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Edward Hoadley - Candidate for Wincanton Town Council Elections

Sunday 1 May 2011, 22:50

By Edward Hoadley

My family and I have lived in Wincanton for the past 25 years. I have worked within the agricultural industry and later as a leaving care worker for Social Services. My children were educated at King Arthur's Community School and both live locally. I was a governor at King Arthur's for 14 years, seven of those as chair. I believe passionately in education and that all children should have access to the best free education available.

Should I be elected as a town councillor my particular interests would be:

Increasing the public participation in the activities of the Town Council.
Supporting education and the wellbeing of young people in the town.
Future building should take into account the infrastructure, employment opportunities and the nature of the town. Wincanton is a historic market town and we need to retain this.
Encouraging employment into the town to help ensure a buoyant economy for town shops.
Good public transport links.
Support for the local hospital in their appeal for funds for a scanner and x-ray, to ensure that local people can have their health needs met close to home.
Ensure that there is good liaison between Town and District Council so that the views and needs of Wincanton are taken into account in the decision-making processes of the District Council.

If elected to the Council I would be happy to hear from local people and take their ideas and views forward to the Council. I believe in Wincanton for today, and want to help shape it for the future of our children and grandchildren.

Comments

James Phillips
Posts: 2

Re: Edward Hoadley - Candidate for Wincanton Town Council Elections
Reply #1 on : Mon May 02, 2011, 19:12:03

Though not a single one of those areas of interest has an actual policy articulated, except possibily the last point. Its just a list of wishes.

Sleuth
Posts: 1

Edward Hoadley
Reply #2 on : Thu May 05, 2011, 11:06:44

James, I think that you’re being a bit hard on a chap who cares about this town and wants to serve it. The town council is non-political and so most of what they have to do is driven by policies set up by either District or County. Your enthusiasm is commendable, and I could see you standing for Town Council at the next elections. You could then cut your teeth and move on to District, County………who knows………maybe a future PM. Now that would put Wincanton well and truly in the map. At least people would know where it is.

I went to the recent husting at King Arthur’s. It was a good night and interesting to hear what the candidates had to say. Sadly not all the candidates cared enough to turn up. According to the list in The Window several Town Council and District Council candidates didn’t turn up. Some sent apologies, but I was surprised that some didn’t. That’s a bit sad and only reflects on them. The mood of the night seemed to be that those who turned up earned brownie points. I would have thought that it was in their best interests to meet the voters. We all know that the population as a whole struggle to vote because they don’t think it makes any difference. But when the candidates can’t be bothered I think that is a real concern.

As it is I think that our Town Council deserves our whole hearted support because, they do so much for us with so little resources. I followed some of the articles in The Window and was staggered to see that they only get £154,000 to run this town for the next year. There are people in this town who earn more than that. I noted the amounts paid in golden handshakes at District level, and that causes me to worry about how our hard earned taxes are being used/misused.

I’ve noticed that you are a fairly frequent contributor, and by the tone of what you say I am assuming that you are one of Wincanton’s younger residents. Keep commenting and learning. I hope that you maintain your concerns for Wincanton. It’s a great place. That’s why I moved here. Wincanton needs to see young people (I hope you are) caring, and I hope, getting involved. Be someone who doesn’t just talk about it. Be part of it and get involved in this lovely community.

Sleuth

PS. For what it’s worth I will be voting for the Town Council Candidates who turned up at the husting.

davidsmith
Posts: 2

A little blunt, perhaps...
Reply #3 on : Thu May 05, 2011, 14:32:28

Outside the possibility that James has mistaken this article for one written on behalf of a DISTRICT Council candidate, I think it is rather unlikely you'd find another TOWN Council candidate with a more specific manifesto. Not impossible, though, granted, and I suppose it would be a step up if candidates brought to the table a more specific action plan if such a thing is possible within the context of the position.

James Phillips
Posts: 2

Re: Edward Hoadley - Candidate for Wincanton Town Council Elections
Reply #4 on : Thu May 05, 2011, 23:19:41

Nothing I said meant I don't support the district council. Its just a clear observation that a political candidate shouldn't have a list which is basically saying "I will give you a better world." One doesn't enter politics expecting an easy ride, its a world full of criticism and debate. It would be useful to know for example what the candidate thinks about the current hot topics in the town - for example the new health centre, or the high street parking fees etc. Even if an issue is not one that they will directly be voting on, it is important to understand a candidates views. Perhaps it was phrased a touch directly.

"Future building should take into account the infrastructure, employment opportunities and the nature of the town. " For example, is more along the lines of a useful campaign comment.

And I agree about the poor show at the hustings, though I myself could not watch given that I am not in wincanton at the moment.

davidsmith
Posts: 2

Not political
Reply #5 on : Fri May 06, 2011, 09:06:16

To clarify, James, I understand it that Edward Hoadley is NOT a political candidate and the vagueness of his list is simply dictated by that of the role he is standing to play.

Town Councillors are not obliged to be politically inclined, or biased.

Specific reference to 'the hot topics in town - for example the new health centre, or the high street parking fees etc' would, indeed, have been of more interest. It's possible the TC's opportunity to influence the new health centre development has long since passed, however.

Nick Colbert
Posts: 1

Congratulations
Reply #6 on : Sat May 07, 2011, 14:34:10

Well done Edward.

Edward Hoadley - Candidate for Wincanton Town Council Elections

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