I’m Tom Harrison and I will be standing as the district councillor for the South Downs ward in the upcoming election on the 4^th of May.

I’ve lived in East Sussex – at the foot of the downs all my life, and have a strong commitment to standing up for the environment I am lucky to call home. Protection of the beautiful South Downs National Park is one of my top priorities.

As Councillor, I would commit to being a strong voice for all residents of the South Downs, working for every member of the district. If elected as your Green Party Councillor I would not be bound to follow the party line, but instead prioritise the needs of the residents of the district first, always.

I studied politics student at Cardiff University, and this experience has equipped me to effectively represent the residents of the constituency, through study of environmental issues both globally and locally.

My work in a local pub, the Cricketers Arms, has given me an invaluable insight into the community. I am well aware of the problems people in and around the south downs district face.

I hope I can count on your vote on 4th May!

best wishes,

Thom

The post About Thom Harrison – candidate for South Downs ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

I’ve lived in Wealden since 2009 having worked overseas for much of the previous 20 years. I trained as an ecologist at King’s College (University of London), followed by a PhD at Imperial College and the Natural History Museum looking at biodiversity in the rainforests of Borneo.

Since then, I have worked in Indonesia including as a researcher on the fascinating biology of figs, forest regeneration and sustainable forest management in the 1990s, and then increasingly on governance, policy and development related issues including reconstruction in Aceh following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, peatland management and restoration including pulp and oil palm plantations, and how to combine conservation with economic development.

I have filled a range of leadership and technical roles over the years, sometimes being responsible for teams of 100-200+ staff with multi-million pound budgets. Much of the work has involved bringing new knowledge and science into policy and management practice, including the commissioning of applied research and surveys, master planning and bringing different groups from communities, government and the private sector together to build shared understanding and cooperative action, experience that would be useful as a district councillor.

I love living in Wealden and since 2017 have been a Conservator of Ashdown Forest. I am married to Lorna, have three children and two dogs.

I hope I can count on your vote on May 4th!

best wishes,

Nick

The post About Nick Mawdsley – candidate for Stone Cross ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Sarah Glynn-Ives. I’m standing in the upcoming election to represent Frant & Wadhurst on Wealden District Council and am writing to ask for your support on Thursday 4 May.

Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:

The kind of Councillor I will be

I will listen to the concerns of local residents, speaking out on the issues that make a difference to our daily lives. I know how many of you have fought hard against unwelcome changes to our local area.

I will listen to your concerns and represent you at Council

I will work hard to get things done for the people who live here

I will protect our beautiful countryside

We live in an incredibly beautiful area. The AONB should enjoy the same protection as a national park. Once it is concreted over, there is no getting it back. I will join the Green team in speaking out against unnecessary development and protecting nature for future generations.

I will do all I can to protect this land for our children & grandchildren

I will be a strong voice for Frant & Wadhurst

The great thing about the Green Party is that, unlike the Cons, we are not forced to vote on party lines. Thus I will be speaking and voting with my conscience and in the best interests of my residents.

I’m proud to have been selected to stand as Councillor for Frant & Wadhurst and hope you will put your trust in me in the elections on Thursday 4 May. I won’t let you down.

Best wishes,

Sarah

PS: The Conservative vote is collapsing in disillusionment. With your support, Greens can  win in Frant & Wadhurst ward! Thank you.

The post About Sarah Glynn-Ives – candidate for Frant & Wadhurst ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Jessika Hulbert. I’m standing in the upcoming election to represent Withyham ward on Wealden District Council and am writing to ask for your support on Thursday 4 May.

Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:

The kind of councillor I will be

As a wedding and funeral celebrant, I know the importance of really listening to people. I’ll take time to hear what local people want from their council – and will work hard to serve you.

I’m persistent and determined and keep going till I’ve found an answer.

I care about our community

I grew up locally and brought up my family here. Working for many years in the local GP practice brought me even closer to the lives of people living in Withyham. This beautiful place matters deeply to me. I would like to be able to support our brilliant young people, and improve opportunities for them locally, and to find out what they need more of in our rural areas.

I want better from Wealden.

I’ll stand up for our countryside and environment

Residents have been telling me how worried they are about housing developments that threaten our beautiful countryside and don’t provide the houses that local people need. I’ll work for every development to be part of its community, with sewage, water, doctors and schools, transport and green space central to the plans. I care about our environment and the nature in it that we love, including wildlife; looking after the bees and insects to ensure pollination and reducing the food waste that goes to landfill are all areas that need championing.

I’ll push hard for housing that is good for local people and our environment.

