Mid Devon Green Party’s candidates for election to Devon County Council on May 1 st, include a green architect, a lorry driver, a marketing consultant and a granny. The Green Party has been growing rapidly, with its commitment to social justice,, local democracy and sustainable economic development.
Laura Buchanan, standing for Willand and Uffculme, said “More and more people have realised that far from being just about the environment, the Green Party stands for a different way of doing politics, and for practical proven policies’ The Green Party advocates for proportional representation, which avoids large and sudden swings in government and is fairer to smaller parties. Practiced in many European countries, it requires a more consensual approach to political decisions.
Gill Westcott is a Mid Devon District councillor for Canonsleigh and is standing for Tiverton East ‘We’re funded by local members – not by wealthy business people claiming to be anti-elite, but hoping to overturn environmental and safety standards to suit their interests’ Gill said. ‘So we are genuinely independent. Greens have a record of being innovative and responsive to their community.’
Gill’s two sons and two grandsons also live in Devon, close to the sea. ‘I am concerned about our coastal communities’ Gill said ‘as sea level rises, and the increasing intensity of stormy weather brings bigger waves, we need serious action to limit climate damage and protect communities from its effects.’
Green councillors throughout Devon have spoken out against Local Government Reorganisation enforcing a move in two tier areas to very large unitary authorities, arguing that in Devon the required size of half a million people covers far too large an area for councils to be accessible to residents. One proposal, favoured by many districts, includes Mid Devon with Exeter, North Devon and Torridge. ‘When the districts are abolished’, Gill said, ‘local authorities need to be close enoughto residents to be accessible and accountable. That’s not yet recognised by central government.’
The party has strong commitments to preserving green open spaces, woodlands and nature, and to acting on climate change.
Helen Bottrill, who undertakes marketing for small businesses, is standing for Cullompton and Bradninch. Helen said ‘We’ll support insulation to make homes warmer and energy bills more affordable. Now that renewable energy is cheaper than gas the move towards net zero will also bring energy prices down’ Big majorities all over the world show that people want their governments to do more on climate change – including in China.
Simon Tempest Brown, driver and gardener, is standing for Tiverton West. He said ‘‘The Green Party is the only party out there that is ambitious in our commitment to bringing about real change in our communities across the county. We are all stake holders in securing a future that is prosperous and sustainable.’
Rob Ricky, who is standing for Crediton, will speak up for timely road repairs, local transport and social care. He’ll call for planning to protect local amenities and precious green spaces, as well as enough affordable and social homes for local needs.Green councillors at Mid Devon District opposed Devon County Council’s response to the government’s Local Government Reorganisation demands. Devon is far too big for just one unitary authority. Even the districts’ current proposal, placing Mid Devon with Exeter, East and North Devon and Torridge, means a single council too big for accountability and easy access. In any new authority Greens call for a fair deal for rural areas with scattered settlements.
Greens support better rural bus transport, and safe routes for cycling and walking. Greens slated the pollution of our rivers, and are pushing for investment to cut sewage-laden storm overflows. Water companies should be renationalised, to prioritise public good.
Rob, from Southern US, is a Passivhaus ecological designer. He lives with his wife Karen near Crediton, where their three sons grew up. As an immigrant himself Rob sees the value in immigration and rejects the demonisation of others. Rob believes strongly in providing fairer, greener homes for all, as well as supporting local agriculture and access to arts, sport and culture for all. Rob is among those who play music in Crediton Town Square on market days and knows the benefits of participation in community arts.
VOTE GREEN PARTY ON MAY 1ST !!
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