Really busy three days out on the streets of Westhoughton, helped by my wife Nilda, delivering about 4,000 leaflets and speaking to many people. It's the part of the campaign that I really enjoy, meeting and sharing a few minutes with the voters.
I've had a very positive reaction by and large. Important for me to get my name and face known on the ward; and find out what is on people's minds. It really is a thrill to hear the words: "You've got my vote," or "I'm going to vote for you."
One sour moment in the run up to the election involving a Labour Councillor and a bit of cheap politics which I will have to deal with separately. Other than that I saw a few of the other candidates out and about and it was all very amicable. Got a mention and quote in a Bolton News article on Wednesday; it talked about me getting 11% of the vote last time round. Obviously, a good result is improving on that.
News has broke of a big development being muted on land at Lee Hall. It is something both councillors and community will need to come together for to oppose. From what I've seen it looks massive and could have a big impact on Westhoughton. Don't think the town can cope with any more mass developments.
A little later I'm off to the count. I will collect my thoughts and I will write a little more about the experience and the outcome.
Cllr Jack Speight
Thursday 22 May 2014
Friday 16 May 2014
My Politics
I was looking for a definition of Politics, I was amused to find:
In asking for people to vote for somebody it’s only fair to know a little about their beliefs and values. As an Independent you are voting for an individual not someone wearing a party rosette – can anybody tell what political parties actually stand for these days? I was always brought up with strong beliefs and values, not unusual, most people are decent people. Mine was a Christian upbringing. You get a sense of right and wrong, moral values, fairness and community. Some might say these values are irrelevant when it comes to politics; you do and say what you have to to get over the finish line. My conviction is that ‘that we are all born equal,’ that we ‘do unto others as you wish to be done to you,’ and ‘if you have the power to do something good, then do it.’
The rest of this blog post is here on the My Politics page.
'Poli' – many, and 'tics' – blood sucking creatures; and whilst this may chime with many disillusioned voters and non-voters, of course, politics ‘affairs of the city’ (Aristotle) has two meanings: first, the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. And secondly, activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organisation. Sadly, the latter seems to more directly fit modern politics.
In asking for people to vote for somebody it’s only fair to know a little about their beliefs and values. As an Independent you are voting for an individual not someone wearing a party rosette – can anybody tell what political parties actually stand for these days? I was always brought up with strong beliefs and values, not unusual, most people are decent people. Mine was a Christian upbringing. You get a sense of right and wrong, moral values, fairness and community. Some might say these values are irrelevant when it comes to politics; you do and say what you have to to get over the finish line. My conviction is that ‘that we are all born equal,’ that we ‘do unto others as you wish to be done to you,’ and ‘if you have the power to do something good, then do it.’
The rest of this blog post is here on the My Politics page.
Monday 5 May 2014
Standing for Election in 2014
The 2014 elections have once again been announced for Bolton Borough Council. To be held on Thursday 22nd May 2014, polling stations will be open from 07:00am to 10:00pm.
As reported in the Bolton News (24/4), I will be standing in the ‘Westhoughton North and Chew Moor’ ward. Of the 20 wards in Bolton – all of which have their own challenges and issues – Westhoughton North and Chew Moor is geographically the biggest in Bolton, and is described as the toughest ward of all! It has its own long history and traditions with its own sense of independence from Bolton. The ward is politically challenging in that over the last 9 years since its formation in 2004, it never has returned a sitting councillor. Its seats have been divided between the three main parties. This election you could have a say in electing its first Independent Councillor...
The rest of this blog post is here Election 2014. It is a permanent page which I will add as to as the campaign progresses.
Cllr Jack Speight
As reported in the Bolton News (24/4), I will be standing in the ‘Westhoughton North and Chew Moor’ ward. Of the 20 wards in Bolton – all of which have their own challenges and issues – Westhoughton North and Chew Moor is geographically the biggest in Bolton, and is described as the toughest ward of all! It has its own long history and traditions with its own sense of independence from Bolton. The ward is politically challenging in that over the last 9 years since its formation in 2004, it never has returned a sitting councillor. Its seats have been divided between the three main parties. This election you could have a say in electing its first Independent Councillor...
The rest of this blog post is here Election 2014. It is a permanent page which I will add as to as the campaign progresses.
Cllr Jack Speight
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