I’ll be an independent voice for Withyham ward

I’ll stand up for the residents of Withyham Ward, making sure your voices are heard in the Council. Other parties vote in a block – I’ll never be forced to vote on party lines because Green councillors speak for the people they represent. Effective communication is vital if we are to find ways to improve outcomes for local people, and I will do my best to find a way to do just that.

I’ll always speak up for you.

Cllr Keith Obbard has been a wonderful Green District Councillor for Withyham and I’m proud to have been selected to stand for election here. I hope you will put your trust in me in the elections on Thursday 4 May. I won’t let you down.

Best wishes,

Jessika

PS: Don’t forget, your vote really counts in Withyham – if you want a Green Councillor again, please support me. Greens can  win again in Withyham ward! Thank you.

The post About Jessika Hulbert – candidate for Withyham ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

I live in Punnetts Town and it’s a wonderful place with great people. That’s why I’m active in many community groups, volunteering with Speedwatch groups, with County Lunches in Punnetts Town, for Sustrans on the Cuckoo Trail, and with Heathfield Runners. I’m also a charity trustee. As your Councillor I’ll work hard for everyone who lives here. 

Local people have been telling me how much they worry about how isolated many people have become, how hard it is to get about without a car, and how angry they are that beautiful trees are not protected.

We can make Wealden a better place to live for all of us.

I worked at a senior level in IT and Operations and was a director of a major global charity after working in the City. Most importantly I learned to listen well – it’s how we understand what the real problems are so we can find ways to fix them. And I confess I’m a workaholic.. I”work hard to change things for the better for all of us in Wealden. 

I’ll listen hard, find pragmatic solutions and make them happen.

I am standing with Cornelie Usborne in this two-councillor ward.

We are  both committed to standing up for the countryside and environment. We have been listening to people throughout this large rural ward. We’ve heard how worried people are about housing developments ruining our villages and destroying our green fields. We need housing that meets local needs, not executive homes. It must be well insulated and cheap to run. Planning decisions must ensure it’s easy for residents to reach schools, shops, doctors and community resources without using a car.

We’ll push hard for housing that is good for local people and our environment.

We will always stand up for residents first

As Green Councillors we won’t be told how to vote by our party – unlike others, we are fully independent and transparent. Our job is to speak up for the people we represent and you can trust us to do so without fear or favour.

If you vote for us your voice will be heard at Wealden District Council.

We are proud to have been selected to represent Horam & Punnetts Town in the elections on Thursday 4th May and hope you will put your trust in us. We won’t let you down.

Best wishes

Greg

PS Your vote really counts – if you vote for any other candidate here, the Conservatives are more likely to win these seats. With your support, Green can win in Horam and Punnetts Town! Thank you.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT GREENS CAN WIN BOTH SEATS IN HORAM AND PUNNETTS TOWN

The post About Greg Collins – candidate for Horam and Punnetts Town ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

I’ve lived in Maynards Green for over thirty years and love this part of East Sussex. I helped set up the local Repair Café and 20’s Plenty, I campaigned for safer pavements and cycle routes and I speak up at planning meetings against overdevelopment. I love getting things done. I  want to do much more as your Councillor.  

I’ve been listening to local people and I share your worries about the cost of living and the lack of facilities for young people.

We need much better from Wealden District Council.

I taught history at university and enjoyed engaging with students of all ages about their academic and their social and emotional problems. I’ll always listen to you. 

I’ll work hard to change things for the better for all of us in Wealden. 

I am standing with Greg Collins in this two-councillor ward.

We are  both committed to standing up for the countryside and environment

We have been listening to people throughout this large rural ward. We’ve heard how worried people are about housing developments ruining our villages and destroying our green fields. We need housing that meets local needs, not executive homes. It must be well insulated and cheap to run. Planning decisions must ensure it’s easy for residents to reach schools, shops, doctors and community resources without using a car.

We’ll push hard for housing that is good for local people and our environment.

We will always stand up for residents first

As Green Councillors we won’t be told how to vote by our party – unlike others, we are fully independent and transparent. Our job is to speak up for the people we represent and you can trust us to do so without fear or favour.

If you vote for us your voice will be heard at Wealden District Council.

We are proud to have been selected to represent Horam & Punnetts Town in the elections on Thursday 4th May and hope you will put your trust in us. We won’t let you down.

Best wishes

Cornelie & Greg

PS Your vote really counts – if you vote for any other candidate here, the Conservatives are more likely to win these seats. With your support, Green can win in Horam and Punnetts Town! Thank you.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT GREENS CAN WIN BOTH SEATS IN HORAM AND PUNNETTS TOWN

The post About Cornelie Usborne – candidate for Horam and Punnetts Town ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Graham Shaw. I am asking for your support to represent Buxted ward in the elections for Wealden District Council on 4th May.

