Local elections 2012: East Marsh candidates

On May 3, voters in North East Lincolnshire will go to the polls for this year’s local election.

In the run-up to polling day we have been asking all 48 candidates why they deserve your vote.

Today, in the final ward to be featured, we hear from those standing in the East Marsh.

PHILLIP DUMBRELL Conservative

Age: 34

Address: Norfolk Court, Grimsby

Occupation: Customer service assistant

1) Why are you standing as a candidate?

I am standing as a candidate because doing voluntary work with the NHS, Shoreline Housing Partnership and North East Lincolnshire Disability Access group has helped me get to know what the residents want. I am determined to deliver improved and better services than what is produced today for all low income families, elderly and disabled residents.

2) What skills and experience will you bring to the role?

I have the knowledge and background of being on a low income, family and friends with disabilities and knowing what is faced on a daily basis. I have excellent people skills with a good listening ear, with general knowledge of who to put issues to in each department whether council, housing or NHS.

3) If elected, what issues will you be focusing on in your ward?

The issues are very generic. They include parking, littering, drains, lighting, park (younger children), disabled facilities, Guildford Street, Freeman Street, uneven pavements, traffic problems, illegal parking, crime, dog fouling, plus anything else that the residents want to be resolved.

4) What will you do to ensure council spending represents good value for money?

The budgets must be transparent with at least three months consultation with all residents about what they want. High cost and low impact means NOT value for money.

5) Which council services do you think should be protected as a priority?

Difficult question, easy answer. ALL services are important. Education, transport, sport and leisure, health and wellbeing, voluntary sectors, library, street security, weekly collections, waste and recycling, toilet facilities, play facilities for younger children, social care for all ages and disabilities, improved housing which will be beneficial to our community.

6) Where do you think the necessary savings should be made?

In the council there is duplication of jobs and paperwork. It is a costly mistake for the tax payer. There should be more amalgamation of agencies that the council have that are doing the same job. Also, bus services like Dial a Ride and Phone ‘n’ Ride, which can work together to help elderly and disabled persons get the service they want. Also, high salaries in management.

JEANETTE FERGUSON Liberal Democrat

Age: 52

Address: Thorgam Court, Grimsby

Occupation: Previously worked as a food process worker and for a local charity

1) Why are you standing as a candidate?

To help the local people of the East Marsh and help to make the area a better place to live. I promise I will not defect or switch parties – and will stay loyal to people who vote for me in this election.

2) What skills and experience will you bring to the role?

I have served on numerous committees in the voluntary sector, and I have a good knowledge of the local area, as well as the many problems that local residents face. I am a good listener and communicator – I will be able to make residents’ views known to both the council and partner agencies.

3) If elected, what issues will you be focusing on in your ward?

My agenda will be the issues and priorities that affect all of the residents of the East Marsh, both the young and elderly – I will not allow politics to be placed before the local community. I am a ‘community politician’, and I will listen to the views of local residents and focus on their issues

4) What will you do to ensure council spending represents good value for money?

Encourage greater partnership working, both with partners, the voluntary sector and other local councils, and use best practice used within the public sector to deliver value for money. And, to provide services that meet the need of the local community.

5) Which council services do you think should be protected as a priority?

It is difficult to say which services that I would protect. It is more a question of how the services are delivered, but the vast majority of front-line council services are used by East Marsh residents, therefore I would protect these services.

6) Where do you think the necessary savings should be made?

The budget process should commence much earlier and councillors should have a greater involvement going through budgets – looking for unnecessary spending that will not have an impact upon the local community.

JON-PAUL HOWARTH Labour

Age: 22

Address: Banbury Court, Grimsby

Occupation: East Marsh Involve Support worker

1) Why are you standing as a candidate?

Representing the people of the East Marsh for four years has been a real honour. In that time, we’ve seen positive changes in our area, but more needs to be done. The East Marsh will always come first for me because it’s where I live and work.

2) What skills and experience will you bring to the role?

I’ve worked with young people – and their families – at Shalom for nine years. Added to this is my experience as a councillor and a school governor at Havelock, and previously Strand and Weelsby schools. I’m also involved in many community projects for East Marsh residents.

3) If elected, what issues will you be focusing on in your ward?

The regeneration is much talked about and much needed, so this will be a priority for me and residents. We need better-quality housing and I will campaign to get private landlords to make their properties decent places to live. Dealing with antisocial behaviour caused by a minority and crime prevention are also important.

4) What will you do to ensure council spending represents good value for money?

The Tory Lib Dem Government have slashed the council’s budget, so we need to scrutinise budgets very carefully to see if there are better ways of doing things to make sure that residents are protected from savage cuts. Is all out-sourcing value for money? Could local people with skills and knowledge not do some of these jobs?

5) Which council services do you think should be protected as a priority?

I will fight to retain services for the elderly and vulnerable. Family services such as Sure Start Children’s Centres have an important role to play in the East Marsh.

6) Where do you think the necessary savings should be made?

We need to carefully look at all budgets to see where savings can be made without affecting front-line services that people rely on.

HENRY HUDSON UKIP

Age: 38

Address: Hatcliffe

Occupation: Agricultural contractor

1) Why are you standing as a candidate?

East Marsh residents are natural UKIP supporters. Many families living here suffered when Ted Heath gave away our fishing grounds as a “price worth paying” for EU membership. These same local people lost out again when Labour opened our borders and cheap labour flooded the area. I want to offer real change to the East Marsh, change that only UKIP can deliver.

2) What skills and experience will you bring to the role?

I have worked for myself since leaving school, starting on Immingham Docks. I know the value of a pound. The council needs real people from the real world in its ranks not overpaid fat cats.

3) If elected, what issues will you be focusing on in your ward?

If elected I will represent the people. I can’t guess their views until that happens.

4) What will you do to ensure council spending represents good value for money?

All spending plans have to be studied on a value for money return. If plans have little benefit to the rate payer then leave them on the drawing board.

5) Which council services do you think should be protected as a priority?

Only essential services should be protected. I believe in a small council that requires less funding which should lead to lower council tax therefore leaving more money in the pockets of those who earn it.

6) Where do you think the necessary savings should be made?

Every council service should be made as efficient as possible. There is no room for waste in these difficult times.