Letter: We Should Consider the Independent Candidates More Carefully

Published on: 1 May, 2015
Updated on: 1 May, 2015

From Bernard Par

Hon Alderman and former Borough Councillor and Town Mayor

Independent candidates, and those smaller party candidates, standing as borough councillors have always been at a disadvantage despite their proven ability to serve the town and contribute their experience in life for the good of all.

Perhaps it is more in evidence at this election than those in the past. Today we see candidates, who have received national party sponsorship, enjoying the benefit of numerous and perhaps quite lavish, election leaflet drops, delivered by numerous party workers.

More consideration should be given by those of us that are voting to look more closely at those names on the ballot papers and not be inclined to vote for the national party labels.

Often national policies are at odds with local issues as some of us are only too well aware.

Responses to Letter: We Should Consider the Independent Candidates More Carefully

Jim Allen Reply

May 2, 2015 at 9:06 am

At this level we should be voting for the honesty and integrity of the person not the party.
David Bilbe Reply

May 4, 2015 at 8:43 am

I agree entirely. Local issues are not broad party issues. I am concerned at ‘concert party voting’ type statements as laid out by such as the GGG.

The candidate for our ward, Normandy, does not live in the village. What happens when there is a vote which conflicts between Normandy issues and the broader agenda to protect the persons own village or East of Guildford? I suspect the vote will go against local issues.

David Bilbe is the Conservative candidate for Normandy ward.
Dominique Kelly Reply

May 4, 2015 at 12:59 pm

Another Conservative candidate criticising the Guildford Greenbelt Group.

I thought the Conservatives would be supporting them, after-all the Conservatives have promised to protect the green belt.

Or are they frightened that there will be councillors who will bring balance to the proceedings at Millmead. Or, have they no intention, again, of keeping to their election promises as they did last time round.

Reminds me of the end of Scooby Doo: “If it wasn’t for those meddling kids we’d have got away with it.”