Election - Questions to candidates.

[Beachcomber]

This reminds me of a great quote, by none other than Nikita Kruschev:

"Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge, even where there is no river."

[John S]

All, education is important to many with families. "What will you do to secure a new secondary school for Campbeltown?"

This is actually one of my personal goals, I was furious at the way the council handled the School replacement and refurbishment proposals across Argyll. That meeting held in the town hall where the community were consulted on their opinion of the council’s options (take it or leave it) was one of the reasons, which has brought me to stand for election. I don't think that a new secondary school alone is the answer though. There is an opportunity I feel for something more. The way consultation is carried out by the council is another issue, which I have personal goals to change. I'll post more detail later on these issues when I publish my proposals.

[Ship called Dignity]

All, education is important to many with families. "What will you do to secure a new secondary school for Campbeltown?"

This is actually one of my personal goals, I was furious at the way the council handled the School replacement and refurbishment proposals across Argyll. That meeting held in the town hall where the community were consulted on their opinion of the council’s options (take it or leave it) was one of the reasons, which has brought me to stand for election. I don't think that a new secondary school alone is the answer though. There is an opportunity I feel for something more. The way consultation is carried out by the council is another issue, which I have personal goals to change. I'll post more detail later on these issues when I publish my proposals.

Now, now John - wait your turn and you'll get the questions sent along with all the other candidates

[John S]

Sorry Davie, thought we'd already started.

[Ship called Dignity]

Sorry Davie, thought we'd already started.

No, go for it John. All adds to the debate and I am all for open communication with the electorate.

I'll compose questions from the thread and send it to the prospective councillors and post the answers on here when we have enough questions.

I am hoping for a couple of hundred

[Sheik Yir Erse]

Getting back on thread - Questions for candidates....

I read a newspaper that was 40 years old the other day (3 years before I was born!). I was interested to discover that in 1967:

* The NHS was in 'crisis'! (sound familiar?)
* The Army was 'underfunded'! (sound familiar?)
* Crime was on the increase! (sound familiar?)
* There wasn't enough good quality housing! (sound familiar?)
* Nurses weren't paid enough! (sound familiar?)
* Education was in 'crisis'! (sound familiar?)
* Rural schools were being shut! (sound familiar?)
* There wasn't enough police on the beat! (sound familiar?)
* Local government was 'underfunded'! (sound familiar?)

So the question I have is - what makes you think that YOU can actually change any of this!

The problems don't change, only the politicians.

[deirdreh]

Hi,

I am happy to answer any questions from people who use the Forum. I may not respond immediately - but do not take that as disinterest as I have a computer that does not like this cold weather and very slow dial up.

I am standing in the South Kintyre Council ward, and as a list candidate for the Highlands & Islands constituency under Solidarity ( http://www.solidarityscotland.org ). I hope to be able to put a manifesto up soon. If you can pick it up you can also listen on a Sunday Morning to Citizen Tommy which is broadcast at www.talk107.co.uk every Sunday from 10.00am-1.00pm. Always good for a laugh!

Unlike Labour, Tory, SNP and the Liberals, we are not supported by millionaires and big business (strangely we do not attract or pursue them) and all our elected representatives commit to live on the average working person's wage (about £25,000 approx).

Deirdre Henderson
Solidarity

[John S]

What will you do if you get elected to both Deirdre?

[Beachcomber]

What will you do if you get elected to both Deirdre?

Like most other working mums, John, I expect she'll get on with it and multi-task.

[Ship called Dignity]

Hi,

I am happy to answer any questions from people who use the Forum. I may not respond immediately - but do not take that as disinterest as I have a computer that does not like this cold weather and very slow dial up.

I am standing in the South Kintyre Council ward, and as a list candidate for the Highlands & Islands constituency under Solidarity ( http://www.solidarityscotland.org ). I hope to be able to put a manifesto up soon. If you can pick it up you can also listen on a Sunday Morning to Citizen Tommy which is broadcast at www.talk107.co.uk every Sunday from 10.00am-1.00pm. Always good for a laugh!

Unlike Labour, Tory, SNP and the Liberals, we are not supported by millionaires and big business (strangely we do not attract or pursue them) and all our elected representatives commit to live on the average working person's wage (about £25,000 approx).

Deirdre Henderson
Solidarity

Deirdre - welcome on board.

To ensure we allow a fair response from all candidates does it make sense to allow people who use the forum to posts questions which I can then send to the candidates, let them reply and post answers on here rather than allow certain candidates to debate on here?

Regards David

[Beachcomber]

In light of the Chancellor's budget today, what are the candidates' opinions on its fairness when applied to a predominately rural region such as Kintyre, and to Scotland in general?

[John S]

This might sound like turkeys voting for Christmas but - after seeing the latest Liberal mail shot - should political publications be covered by the same legislation which commercial organisations have to adhere to when selling to the public?

[Malky]

Yes, gotta agree with you there John. It made me smile before I shredded it

Malky

[Beachcomber]

This might sound like turkeys voting for Christmas but - after seeing the latest Liberal mail shot - should political publications be covered by the same legislation which commercial organisations have to adhere to when selling to the public?

I've just been reading it myself.

How seriously can you take someone in politics who quotes their email address as sinistermarlin@googlemail.com ??

As with estate agents' descriptions, I always read political party publications with my 'Bullsh*t Deflectors' raised to full strength. I was half expecting to see a watermark reading "Free Beer Tomorrow" when I held it up to the light.

[John S]

Yes, gotta agree with you there John. It made me smile before I shredded it

Malky

Hope your composting it Malcolm, or better still bedding beasts