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A choice of person and values: a message from your local MP
The global recession has continued to dominate our thoughts into the new year, as we consider our future prosperity, and that of our families.
Government choices about spending limited resources are key. Should we focus on local priorities like education, crime-fighting and the NHS? Or, as the Conservatives pledge, an Inheritance Tax cut for the five wealthiest families in each constituency?
The values I hold dear, and share with fellow North East Somerset residents, tell me it’s morally wrong to axe hospital and school funding just to benefit the very richest.
On doorsteps, and at my twice-weekly surgeries, coffee mornings and other events, I increasingly find Tory priorities, like legalising foxhunting, aren’t shared by decent people.
That’s reflected in local reaction to Tory-run B&NES’ plans to slash services and jobs when they set their annual budget next month. Residents want B&NES to give much more serious thought to using the multi-million reserve funds they’re sitting on - to protect our services while the impact of world recession continues. If there are to be cuts, the ineffective £170,000 Chief Executive post, and the £340,000 B&NES spends on ‘propaganda’ should be top of the list.
In this year’s General Election ultra-marginal North East Somerset will be one of the closest two-horse Tory-Labour races anywhere in the country: a fascinating choice about the type of person people want to represent them, and the values they hold.
I urge all Journal readers to use their hard-fought democratic vote and play their part. Because every voter will make a difference in this exciting contest, shaping our area’s future for many years to come. Written for The Midsomer Norton, Radstock and District Journal, January 2010
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Working
in the area where I’ve grown up and worked hard all my adult life
means I’m closely in touch with local people’s priorities. Into
2010 this personal and long-lasting connection is more vital than ever.