'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.’
What a sad contrast with the main political parties. They make focus group tested, headline chasing policies that suit some and harm many. Then there are the policies and decisions that defy common sense, being neither fair nor in the interest of the many, yet they go against public opinion and opposition and go ahead regardless. We all remember the Poll Tax? Other policies are just quick fixes, instead of bringing long term benefits, the outcome is usually more costly, some of the well-connected will have made a tidy profit, and we pay the price for their mistakes, and as ever no one seems to be called to account for the utter waste and bad management. Even if kicked out of office, they know they will be back in power in time.
Everyone who has had to budget a household income recognises how precious and often precarious our finances are. Prudent spending and careful management are needed just to get by on a daily basis. So what is the sense to inflicting more misery on Council Tax payers? Of all the councils in Greater Manchester, Bolton Council decided to increase the Council Tax again – the second year running. This means bills are 5% higher than they would have been which amounts to £75 for every household in Westhoughton North and Chew Moor – do we get good value for the extra taken?
Unlike some candidates who may say they would ‘look at’ reducing Council Tax and other issues – and once elected do nothing – I can say with conviction that I will not just look at it, but will petition and fight for its reduction. This I have done, playing my part as a Westhoughton Town Councillor, not only did we freeze our town’s precept but reduced it. My actions and motivations will always be in the best interests of Westhoughton residents.
Locally
So what issues cause me concern, and if elected what I will address:
- The freezing and reduction of Council Tax
- Protect Policing and take more action on crime.
- Hold Bolton Council to account on wasteful spending
- Make it a priority to fix crumbling roads and potholes
- See a fair share of expenditure for Westhoughton
- Adequate public service for the population
- Jobs rather than houses
- Better transport and infrastructure
- More support for the community sector
- Sensible long-term policies rather than vote-chasing, quick fixes
- Being prepared to stand up to Bolton Council
The Bigger Picture
Europe
Nationally, it being MEP election time, the issue of Europe is taking centre stage. I feel being part of Europe is fundamental for trade and commerce as it is our biggest trading partner. Though I remember when we did go into Europe it was based on trade and not an open-door immigration policy. It is an absolute disgrace that we have lost control of our borders. We have throughout history defended our shores from overseas only for the main parties, it seems, to have to given away the sovereignty of our proud islands. They pay lip service to the issue of immigration. (According to the ONS there are some 4.5 million non-UK workers in the UK, up 7% on the previous year.)
Their talk is of keeping our border controls, cracking down on benefit tourism and abuse of our tax regime, taking back control of justice and home affairs, and getting a better deal for British taxpayers, yet it seems empty when looking at the stark reality and pressures that huge, unplanned for population growth brings. Some immigration is and has been a good thing; however, has what has happened over the last decade and more been in the best interest of the UK? You wonder what Nelson, Wellington and Churchill would have thought of it? I like Europe – for the variety of cultures, for travelling and practicing my French – and like that we are neighbours and friends, but EU has morphed into a political construct, usurping our own democracy and giving our own feeble politicians an excuse to blame someone else for their ineptitude. Whatever happens we will continue to trade with Europe and it with us; it would not do us any harm to build on the once close links with the Commonwealth and help construct further trading opportunities with the like of Canada, Australia, South Africa and India.
Crime
We all can relate to it in one way or another. Many, if not all of us have been victims of crime or know someone affected by it. Our police service is stretched to its limits by cutting our police force, then you hear politicians talk about being tough on crime only to find that when criminals are sentenced, the punishment is all too often does not fit the offence. And yet there are many laws that seem to target people going about their daily lives, designed to unhinge the population – costly mistakes and no room for common sense.
Economy
Creating a pro-investment culture in both jobs and businesses is crucial. One time a few went on to Higher Education; every one else either got trained on the job or went into an apprenticeship - school leavers would have a skill that could set them up in life, or at least a skill to fall back on if needed. What have we done to the young? To have so many young people not in work (around 1 million) is disgraceful; others in low-paid work unable to leave home and get on with their lives. What message does this start to working life send? We need to look at education and training – it must have value, be affordable and improve lives. This equally goes hand in hand with businesses creating jobs and giving the apprentice and trainee the opportunity to work and earn, and develop needed skills. If we give full support to business not only will they generate jobs but will invest into our community. There are too many run-down towns and market streets with empty shops in need of a new lease of life. The politicians seem intent on sucking the life out of the economy rather than letting it breathe and grow.
Of course, the problem with democracy is that the Government always gets in! Do we really want the same tired, old, self-serving political parties to win. It’s taken them decades to really mess things up, it will take time to put things right. The current government is piling on the debt to be paid by our children, whilst running a big deficit to given an illusion of growth a year from a general election. Things need to change – instinctively we know this. We look at Cameron, Miliband and Clegg and we know they are of a different world; they don’t represent us. A vote for an Independent is a start. With your help we will start our journey to put pride back into our town and country, and give hope to us all.
Thank you for taking time in reading my thoughts and opinions.
Cllr Jack Speight
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