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

FATCRAG Hustings

I attended the Flitwick At The Crossroads Action Group meet the candidates meeting last night. All the parties were represented with candidates for Flitwick West and Flitwick East. There was much debate about the proposed Town Centre Development which has had a number of false starts and a lot of disappointment was expressed regarding the ineffective consultation that has gone on so far.

My view was that Flitwick needs to be aiming a bit higher than the current focus on what can be got out of Tesco. What is needed is a vision for the whole town. I think that Flitwick should put itself forward to become a true "Eco-Town". I was dead against the so called "Eco-Town" proposed for the green fields of the Marston Vale. It makes much more sense to upgrade the eco performance of existing housing, installing more insulation and solar panels for example. This would create local jobs. It would also attract extra Government and other funding. The environment is an area where increasingly funding and investment is being targeted.

Leighton Buzzard has been successful with the help of Beds CC in securing £1 Million for becoming a "Cycle Town" resulting in a number of initiatives to increase cycling in the town. I worked to get funding for Flitton and Greenfield for a major Carbon reduction project and whilst we were aiming again for £1 Million we did at least secure £50,000 for solar panels on the school, and now have the momentum to look for further projects in the villages.

Such an approach for Flitwick could begin to address the traffic congestion by securing funding for cycleways and better public transport. It could secure funding for improving existing buildings and houses. It could create local jobs. It would inform the debate about new developments. It would not be dependent on the likes of Tescos. Above all it would give people a new pride in the Town.