Andy Bray
I am asking for your vote in support of my quest to become a local councillor for the Southlands Ward of Adur District. I do so with a long held sense of frustration with current make up of Adur District Council, where one party has had the overwhelming majority for the last 4 years.My decision was finalised with the de-selection and subsequent defection of the last councillor due to his “low level of attendance of council meetings” and the belief amongst local people [many of whom have talked to me] who think that local politicians only surface every four years. The time is now right for you to say enough is enough and we want someone to represent the neighbourhood for the next 4 years with a sense of dedication and conviction, someone who will ensure that where possible the needs and aspirations of all are met.
I am a local person who has over a number of years lived in, worked in and served the community. I am currently involved with a number of local groups such the local residents group, local children and families centre, neighbourhood police panel and have in the past been a school governor for the local school.
I am pledging to:
1.Hold at least a monthly session in the Southlands Ward to allow residents to raise concerns effecting either their family or the community as a whole
2. Host at least 4 “open” meetings per year where I will talk about my activities and answer questions from residents
3. Provide an “auditable trail” of outcomes for all questions raised by residents
4. Issue regular news updates of my activities on a website which will be opened as soon as I am elected
5.Be open and truthful when dealing with you and treating you with the level of respect that I would expect to receive from elected representatives and officials
Andy's Articles
And the opposition?
Darren Burns
Carl Simon English
Frank Mills
Future Events
What’s it all about?
The task of politicians is to make life better for society. To right wrongs, to improve the conditions of life in every area where improvement is possible and where improvement is needed. It is evident from this viewpoint, that the task of politicians always remains unachieved, a work in progress. It is not, or should not be, the task of politicians to manage the world as it is - that is for the civil service, the public service, the managers. It is the politicians’ task to bring about the world that ought to be.
Their achievements, no matter how momentous, are soon forgotten, and often do not benefit the reputation of those responsible for them. The failures, on the other hand, the mistakes, the divisive but necessary decisions, they will stay fresh because the tasks have not been fullfilled. Politician are defined, not by their achievements, but their failures. Their failures, or the perceived likelihood of future failure.
Uncomfortable and ungrateful though it may seem, this is how it should be. This is why the honours and the airs that some politicians grant themselves are held in such distaste, even contempt, by the public. The excuse that politicians sometimes give for their ‘human’ - failures, that they are like anyone else, good in parts and no better or worse than the rest of us, is just that, an excuse not a justification. Politicians are, and should be judged according to how they measure up to and fulfill their task; whether they honour the trust that is given them. This is the very essence of public service.
