Dear Sir,
When I was young, I watched the Wizard of Oz, and wondered how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain. Then I got elected in 1983 to the Town Council aged 24 and found out (just joking, honest)!
The Brexit referendum detribalized politics. The Parties were not standing at the referendum so people were liberated from their tribes. In 2019 people voted in droves for a Government that would deliver Brexit, and prevent Corbyn becoming Prime Minister. Many Labour voters were detached from their tribe and having been detached it turned out not that easy to go back to it. Over 10,000 Labour voters in Sedgefield Constituency switched giving Newton Aycliffe a Tory MP for the first time in generations.
On Thursday 6th May, please vote for Independent candidates.
We have some really good quality individuals whose only objective is to serve the public interest, not a Party, not self. We are not contesting every seat, we do not believe in just putting up anyone for the numbers. We need more women candidates, you still have time to consider standing. It really is easy, so please do. Quality counts more than numbers.
Some moderate Labour Councillors are stepping down, and to keep control of the Town Council Labour are putting forward every member they can, predominantly Corbyn supporters. Labour abolished the Great Aycliffe Show, they tried to cancel the Fireworks Display, tried to change the Santa Tours, we stopped that nonsense with the support of some brave Labour Councillors, and you, the public.
Let’s have a balanced Council where no one party/group has overall control, no Labour only Mayors serving for the 5th and 6th time. No Tribalism. Vote for Independents, first, then Tory, Lib Dem and then Labour. But, for County Council . . . only vote for Candidates who live in your town, not out of town. Check their address on the ballot paper. We, as Independents, have worked positively and constructively with Labour over the last four years. We have stood up and been counted and supported the budgets. Let Labour prove otherwise. If we disagree with Labour then we agree to disagree without being disagreeable. Serving the public interest. Cllr. Ken Robson and Cllr. Arun Chandran got the Town Council to seek getting part of the Elmfield site to extend West Park (Minute .90 Recreation Committee, 22nd February 2017). We persuaded the Town Council to get an increase flow into the Lakes, removing the algae and weed problem, to regularly clean the Lakes, which saved money to boot. We persuaded the Council to set aside a large sum in the Medium Term Financial Plan for deep cleaning and huge improvement to the lakes due in 2022. The Independents standing do not make false promises, nor claim to do the impossible. We condemned the Independents who stood in 2007, and Bob Fleming, who has worked very closely with us, knows that full well which is why I am surprised and dismayed that Bob attacks us. We have worked with Labour, not against. Attack your enemies not your friends!
This May, the power is in your hands. The pages of history turn on small hinges, you have the power to change the future: End Tribalism once and for all and create balance. You know you can make the difference. Vote wisely and selectively. We exist to serve you, the residents, we represent you on the Council, not the Council against you, not a Party . . . or ideology, quality individuals working together, putting you the community FIRST.
Cllr. Arun M. Chandran and Cllr. Ken Robson
Independent
