Why I’m standing

Quite simply I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired by the way this country is being run and want to contribute a voice of reason in my community as much as possible.

I have been an activist and campaigner for many years involving myself in a wide range of issues challenging our society today. I wish to use my skills in local government and fight financial waste, incompetence and injustice at Tower Hamlets council.

Incompetence and waste seem to the problems of our age when it comes to government.

Excessive red tape stifles business, vast expense fixing simple problems and a lack of common sense demonstrated in policies across the country.

It was reported recently it cost £305 to change a plug socket at an NHS hospital!

This type of financial waste is occuring across the country and it is getting worse.

It appears we have a common sense deficit as well as a financial one.

So I would like to offer a voice of common sense, I have never been shy to speak my mind and say what needs saying.

Perhaps it is naive of me to think I can do things differently however the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Over the years I have learn’t this the hard way.

Unlike many councillors who disappear from public view once elected I will connect with constituents in new ways.

For example Councillors are expected to hold scheduled surgeries every week, although their attendance record can be sporadic (see report)

To counter this (in addition to surgeries) I propose holding monthly public forums where we can bring members of our community together in once place to discuss ideas, build a network of people interested in regular involvement in our ward, allow me to give presentations on ideas and build solid backing from the public before submitting proposals to the council. In my view this is a true democratic process and a fantastic opportunity for those in our community to meet each other and build relationships over time.

I would fund these events and the follow through communications such as newsletters  from the councillors Salary.

What’s more I offer 100% transparency in my income as a result of being a councillor (doubtless you would expect nothing less from a Green Party member).

Many councillors work on additional committees and groups for which they are paid. I feel this is an extension of the councillors salary. I will tell you exactly what additional income I have received and as much as possible use it to contribute to our community, not my own pockets.

We have over 125 councillors across the UK and where elected the Greens always achieve success for the community, I intend to build on these achievements taking Borough such as Lewisham as a model of how Greens will work in Tower Hamlets.

THE LEWISHAM SUCCESS STORY

Lewisham has 6 councillors and they have had incredible success overturning proposed cuts in public services, regenerating neglected spaces and the introduction of a living wage for all council employees.

See what Greens have done in Lewisham

Green policies link strong local communities and public services, fairness and sustainability. The two Green Party London Assembly Members, Jenny Jones and Darren Johnson, have ensured huge investments in communities and services. The two Green Party MEPs, Caroline Lucas and Jean Lambert, have led the cause of equality and sustainability in Brussels. And in Scotland, Green Party MSPs have done the same in the Scottish Parliament.

Green Candidates are always voted in again such is the public’ satisfaction with our work.