On Thursday May the 3rd you will have the choice to elect by preference your political representation for Uard Steornabhaigh a Deas, Stornoway South Ward.
I am standing again, as an Independent candidate at the forthcoming local elections. I have been a Local Councillor for the last 9 years, the first 4 years representing the Bayhead Ward and the last 5 years as one of your elected Councillors representing the Stornoway South Ward.
Over these years it has always been an honour and a privilege to serve you, and if elected I would continue to serve you and the community with the same enthusiasm and vigor.
As you may know all Local Authorities are now having to work under financial restraints due to the reduction in the revenue support grant, and a reduction in Capital. This causes unprecedented challenges to the public sector in terms of reduced budgets, including an increase in social demand due to our ever changing demographic society. Therefore it is necessary to ensure that the right people are equipped with the right set of skills to deliver effective public services and face these challenges.
Local Authorities now have to prioritise their spending in order to maintain a balanced budget. It is important that we support and demand a cost effective local government. We must continue to streamline work efficiencies along with accurate planning to ensure that staff resources are in the right place to deliver priority services. We must also manage the Comhairle in a responsible manner while still aiming for best value, assuring that you, the residents, are still provided with the best front line service.
I am
- a avid supporter of all our front line services especially our caring services for the elderly and the vulnerable within our society.
- helping to promote and maintain our Education system by offering our children the best facilities and teaching, therefore giving our children the best start in life.
- a supporter of Economic Development, along with our partners, and outside agents to help and create employment within our Islands so that our young people and families can remain on the Islands.
As an Independent candidate, my priority is to serve and work for you, and again having no external commitments I can devote my time to your interest and to our community, making myself available, approachable, and accessible. These I believe are essential requirements of a Councillor.
My record as a councillor demonstrates that I am a candidate who has the desire and the credentials to represent you, and make statements, sound judgement, and decisions on your behalf based upon positive values. I will give you and the ward my total commitment and will ensure that I have your interest and that of our Islands at the heart of all I do.
I ask for your support at the forthcoming Local Election on May 3rd as a priority choice vote, and with your support and working for you, together we can go forward to the benefit of our community and our Islands.
If you wish to discuss any issues, or if you require assistance on polling day please telephone 703044.
Keeping in touch with the community, Experience, Integrity at all times, Total commitment, Honesty
Keith Dodson, Independent
Steòrnabhagh a Deas / Stornoway South