I am seeking your support in the forthcoming election on 3 May as Councillor for the Loch a Tuath ward on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
I have been encouraged by a number of people to put my name forward for election, and It would be an honour to represent this area that I have so many connections with and that I hope to be a part of.
My family connections are with Tong and Back and I will be moving to live in Upper Coll (Gearraidh Ghuirm) when I marry this summer.
I am standing in this election as an independent candidate because I believe party
politics
should be kept out of local government in the islands. We are a small community;
we know each other and the needs and concerns of our areas. We don’t need a political
badge to represent our people at this level of government.
Over the last few weeks I have enjoyed being out and about meeting people across
the Loch a Tuath ward. I am hoping to make contact with as many as possible during
the election. Many issues have already been raised with me. Issues such as traffic
management, street lighting, un-
Not least of course the retention of Tong and Tolsta schools is clearly important and mentioned often. With all those issues, should I be elected, I will follow them up and seek satisfactory solutions to the best of my ability.
I am making the following pledges to you in this election:
- A commitment to campaign for the retention of Tong and Tolsta schools and to work closely with all three Parent Councils.
- Monthly ward surgeries, close co-
operation with community councils in
Tong, Back and Tolsta to make sure their views are heard at Comhairle level. - Support the Tolsta community’s renewable energy project.
- Support Back Football and Recreation Club, Tong Recreation Association and other community groups with funding bids
- Seek urgent funding to repair the damaged roads in the ward
- Seek funding for regular environmental maintenance and improvements
- Support calls for a freeze in ferry price rises for commercial vehicles that will have a devastating impact on the economy if they are not reversed.
- Explore ways that the Comhairle could use its initiative and resources to tackle the high cost of fuel and reduce fuel poverty in our community.
- Campaign for the restoration of the Air Discount Scheme for businesses and oil industry workers.
I will also work to protect jobs and services locally. In a difficult economic climate there will be hard decisions to make but we should protect the most vulnerable in our community.
I want to see services that provide care for our vulnerable children and elderly protected and enhanced. Funding to voluntary sector organisations is vital and will be a priority for me to secure jobs and specialist services in our community.
Roads and transport maintenance will be fought for by me so that our infrastructure is strengthened and secure. As an elected member of the Stornoway Trust I already represent the interests of Loch a Tuath. I have supported Tolsta’s plans for a renewable energy project and opposed the damaging plans for a fish farm development in Broadbay. I will show the same commitment to the community should I be elected as Councillor.
From the Gleann Dubh to Tolsta Head I will be a diligent representative and a strong voice for you.
I am ready to serve should you give me the opportunity.
Donald Crichton, Independent
Loch a Tuath / Broadbay
Broadbay
