The candidates for the upcoming Wilmslow Town Council election, representing Wilmslow West Ward, have been announced.
Residents in Wilmslow will have the choice of nine candidates to fill five seats when they go to the polls on on Thursday, 4th May.
The candidates standing are:
- Abdullah Faruq - Local Conservatives
- Mark Goldsmith * - Residents of Wilmslow
- Michael Gorman - Residents of Wilmslow
- Tim Higgins - Residents of Wilmslow
- Angela McPake * - Local Conservatives
- Julie Dawn Potts * - Local Conservatives
- Hannan Sarwar * - Local Conservatives
- Ed Sleath - Residents of Wilmslow
- Toby Tritschler - Residents of Wilmslow
I am publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates, in the order in which I receive a response to my request. Use the tags below to locate the other candidate interviews published to date.
Please tell me about yourself - occupation, where you live, interests, family?
I have worked at Royal London for the last 21 years in IT. I live just off Chapel Lane, with my wife Julie and our two dogs, Scarlett and Indi. We have two grown-up sons one of whom we see very regularly as he still works in Wilmslow at the Information Commissioner's Office.
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, skiing, walking the dogs, running (occasionally) and playing golf (badly). I want to put something back into the community that I have been privileged to live in for so many years.
How long you have lived in there?
I have lived in Wilmslow for 30 years and 25 of those at our current house on Fulshaw Avenue.
Are you a member of any local groups or societies?
I have been an active member of Wilmslow community, previously running the 1st Lindow Cubs, and managing one of the junior sides at Lindow Cricket Club (when my sons were a lot younger). I still enjoy playing role in the local community when the opportunity arises such as marshalling the 10k and Wilmslow half marathon.
Why have you decided to stand for election as a town councillor?
I feel privileged to live in Wilmslow and want to put something back into the wider community putting people at the heart of decision making. I have always felt that a local town council should be centred on the needs of the community and is not the place for the national political parties. I want to offer the electors in Wilmslow the opportunity to vote for a candidate who will put the needs of the community first, the needs of the people first and driven by local priorities.
I have joined Residents of Wilmslow, because they are a group of genuine independents from varied backgrounds who have a common aim to work for Wilmslow and its residents.
What do you consider to be the important issues facing Wilmslow?
Wilmslow town centre is struggling, feels tired and rundown. I think there is a lot we can do to bring it back to life, encourage our community to come back to our town centre to create more of a hub that serves the town. The artisan market is a great event and brings our community together on a monthly basis. We need to work out what we can do to encourage retailers with locally sourced products to have a more permanent base in the town.
Climate change is an issue that affects us all. Obviously, there is a limited amount we can do at town council level, but I would try to ensure that Wilmslow takes part in the various initiatives that can make a difference.
All of this is really difficult to tackle at a local level but I am keen to plough my energy into making a difference.
What do you hope to achieve and how in the next 4 years?
Quite simply, I hope to play my part as part of the team of Wilmslow councillors (of whatever grouping or party) to regenerate the town centre, put sustainability at the heart of decision making and do my best for local people. This includes pushing forward the implementation of the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan.
What experience and personal qualities will you bring to the role?
My professional career in I.T. has involved a considerable amount of providing imaginative solutions to problems and listening to the customers to provide what they want and need.
I have lived in this community for most of my adult life, I am a good listener and know that I am not always right! I can promise that I will listen to the concerns of all residents and help give them a voice on the council.
Why should Wilmslow West ward residents vote for you?
As part of the Residents of Wilmslow independent group, my main focus is to put Wilmslow and its citizens first, listening to individual concerns. I am keen to work towards regenerating the town centre and make best use of the limited budget. WE need to manage our budget wisely and effifciently and focus our efforts on what will make the most difference to the people who live here.
*current councillor.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Climate change does not affect me Ed, the utilities overcharging and taxes rinsed from me to pay for overseas governments profits, subsidies, unnecessary infrastructure, Chinese imports of toxic goods and loonatic plans such as hydrogen for domestic use affect me.
A quiz for you Ed.
Which global energy industry regularly collects hundreds of corpses of endangered species with little criticism? Clue raptors.
Were you against the coking mine in Cumbria (without understanding the detail)?
Are you familiar with drought in Mexico and the avocado market?
Similar with that ludicrous product almond milk (California).
Do you know where quinoa beans come from?
How green is your skiing?
Did you believe that, during the Covid frights, masks were of any benefit?
Have you ever heard of 2
Finally, did you and your family clap your hearts out every Thursday (and are you now embarrassed)?
How about this for a manifesto?
I will not involve myself in business I don’t understand such as regenerating town centre businesses.
I will not get involved in costly schemes such as flower planters, Xmas lights, tree planting etc.
I will dedicate my time to rooting out skivers on the Council payroll, exposing clueless schemes, wastage etc. in an attempt to cut costs and provide only the services absolutely necessary.
I will not commit taxpayers funds to harebrained “climate change” plans which will do nothing to change anything.
Final quiz question Ed.
Can you find and direct me to ANY peer reviewed paper confirming that a rise in CO2 leads to a rise in temperature?
Seriously though, my understanding is that a Town Council should be involved in the following:
- supporting regeneration and promotion of business in the town
- spending the precept we pay to make the place appealing
I believe the last CEC did a good job in routing out corrupt and poor performing councillors, sadly there were still a couple on Wilmslow Town Council who regularly didn't attend!