Time to think about becoming a local councillor
Wednesday, 10th December 2014.
Have you ever wanted to do more for your community? Have you ever wanted to challenge some of the council decisions? Have you ever thought of standing as a councillor?
Well, next year you will get your chance. On May 7, not only is there a general election to choose who represents us in Parliament, but also elections for who represents your area - in the council chambers of St Edmundsbury Borough Council. There will also be a Haverhill Town Council election on the same day.
You can stand either as an independent or enquire with your preferred political party about becoming one of its candidates.
To become a candidate you will need ten nominees from the ward that you seek to represent. Nomination papers will be available on the St Edmundsbury website (www.westsuffolk.gov.uk) from late February, or by emailing elections@forest-heath.gov.uk or elections@stedsbc.gov.uk
They must be completed and returned by 4pm on April 9.
Cllr David Ray, is St Edmundsbury’s cabinet member for resources and performance. He was first elected ten years ago.
He said: “As a councillor, your job is to represent all of the people in your ward, on some important decisions. It may be in speaking up on their behalf when discussing a housing development or another form of planning application.
"It may be in representing their views when discussing how Council Tax payers’ money should be spent, or budget savings made.
“It is a complex and challenging role. As guardians of the public purse, you will be involved in decisions that are not always hugely popular, but never-the-less have to be made.
"The reward is knowing that you are making a difference, providing solutions to those issues that residents need your help with, and providing them with a voice at meetings, many of which impact on their day to day lives.”
Find out more at https://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/Council/Voting_and_Elections/howtobecomeacouncillor.cfm
Well, next year you will get your chance. On May 7, not only is there a general election to choose who represents us in Parliament, but also elections for who represents your area - in the council chambers of St Edmundsbury Borough Council. There will also be a Haverhill Town Council election on the same day.
You can stand either as an independent or enquire with your preferred political party about becoming one of its candidates.
To become a candidate you will need ten nominees from the ward that you seek to represent. Nomination papers will be available on the St Edmundsbury website (www.westsuffolk.gov.uk) from late February, or by emailing elections@forest-heath.gov.uk or elections@stedsbc.gov.uk
They must be completed and returned by 4pm on April 9.
Cllr David Ray, is St Edmundsbury’s cabinet member for resources and performance. He was first elected ten years ago.
He said: “As a councillor, your job is to represent all of the people in your ward, on some important decisions. It may be in speaking up on their behalf when discussing a housing development or another form of planning application.
"It may be in representing their views when discussing how Council Tax payers’ money should be spent, or budget savings made.
“It is a complex and challenging role. As guardians of the public purse, you will be involved in decisions that are not always hugely popular, but never-the-less have to be made.
"The reward is knowing that you are making a difference, providing solutions to those issues that residents need your help with, and providing them with a voice at meetings, many of which impact on their day to day lives.”
Find out more at https://www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/Council/Voting_and_Elections/howtobecomeacouncillor.cfm
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