This release in from Ventnor Independent candidates, Cllrs Chris Welsford (pictured right) and Steve Stubbings (pictured left), in their own words. Ed
Island Independents, Mayor of Ventnor, Steve Stubbings and former Mayor, Chris Welsford, who currently represents Ventnor East on the Isle of Wight Council, are again standing for election with the aim of providing Independent representation on the County Council for the whole of Ventnor.
Vote to see services reinstated
One their opponents is Cllr Susan Scoccia, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, leading Conservative Party member and the existing County Councillor standing for re-election in Ventnor West.
Chris and Steve believe that residents will be keen to reinstate services, such as public toilets, lifeguards and the vital Coastal Protection & Management Team based in Ventnor, cut by her Ruling Group that have been in power for the last eight years.
Democracy has been eroded
Steve Stubbings said “I am standing as an Island Independent because one of the main features of an Independent Council would be the ability for all Councillors to speak out on any subject under consideration without fear of being “out of step” with their group. There is no Party whip and a far more inclusive way of agreeing policies and bringing forward initiatives, which is difficult under the current dictatorial regime.
“Democracy is only as good as those with the power allow it to be. On the Isle of Wight the last eight years it has seen it eroded substantially.”
Many examples in Ventnor
Steve says that there are numerous examples of why this is important for Ventnor, “We have seen the IW Council trying to get rid of many public facilities, such as the Winter Gardens, The Botanic Gardens, The Coastal Centre, The Paddling Pool, Toilets all over the town and the beach lifeguards, some of which Ventnor Town Council took on.
Chris as an Independent County Councillor was at least able to represent his residents and voted against these cuts. I want to have the freedom to represent the residents of Ventnor West without any Party Whip telling me what to say and how to vote. The best way I can do that is by being an Independent”
Bell Principles of Independent Politics
An Independent led Isle of Wight Council would be very different from previous councils, including those that had Independent’s in their number, such as Island First.
True Independents would adhere to the Bell Principles of Independent Politics and the local Island Independents Promise to remain independent and put their residents first before all other considerations.
“Framework for Change”
The Island Independents are championing a “Framework for Change” which would lead to the introduction of a system that would banish “behind closed doors” policy making and interventions that have characterised the current administration.
This would allow all councillors’ views and input to be valued and for individual councillors to be able to bring initiatives before the council for serious consideration, without needing to be part of a ruling group. A fairer, more inclusive Council.
Find out more by visiting www.independent-island.co.uk
Image: © Used with permission of Allan Marsh
