Isle of Wight Council Elections 2013

Isle of Wight Council Elections 2013.

Election Communication (minus photos!: First Draft)- 19^th April 2013.

Paul Fuller

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor

for Cowes West and Gurnard.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL ELECTIONS, THURSDAY 2^nd MAY 2013.

Independent Councillors, Putting YOUR needs first!

I am a member of Island Independents, which comprises of Independent IW Councillors seeking re-election and of community minded residents seeking election to the Isle of Wight Council on 2^nd May.

As Independents, we believe that local policies should reflect the needs of our local communities, rather than being dictated to by party-political Leaders, Activists and their Sponsors.

Following statements which accepted that Councillors from the ruling group were ‘kept in the dark’, over issues, and their perception that Independents are side-lined (my track record highlights this does not happen to me!); as individuals we support an inclusive Council, with Councillors from all political and non-political groups working together for the good of the Island Community. As Independents, we value greater involvement from stakeholders, Town/ Parish Councillors and Businesses.

Independent Councillors, Supporting Public Services whilst Freezing Council Tax.

Independent Councillors remained consistent in our view to reintroduce parking permits as a means to support Town Centres whilst supporting investment in Public Toilets, Bus Services, Tourism, Libraries and doing more to create and protect local jobs in recent budgets.  Our alternative budgets were legal, balanced and achievable, whilst freezing Council Tax. 

Planning and safeguarding our Environment.

I have 10 years’ experience, as a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee.

Locally, I support applicants talking to neighbours at the earliest opportunity to discuss applications.

 I have taken the lead in informing residents about potential future housing sites, and continue to work closely with Planners in ensuring residents’ views are considered when evaluating representations.

I’ve supported preserving the Jordan Valley as a strategic Green Gap between Cowes and Gurnard, and look forward to remain an active member of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Committee.

Highways and Transport.

When elected in 2009, I made it a priority to see urgent repairs undertaken on many of local roads. Although many were completed, there remains much outstanding that will be completed through the PFI award- which I have continued to support.

Roads due to be reconstructed within two years, include Ward Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Park Road, Place Road and Baring Road.

As a priority, I support reinstatement of a residents parking permit to help sustain the economy of our town centres, and would like to see the IW Council making public transport more accessible.

Children.

Raising educational standards, will be a priority for me within the new IW Council, should I be re-elected. 

With Secondary School Education falling short of the high standards our children deserves, (this being emphasised by recent OFSTED Inspections) and Child Safeguarding being criticised by OFSTED I wish to see greater stakeholders involvement.

I also which to take every opportunity to support Cowes Enterprise College.

10 Reasons to Vote to Re-Elect me as your Independent Councillor on Thursday 2^nd May.

About Me.

ü  I know our community well. My family has lived & worked locally for at least seven generations.

ü  I was raised in Gurnard, attended local schools and returned to Cowes area because I wanted to give my family the same opportunities I had growing up.

ü  I’m married to Karen, and both children, Caelan & Zara (an IW Youth Councillor) attend Cowes Enterprise College.

ü  I serve on the Police’s Local Action Group, am a school governor and Justice Of The Peace.

My Track Record.

ü  I have 10 years’ experience as an Independent Isle of Wight Councillor.

ü  As IW Councillor, I’ve represented our Cowes and Gurnard community since 2009.

ü  I have 12 years’ experience as a local Town/ Parish Councillor, currently serving on the three local Councils, and am actively involved in community groups supporting this work.

ü  My experience as an IW Councillor is broad serving on Committees dealing with Planning, Highways, Social Care, Children, Economy, Environment, Education, Community Engagement, Licensing and Crime Prevention.

Making Myself Available.

ü  I’m contactable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I aim to respond to all ‘local’ calls within 12 hours.

ü  I’m happy to meet residents at their convenience- not mine!

ü  I’m the only IW Councillor to hold weekly surgeries. These are held in 6 Cowes & Gurnard venues.

ü  I write monthly reports for Cowes Magazine and Gurnard News. Reports are circulated to residents.

