Why Vote Green?

The Mid Beds District Council election is all about local not national issues. I have been asked several times why am I standing as Green Party Candidate and not an Independent. Well there are two answers to this. Firstly it takes a lot of effort to make voters aware of who you are and what you stand for. For this you need a number of supporters and helpers who leaflet and spread the word. A Party organisation can help with this. This is probably why most of the seats in Mid Beds have one or more Party Candidates and very few Independents. Secondly and more importantly I happen to agree with most of what the Green Party stands for.

The Green Party if very focused on local issues. Greens believe in government being as local and participative as practically possible. Greens concern for protecting the environment means putting a human dimension back into development, designing homes and neighbourhoods with character and for our needs, revitalising old buildings, reusing wasteland and not destroying green fields. Similarly encouraging public transport and making roads safer for walkers and cyclists is another key Green aim. The Green Party promotes local shops and services something we desperately need in our villages. Climate Change is a Global issue but it needs local action to tackle it. The Green Party promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy something dear to my heart.

There are already some 93 Green Councillors and with a record number of candidates it looks like there will more after these elections. Green Councillors can make a difference. In Norwich, Greens on the Council have secured 20 mph resident’s zones and increased renewable energy requirements for new developments. A Green Councillor in London was even responsible for ensuring that Arsenal Football Club retained cycle stands outside its new Stadium. As an Arsenal fan I have to admit to being a bit concerned that my favourite club was considering reneging on what was a planning commitment!

There is more information about the Green Party and these local elections at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/nextelection