AV or not AV? That is the question.

Is the Alternative Vote system easy or confusing? Well voters just need to number their preferences in priority order. So first choice 1, if they want a second choice 2 and if they want a third choice 3 and so on.

Is it fairer? The idea is to have over 50% of voters having voted for the eventual winner. This means the winner should be closer to views of the majority of people. With the current system it is all too easy for the winner to represent a large minority rather than the majority of voters.

More info on AV at http://www.yestofairervotes.org/pages/what-is-av

Vote Green

I am standing as a Green Party candidate in the Central Bedfordshire elections on 5th May 2011. This is because I believe they are the only political party which is really serious about our long term future. The others are more interested in short term policies which will give them access to power but which lead to boom and bust and long term chronic problems. One example of this dear to my heart being the looming energy crisis as existing nuclear and coal power stations literally run out of steam, with no clear policy on how they are to be replaced with a sustainable alternative.

Locally I am keen to see more emphasis on job creation - building on the opportunities we have here in Bedfordshire for developing the low carbon economy. This includes energy efficiency, renewables, waste reduction and recycling. Our local colleges and Universities are leading in these areas and we also have some fantastic examples of local companies creating sustainable profits and jobs from this crucial sector.

For more info on the Green Party see the current election broadcast at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BKo_NlwZOQ