ü  I have an online blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com and can be followed on twitter: @paulfullercc.

Being Independent.

ü  My overwhelming priority has always been to serve the needs of Cowes and Gurnard residents first.

ü  Residents are happy to work alongside me, because of my political impartiality.

ü  I have no sponsors, activists, leader, or party line that I am accountable to.

ü  Unlike some party political candidates, I’ve not been parachuted in to make up the numbers.

ü  I have no political party to hide behind.  If I get things wrong, I’m directly accountable to local residents.

Transparency.

ü  Since my election I’ve been the only local IW Councillor to deliver their Annual Report to each household. This enables residents to challenge me.

ü  I was the first IW Councillor to post my Financial Interests on-line.

ü  I regularly write and deliver newsletters (and listen to feedback!) for residents affected by local activities in their area.

ü  I report what I get up to, including controversial decisions and gratefully welcome feedback! 

Enthusiasm. 

ü  In the last 4 years, I’ve attended more IW Council summoned meetings, than any other Councillor.

ü  I’ve attended the duration of most Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council monthly Meetings, since 2009.  This enables me to relay resident’s concerns and informs me of local issues.

ü  I canvass opinion thoroughly and every four years I door-step every household.

ü  I do this because I enjoy it. I hope this shows and I continue to achieve the right outcomes!

Standards.

ü  One complaint, is one too many.  If I get things wrong, I will rectify this…and apologise.

Inclusiveness.

ü  I have a strong network of residents supporting me with their expertise.

ü  I have 20 years’ experience working alongside Council Officers, community groups & outside agencies, and enjoy a positive relationship with our MP, and Councillors from all political backgrounds.

If Re-elected, My Priority and My Promise:

ü  To be an effective, visible & hardworking Councillor. If re-elected I promise to continue representing our community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our community.

ü  As your Councillor, I will not fob residents off, and will continue to be conscientious and ‘hands-on’ fighting for our community, wherever and whenever necessary.  For me, it is important to do whatever is necessary for Council to say ‘Yes’, rather than ‘No’.

Please let me know your views!

ü  If you have questions, or wish me to visit you please call 01983 289595, write to me at: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA, or email paulfulleriw@gmail.com

 Good Morning Leaflet: Issued from 27^th April 2013.

X PAUL FULLER

INDEPENDENT

Isle of Wight Council Elections, 7am- 10pm, Thursday 2^nd May.

Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. (Cowes West)

Village Hall, Worsley Road, Gurnard. (Gurnard)

Politicians are renowned for making promises at election time, and not always living up to expectations. In 2009 I made three promises, those being:

·         That I would be hardworking.

·         That I would be visible and accessible.

·         That I would always put the needs of our community first.

Since being your Isle of Wight Councillor, I have continued to feedback and listen to residents, and pre-empted several issues before these caused concern. Examples include reporting potential future housing suggestions (SHLAA sites), loss of IW Council public services, road closures and planning applications.

In the last four years, I’ve continued to take a leading and ‘hands-on’ approach in resurrecting our local ‘community’ bus service, the Gurnard Playing Field & Orchard project, Safe Routes to local schools, Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan and a large number of other locally based initiatives.

With 18 years’ experience as a Councillor and my track record in Planning, Highways & Transport, School Governorship and community engagement, I consider it even more important for local residents to retain its voice given many of our priorities to make Cowes and Gurnard better.

On Thursday residents have a final opportunity to vote for the Isle of Wight Councillor they feel is best placed to serve our community for the next four years.  If I am privileged to be re-elected, I promise to continue as a committed, hardworking, and enthusiastic Councillor who represents our community’s views in County Hall, rather than County Hall’s views in our community.

Please vote to re-elect PAUL FULLER, INDEPENDENT on Thursday 2^nd May!

Yours,

Paul Fuller, JP,CC.

To catch up with monthly reports and activities that I’ve been tackling on your behalf, please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.com J

Printed and Promoted by Paul Fuller of 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA. Telephone 01983 289595; Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com