Voters in the Spalding St Paul’s ward will be electing a new district council member on Thursday, November 9.
It follows South Holland Independent Bailey Boulding stepping down from the position in September.
The Voice asked each of the five candidates to provide 100 words as to why voters should put the cross in the box next to their name.
Vanessa Browning (South Holland Independents) – I feel I could really work well with the community in St Paul’s ward.
I’m very passionate about community and helping people with their needs.
I’ve heard from few people about their concerns and would like support the community.
If I’m elected to be a councillor in the ward, with Rob Gibson’s support l really feel we can make a difference to the community and will work hard to address the issues that people are worried about. Community is so important and feel it’s time to move forward with things.
If elected I will hold public monthly groups and weekly coffee mornings.
Aidan Forman (Labour) – I am delighted to be the Labour Party candidate for the by-election in Spalding St Paul’s on November 9.
Unlike the usual Conservative and Independent councillors, I am bringing something different to the table. I stand for real change from the stagnant status quo that has held our area back. I will breathe new life into our local political scene and offer genuine opposition and challenge, holding our councillors to account on their decisions.
The council has recently received £20million in levelling-up money, having been left behind. This must be spent wisely to make a real difference, not just to the town centre, but for all our residents including St Paul’s.
Glynis Scalese (Conservative) – With my previous experience as a serving district councillor, I feel that I know St Paul’s ward and the many issues.
As a charity fundraiser, I will always fight against injustice for all the people and I have a genuine concern for the isolated and vulnerable in our community.
I have previously worked for the NHS, and currently work for Mencap as a support worker, which includes residents in the Queens Road area. I believe that by working with residents and other professional agencies we can truly work together to make our environment a nicer and safer place to live, work, retire, to do business and to enjoy our leisure time.
Steve Timewell (True Independent) – Although most people will know me as the one that brought back the Spalding Flower Parade and several other major community events, being a councillor is not just about organising events. A councillor should be honest, transparent and totally dedicated to the community.
These are all traits I have shown, long before I considered standing for election. I have chosen to stand as an independent so that I do not have to simply agree with any other councillor or political party if it’s not in the best interests of my residents. I genuinely care about Spalding and my community.
Julian Wheeler (Independent) – We cannot rely on outsider councillors or SHDC to solve our problems but it is time that one of our own gives us a voice in Priory Road, so that together the residents can do so in their place.
I chat daily with dozens of dejected local residents, and unlike the other candidates my only priority is in St Paul’s not the town centre as seems to be their main concern.
If if I am given the trust of the residents it would be a privilege to fight for their future and have already started to discuss plans with several agencies for taking this forward.
