It’s now just over a week until polling day. In ten days time, we will see whether I have succeeded in my efforts to convince enough voters in Wyesham to choose me as their County Councillor. The campaign has thrown up a lot of interesting issues and concerns, as well as presenting a lot of opportunities.
There is no doubt that people are angry. They are angry with a Conservative government in London who are attacking the living standards of the poor and middle-earners in our communities; they are angry with Liberal Democrat yes men who are allowing them to get away with it. They feel betrayed by a Government who said they had the country’s best interests at heart, but whose performance has shown that they are only prepared to help the richest in our society.
People are also angry with the Conservatives at County level, too. Voters are aware that Monmouthshire has the second lowest level of Council Tax collection in the whole of Wales. They are sick of paying their bills, only to find that services are being cut because others don’t pay theirs. And what is the Tory response to this? Cut the number of staff working in the collection department. People are angry at an administration that has taken Monmouthshire to second bottom position in the league for providing services; bottom of the league for paying bills to small businesses; sliding down the league for school attainment.
In the face of this, my message has been unremittingly positive. People seem to be appreciating the simpler ideas that can make a difference. I have recently become an Age Cymru Ambassador for Older People, committed to standing up for the charity’s three main principles; firstly, to protect frontline services, exactly what Labour have pledged to; secondly, ensuring that older people are safe in winter – chiming with my efforts to keep the police station in Monmouth from closing; thirdly, trying to make more public conveniences available for older people. To this end, I’ve written to every cafe, restaurant and pub in Monmouth Town centre asking them to join me in opening up their facilities for older people to use. I am yet to receive a response from any of them. Those who eventually do respond will have their co-operation trumpeted loudly. Ideas about calming traffic, opening up more opportunities for young people, allowing businesses and job seekers to advertise on the County Council’s web site, car-sharing schemes for commuters, all ideas that cost little or no money but that can make a big difference to people’s lives.
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As with any campaign, there have been humorous moments to remember. I am indebted to Mrs P who answered my introduction with the words: “ooh, aren’t you handsome!” There was the less witty man who tried to squeeze my hand so tightly that I would be injured and gain a sympathy vote (?). Then there were the mother and son couple who remarked “He’s got it, ain’t he Mum? He certainly has!” Whatever ‘it’ is! I was also on the receiving end of a lovely compliment today, when a man told me that I was: “..the most impressive individual we’ve had round here at this election.” The man had been canvassed by Monmouth’s M.P. a few days earlier!
The most amusing moment came with a great Tory ‘fail’. Both myself and my opponent are saying that we would support local jobs. I had my leaflets printed in Monmouth. Hers were printed in Cardiff. I think that says all we need to know!
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Published and Promoted by Gwyneth Marsden on behalf of Liam Stubbs, both at 37 Elstob Way, Monmouth, NP25 5ET
