Today is the day we can cast our vote in the local election., As with previous years WV11 sent out a questionnaire to ALL local candidates in standing in Wednesfield North and South. Disappointingly this only 2 of the candidates even acknowledged these questions, missing the opportunity to introduce themselves to the electorate.
Below are are list of candidates in our area and the answers from the candidates that did respond in the order that we received them.
Lee Harris (Green – Wednesfield North)
Name: Lee Harris
Party: Green Party
Ward: Wednesfield North
Occupation: Teacher
What made you decide to stand for election?
To ensure that voters in Wednesfield North have the opportunity to vote for progressive Green policies
What do you believe are the key issues to be dealt with in your ward?
Jobs and housing
How do you feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents?
By putting people at the heart of decision making – acting in the common good
What local initiatives have you personally been involved in, in the ward you are standing for in the last 12 months?
I have been busy educating the next generation
If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them and how will they get in touch with you when they need you?
Via a variety of social media, door to door and newsletters
Anything else you would like to add?
A Green vote is never wasted – we need to show our collective strength
Phil Bateman (Labour – Wednesfield North)
Name: Phil Bateman
Party: The Labour Party
Ward: Wednesfield North
Occupation: Self Employed
What Made you Decide to Stand?
I have a passion for Wednesfield and a drive to serve my community. I was first elected into a Public Office way back in 1981.
I have not lost the drive to serve, indeed I would say that I am keener than ever to ‘#Speak up for Wednesfield North’, ensuring our collective voices are heard.
There is a lot of unfinished business to attend to including – the final stages of turning the Wyrley & Essington Canal into a Local Nature Reserve.
What do you believe are the key issues to deal with in your Ward?
Housing is still the number one ask
Since I was last elected in 2012 we have seen 33 new homes constructed in Wednesfield North using redundant land like old disused Garage sites.
We have also seen a good private letting service start up in Ashmore Park – which is assisting in finding people private rental homes, and that is an extra service to that provided by Wolverhampton Homes- The City Council Housing Agency.
Yet the demand for homes-affordable homes here in Wednesfield North is still growing in demand
Government funding cuts in a variety of services including Leisure and Youth Services is still creating difficulties, as is the reduction in Government Grants in transport.
How do You Feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents ?
My experience in representing my Constituents in various Forums,like City Council organisations, Voluntary and Community Groups, stretching back over decades is a huge advantage
I have a track record in delivering and assisting in delivering projects and improvements for our Ward.
I think I have lived up to the words’ Make a Difference’ I have never lost the passion to deliver a better community.
Improvements have taken place here. I have played a part in delivering a Community Asset in joining with the Ashmore Inn patrons and helping the PH survive.
I have played a part with the community and my fellow Councillors’ in supporting the Volunteers in creating perhaps the best Community Hub in Wolverhampton.
I have continued to promote the Wyrley & Essington Canal in Wednesfield and have guided it to the cusp of becoming the UK’s longest and newest Local Nature Reserve.
I have helped hundreds and perhaps hundreds more in personal issues and in their quest for housing and social service support.
What local initiatives have you personally been involved with in the Ward You are standing for in the last 12 months?
I have been involved with a wide range of community and sporting teams and clubs through out the year. I will try and list the arrangements and the actions.
Canal & River Trust developing the Local Nature Reserve
Researching and publishing a ‘healthy walk’ taking in local history and nature relating to the Ward
Assisting the Black Country Fuschia Sciety in their Annual Show
Playing a role in assisting with HOW’s bid for ‘Britain in Bloom’ and Wednesfield’s entry into the competition
Assisting the Ashmore Park Community Association in their various roles
Helping to deliver a new play infrastructure in the Ashmore Park for our younger children. The design is now complete and the construction should start in weeks.
If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them and how do they keep in touch with you when they need you?
I already run a variety of Social Media sites including having a Face Book page, a Twitter Account and my own Web Page www.philbateman.com I use these sites to keep interested readers up dated in all that is taking place in Wolverhampton, the Region and of course Wednesfield.
I hold regular Advice Surgery’s, and I publicise my home and telephone numbers
I attend public meetings and I respond to correspondence and invitation’s.
Anything else you would like to add?
Only that I live in Wednesfield North. I am the only candidate that lives in the Ward! I have lived here for all of my adult life. I am the Chairman of Ashmore Park Nursery School a three times Awarded Ofsted Outstanding School.