Until 2nd May, County Councillor Candidates, whether new or running for re-election, will be out on the streets and bye-roads of Suffolk. This means delivering informational leaflets to households and then following this up by a visit. Candidates try to get to everyone, but it is not always possible so if someone is missed, background about individual candidates can be found on the main Suffolk Conservatives website - go to Suffolk Conservatives and click on People: http://www.suffolkconservatives.org.uk/
This is an exciting and important time in politics - despite the apathy that is rumoured – a lot is happening. Our local and national governments are changing and adapting, as are many parts of the world. In Suffolk, this change is much for the better. Under the leadership of Mark Bee, Suffolk County Council is listening to people, has made some real changes and will continue to listen and to make more. The County’s Election Manifesto for 2013 has some important and pleasing things in it that show that the Conservatives stand far apart from any of the other parties. Find it at;
http://www.suffolkconservatives.org.uk/sites/www.suffolkconservatives.org.uk/files/manifesto2013.pdf
Examples from the list of pledges are:
Empowering local communities through community budgets, the County will provide additional funds for communities to spend as they think fit
Offering a new Travel Card, the Endeavour Card, for young people. Support for youth travel is clearly important and the card will provide discounts on all forms of public transport.
Continuing support for apprenticeships – this programme has already been shown to be successful and offers young people a chance to stand on their own
Improving care for the elderly – an additional £270m is set aside for the next 4-year period to improve facilities
Cutting costs through efficiencies – these must continue and will focus on joining up services where this makes sense, avoiding duplication, sharing offices, and just doing things better
Freezing Council Tax again. This means no increases until after 2017. No other party is committing to this.
If you would like to help with the campaign in any way, please contact Diane Smith at the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Conservative Association office on 01728-685148. Similarly, if you know someone who needs help getting to the poll on 2nd May, regardless of their party affiliation, please phone the office.