In the run up to the General, Borough and Town/Parish Council elections on May 7th we will be publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates that respond to our request.
To read the interviews with other candidates click on the tags at the bottom of the article. For example, pieces on the other candidates for the Handforth South Ward will all be tagged 'Handforth South Ward' and 'Town Council Election'. Candidates representing the same party or group will also be connected via the tags.
Ian Clark is an Independent candidate for the Handforth South Ward for Handforth Parish Council.
Ian is married to Jane, has three grown up children and they have lived in Handforth for 24 years. Ian is now retired but previously worked as a civil servant leading teams on project and investigative work. He also served on the Standards Committee at Macclesfield Council for about four years, two years as Chair, and later transferred to Cheshire East Council Standards Committee until it was disbanded.
Ian enjoys spending time travelling with his wife Jane and besides being a parish councillor his interests include gardening, fishing, reading and more recently historical research. On a more physical note he also enjoys running, swimming and walking.
Speaking about why he is standing for re-election, Ian told me "I first thought of joining the council when I worked on the "Over by Christmas" event with Friends of Handforth Station. This included researching and preparing a display about Handforth Prisoner of War Camp. As part of this I was able to trace and contact descendants of two of the German prisoners and arrange for them to attend the event which was a great success. My work contributed to Friends of Handforth being presented with an award for best station.
"It was great for the community and I wanted to build on this and therefore stood for the West Ward of the Parish Council and was fortunate enough to win the December 2014 by-election."
He added "My main priorities if I am re-elected would be:-
- to continue the fight against the Conservative led Cheshire East Councils Plan to build on Handforths Green Belt Land.
– to build on the progress made by Handforth Parish Council to protect and support those who need help. Such as the partnership with Hampers of Hope and the Mobility Access Group scheme.
– to improve the community spirit helping to regenerate Handforth by organising events, with the help of community groups, involving businesses and residents working together.
- to honour the fallen servicemen and women by continuing to support the building of the war memorial and the Remembrance Sunday Poppy Display."
When asked why Handforth residents should vote for him, Ian said "I think people might vote for me firstly because of my previous experience of team working and knowledge of local government. Secondly because I have no business interests in Handforth, I am not constrained by party politics and I have no political ambition. I am also enthusiastic and have time to dedicate to the duties of a parish councillor."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
His enthusiasm and involvement in helping the Friends of Meriton Road Park in Handforth has been tremendous in the short time he has been active as a volunteer.
We look forward to working with Ian in the future and are certain that his brand of help and support, so willingly provided, is just what Handforth needs in a Parish Councillor.
Good luck Ian - you have our vote!