrubs in Helensburgh town square and the Winter Festival. I am standing as a candidate in May in Helensburgh Central again because I believe I am an effective councillor who listens to my constituents and represents them to the best of my ability on Argyll and Bute Council.
What do you think are the three key issues in the future for the ward, and how close is your relationship with it?
I think the 3 key issues facing the ward are firstly the successful opening and running of The Waterfront Development. Secondly the correct and appropriate allocation of retail space where the swimming pool is at the moment and thirdly Covid Recovery. These are all issues for the future so I am not closely tied or involved in them now (but will be if I am re elected) other than being on the LiveArgyll Board and asking shop keepers locally if I could be of any assistance during the pandemic.
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?
Yes I would join TALIG as it offers strong leadership within Argyll and Bute Council as illustrated by the present administration which has been together right through this 5 year term.
Currently the council is considering a ‘collectives’ system, which would see several schools share a headteacher and management team. Do you support this policy?
Yes I support the “collectives” system.