We all deserve better from Wealden District Council so why consider voting for me?

I have the skills and experience to make a difference here

I have lived in the Southeast for over 25 years and have always been committed to working with others to find solutions to help those who need it most. Originally a teacher, I spent many years working with companies in the UK and internationally to tackle unemployment and invest in economic development. For the past 10 years I have been helping not-for-profit organisations to improve their services, especially to vulnerable adults, children and young people. I have also been a school governor, NHS trust governor, chaired charities working with people with learning difficulties and tackling food poverty. Working with others has been key to helping me make a difference.

I will work hard to get things done for the people who live here.

I care deeply about this area and its community

I am a Parish Councillor and involved in local conservation groups. We feel blessed to live in this area, with its great natural environment, such as Ashdown Forest, rich history and sense of community. We have children and grandchildren nearby and want to protect this precious land for them all.

I promise to do all I can to protect our countryside for future generations

I’m excited to join an effective and proactive Green team at Council

Seeing the impact of Greens on the Council, speaking out against unnecessary development (like the current plans for the Ashdown Business Park) and finding ways to protect our rivers has shown that residents of Buxted will benefit from having a new, independent voice, free to speak out for what is right for local people.

A growing Green Councillor team will make Wealden a better place for all.

I will prioritise people, community and the environment

I will be a very active Councillor, focusing on the big issues – planning developments, protecting green spaces, local job creation and better services, as well as helping residents in any ways I can. We need a Council that leads more joined up action, prioritising both people, their communities and the environment in all its decisions.

I will work to improve the well-being of us all.

I will be an independent voice for Buxted ward

I will work to represent the best interests of the people of Buxted, asking the right questions, getting answers for local people and reaching out to people across our community. As a Green I will be able to vote with my conscience, representing local residents, unlike the Conservatives who vote as a block whatever the issue.

I will always speak out on behalf of local people.

I hope you will put your trust in me to be your local Councillor. I won’t let you down.

Best wishes,

Graham

PS: Don’t forget, if you vote for anyone else, then the Conservative candidate is more likely to win. With your support, Greens can  win in Buxted ward! Thank you.

The post About Graham Shaw – candidate for Buxted ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Martyn Everitt. I’m standing in the upcoming election to represent Crowborough St Johns on Wealden District Council and am writing to ask for your support on Thursday 4 May.

Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:

The kind of councillor I will be

I am already working hard for Crowborough St Johns as a Town Councillor. I am making a difference, but could do so much more for this area if I am elected to Wealden District Council. I am collaborative and honest – I will always speak up for what is right. The existing four Green Councillors have already changed the conversation at Wealden. I am keen to join the team so that together we can make Wealden a better place for all.

I will work hard and speak the truth.

I care about our community

I have been a Scout leader in Crowborough St Johns for 40 years, teaching mountaineering and first aid – it’s great fun every week. Fifteen years ago I left my job at BT to be a maths and science tutor. It is a huge privilege, through my scouting and tutoring roles, to witness so many young people grow up within this community. I really care about our community and about protecting the special character of this area. I am organising a street party for East Beeches Road after the coronation with live music, food and entertainments. I hope this will bring the whole community together – the young and not so young!

I will be dedicated to serving this community.

I’ll fight to protect our local environment

This is a lovely area, with lots of trees and greenery, and some unpaved roads. I have been having a lot of conversations around planning, as there are a number of controversial applications in the Warren. If I am elected, my aim would be to moderate the planning process – the ambition is not to stop development, but to make sure developers provide what is really needed and in the right places, with the right infrastructure.

I’ll push for housing that is good for local people and our environment.

I would also work with fellow Greens on the Council to put more pressure on the water companies to stop leaking raw sewage into our streams. This requires investment in infrastructure in the right locations. The water company plans to do that in Crowborough, but not until 2040 or 2050. It needs to happen now.

We need to invest now and prepare for the future.

I’ll be an independent voice for Crowborough St Johns

I’ll stand up for the residents of Crowborough St Johns, making sure your voices are heard in the Council. Other parties vote in a block – I’ll never be forced to vote on party lines because Greens are free to speak for the people they represent.

I’ll always speak up for you.

I hope you will put your trust in me in the elections on Thursday 4 May. I won’t let you down.

Best wishes,

Martyn

PS: Don’t forget, if you vote for anyone else, then the Conservative candidate is more likely to win. With your support, Greens can  win in Crowborough St Johns! Thank you.

The post About Martyn Everitt – candidate for Crowborough St Johns ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Alison Wilson. I’m standing in the upcoming election to represent Arlington on Wealden District Council and am writing to ask for your support on Thursday 4 May.

Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:

The kind of Councillor I will be

I will be approachable and available so that everyone I represent can tell me their concerns. I really value being able to help people – that’s what drove me as an employment lawyer helping people facing problems in their workplaces and that’s what inspires me to stand for election as your Councillor. Above all I like finding practical ways to solve people’s problems.

I will work hard to get things done for the people who live here.

I care deeply about the local community

Fifteen years ago my husband and I moved to Laughton with our young family. We love this countryside and wanted to bring our small boys up here.

The villages in Arlington ward have such a strong community spirit and I really value that. Since moving to Laughton I’ve been a governor at Laughton Primary School, which our sons attended, and volunteered with local charity Martlets Music. Now I’m a Parish Councillor in Laughton and love being part of how the village runs and helping people.

But as I’ve listened to local people I’ve heard how worried they are about large developments that threaten our villages, sewage pollution, the lack of public transport, and how dangerous it is to walk and cycle on our roads and lanes. I share these concerns and believe our local council should support us much better.

I want better from Wealden.

I’ll stand up for our countryside and environment

As a rural area outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our beautiful countryside in Arlington is vulnerable to development that’s wrong for our communities. I am determined to stand up at Wealden District Council for our villages, and landscape and for nature, demanding that all planning decisions prioritise local people and protect the environment.

I’ll speak out against large developments that have such an impact on our villages.

I am free to be an independent voice for Arlington ward

I’ll stand up for the residents of Arlington, making sure your voices are heard in the Council. Other parties vote in a block – I’ll never be forced to vote on party lines because Green Councillors speak only for the people they represent.

I’ll always speak up for you.

I’m proud to have been selected to stand for election as Councillor for Arlington and hope you will put your trust in me when you vote on Thursday 4 May. I won’t let you down.

Best wishes,

Alison

PS: Don’t forget, if you vote for anyone else, then the Conservative candidate is more likely to win.

With your support, Greens can win in Arlington ward! Thank you.

The post About Alison Wilson – candidate for Arlington ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.

My name is Ian Tysh. I’m standing for re-election to represent Maresfield ward on Wealden District Council and am writing to ask for your support on Thursday 4 May.

Here are some reasons why you may consider voting for me:

I am already working hard for the residents of Maresfield ward

There has been a lot to learn since I was elected in September 2022. I have been working hard to help residents who contact me – and to be able to respond to their questions and concerns. I have been able to help with problems like unemptied bins and complaints about planning applications and have assisted a disabled resident to secure a lower council tax rate. If you contact me, I won’t just forward your email – I’ll engage with the issues you bring and do my best to navigate the system with you to get a fair result.

My role is to represent you – so get in touch if you have any difficulties I can help you with.

I am using my legal training to give planning applications the scrutiny they need.

I am deeply concerned about the concrete spread across our beautiful countryside, often for unnecessary developments which don’t reflect local need. The planning system does not serve residents well.

Of major local concern at the moment is the Ashdown Business Park development. This proposal would result in extensive environmental damage and is of an excessive scale. In fact, this development on its own would exceed the whole allocation in the current 14-year plan for Wealden. Moreover, this development is in the wrong place: it’s on a greenfield site, and it would virtually double traffic on large parts of the A272. The developers say they will pay for a bus stop but no new buses – this application is a good example of development under Wealden’s Conservative-led district council, where developers are not being made to pay an appropriate community infrastructure levy.

We need a planning process that works for local people.

I want to help preserve our countryside, whilst ensuring we have the housing local residents need

I’m regularly out walking in our beautiful countryside with my family. Like a lot of people, that’s why I live here. I share local residents’ unhappiness in seeing field after field, view after view, swallowed up by large and expensive new properties. These homes are financially out of reach of most people, and are increasingly snapped up by overseas buyers as an investment.

At the same time, we have a serious shortage of smaller and more affordable houses, both to rent and to buy. These are the kind of homes which Wealden’s housing waiting list shows are needed. But smaller homes are not being built and the land they could have been built on is being swallowed up by the wrong kind of development.

I will push for the kind of development that local people need.

I am free to be an independent voice for Maresfield ward

In my role as a councillor, I can vote with my conscience – unlike the Conservatives who vote as a block. We can do what we and residents think is best, that’s the joy of the Green Party.

Best wishes,

Ian

PS: Don’t forget, if you vote for anyone else, then the Conservative candidate is more likely to win. With your support, Greens can  win again in Maresfield ward! Thank you.

The post Re-elect Ian Tysh – Maresfield ward appeared first on Wealden Green Party.