Q. What has been your biggest challenge in your first year as a Councillor?
A. I think my biggest challenge has been building trust with residents, especially those who have become disillusioned with politics or Councillors. I find most people just want someone to listen and understand issues that are important to them. They certainly don’t want to be preached at or told how they should think.
Q. As a member of the Executive Committee, how have your residents reacted to important decisions?
A. I have found that most people understand things when it’s explained to them, I have had quite a number of calls in relation to big issues including from my family! Some to agree and some not too. But usually after a chat they can see things from my point of view, even if not always agreeing.
Q. What do you see as important issues for your local residents?
A. There are several important issues really, but in the main I find people just want to live a simple life and have basic facilities available to them, but when something goes wrong then they want it solved quickly and that’s when I usually come in and try and help.
Q. What makes you want to be a Councillor?
A. I wanted to be a Councillor because I didn’t agree with how things had been done in the past and decided that I wanted to be part of the process. Things have not been as easy as I thought but i continue to try and do the right thing.
Q. What qualifications do you have?
A. I studied Law at the University of Lincoln and then after I graduated I went onto a post graduate course at York College of Law
Q. Besides politics what else do you do?
A. Full time single parent as I have a 4 year old son who keeps me on my toes
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I love sport, both watching and playing – and have also taught football to youngsters. I also enjoy writing and often write short stories.
Q. What are your thoughts on the economic crisis?
A. How long do I have? I think it’s been a massive mess up by the Labour Government, progressively over a number of years. I concede there are problems abroad but ultimately back home it’s been down to bad management in Government Departments, a lack of proper regulations and a culture in which the greedy are allowed to become greedier. It’s still happening with energy costs spiralling out of control, banks still being allowed to charge extortionate charges, and a culture of ‘buy now, pay later’. Well we are certainly paying now.
Q. What have you been doing recently within your Ward?
A. Recently I have been working with a new group called the Ermine Action Group which is working to help and support people of the Ermine estate on both the east and west. This has been with the churches, the three Minster Councillors, local residents and groups like neighbourhood management and adult learning, and also with support from Yarbrough school.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. In the very near future I will be standing as the County Council Candidate in Lincoln North. Long term who knows! Maybe an MP one day.
