Here’s the candidate profile for Adrian Harding, who is standing in the May 2023 elections. All candidates were asked ten core questions; then, there were specific questions depending on whether candidates were existing councillors or not.
All answers appear unedited, apart from maybe tweaks to formatting, as sent through by the candidates.
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- Candidate Name: Adrian Harding
- Party: Conservative Party
- Election: Stone Town Council / Stafford Borough Council
- Ward: Stonefield & Christchurch / St. Michael’s and Stonefield
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Core Candidate Questions
- Do you live in Stone and within the ward(s) you’re standing in? If not, what is your motivation for standing in Stone and not your own ward?
I do live in the ward(s) and have done for over 20 years.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
As a passionate member of the Stone community, I have dedicated years of service to various organisations and committees, with a strong focus on youth development and community building. Currently, I hold a position as the Chair of the Bar Committee for the Stone SP Cricket Club, following many successful years as a junior team manager.
I am also an active member of a committee that is forming a youth club in Stone, which will provide a safe and supportive space for young people to connect and grow. In the past, I have also been a member of the Stone Revellers, contributing to the vibrant arts and culture scene in the area.
Furthermore, I am committed to political engagement and serve as the Deputy Chair of Stone Town Conservatives. Through my various roles and positions, I strive to make a positive impact in the Stone community and beyond, leveraging my skills and expertise to create a better future for all.
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
Fresh ideas and a more ambitious agenda for Stone. Celebrating diversity, embracing fresh ideas, and supporting ambitious individuals are essential ingredients for success in today’s world. Every person and group has a unique perspective and set of experiences that they bring to the table, and by valuing and honouring these differences, we can realise the full potential of our communities.
In the case of Stone, it is crucial to empower individuals to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas. By doing so, we can cultivate an environment that fosters innovation and creativity, leading to new and exciting possibilities for the town.
- How do you plan to engage with and represent the interests of all members of the Stone community, including those from diverse backgrounds or with differing opinions?
First and foremost, it’s essential to create a culture of inclusivity and open communication where everyone feels heard and valued. This means actively seeking out and listening to feedback from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and incorporating their input into decision-making processes.
It’s also important to provide opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds to connect and collaborate. This can be done through events within the town, e.g. cultural events and events that celebrate our diverse community, or other initiatives, e.g. the youth club, that facilitate relationship-building and promote diversity and inclusion.
In terms of representing the interests of all members of the community, it’s important to consider the unique needs and perspectives of each group and ensure that their voices are represented in decision-making processes. This can be done through the creation of diverse advisory committees or by actively seeking out feedback and input from individuals with varying backgrounds and opinions.
- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Giving Stone its voice back – for too long Stone has not had its voice heard by the current representative and has suffered as a result. It is massively important that Stone has a seat at the top table(s) and that decisions affecting Stone are argued and if necessary, objected to and we need to leverage more influence within the local authorities and stop being an outlier.
Diversity – Stone has a very diverse community and projects; events and initiatives need to reflect that diversity. There is too much focus on certain demographics and backgrounds. We need to give all groups and sectors a chance to shine and take part in the town and the towns future, whether that is based on age, gender, race or sexuality.
Sustainable Future – Stone has to look forward, not backwards, and create a sustainable future that is not just focussed on the environment. Decisions around sustainability should be socially acceptable, financially viable as well as environmentally friendly.
- How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Support for the local economy underpins the towns infrastructure and development. There has to be support for the businesses within the local economy – political support as well as logistical support. Creating a more diverse economy is also key and attracting investment to support that and ensuring there is employment opportunities for all sectors of our population.
There are also borough wide and nation-wide initiatives, that the current incumbents have not supported whole heartedly, and we need to make sure we take advantage of all the opportunities and potential they could provide to support the local economy.
- How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Collegiate working will always have more success than a dictatorial methodology. Everyone’s opinion is equally valid and well-intended, so it is important that all voices are heard to reach a genuine consensus. We do not live in a one-party state – so the diversity of opinion would be a strength and not a weakness. I would welcome hearing the views of all from all political and personal backgrounds.
- How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
When it comes to budget decisions, it is crucial to align them with the long-term goals of the community. In addition, these decisions should deliver the maximum value for money in terms of their impact. To achieve this, we must ensure that support is distributed to a wide range of groups, businesses, and individuals to maximize the potential return on investment.
It is essential to focus on the future and not dwell on the past. Our primary objective should be the greater good, benefiting the community, and not just a select few. To achieve this, our spending must be as inclusive as possible, not limited to a narrow agenda.
I am committed to ensuring that our budget decisions are always in line with the long-term goals of our community, and that we invest our resources wisely to maximise the benefits for all. By taking an inclusive approach and focusing on the future, we can create a thriving community that we can all be proud of.
- What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
All these issues are important, and SBC has done an excellent job in this regard, which Stone has benefited from. SBC is in the top three councils in the West Midlands on this measure. This needs to be sustained and developed but there must be a level of financial viability, so it cannot be at the expense of peoples living standards.
There could be more ambitious ideas for addressing these issues, but a social and financial risk assessment would need to be done before implementing.
- How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
When it comes to getting things done, the old adage holds true: give it to someone who is already busy. As a person with numerous commitments, I understand the importance of effective time management. However, I want to assure you that my existing responsibilities will not prevent me from fulfilling my duties as a councillor.
I believe that scheduling regular surgery times and dedicating specific blocks of time to fulfil my obligations as a councillor will allow me to be even more effective in my role. Rest assured, I am deeply committed to the people of Stone, and I have a clear vision for the future of our community. I am prepared to make the necessary commitments to see my pledges through and ensure that our town thrives in the future.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
On a personal level.
Impactful, interesting, original, worldly (sees the bigger picture), entertaining.
- As you’re passionate about local politics and issues, have you ever previously made a public representation to the council about an issue that you think needs addressing? If so, what was the issue, and how did the council handle it?
I have been member of the local Conservative Association for many years and have expressed my passion for local politics and issues frequently. This is the second time I have stood for election and have not given up the desire or hope that I can make a difference to the town and help realise the potential Stone has.
- How does being affiliated with a national political party benefit you being a councillor at a local level? How do you respond to the criticism that you have to toe a party line and vote in line with your peers?
Being affiliated with a political party has immense advantages, particularly at the local level. When you operate alongside like-minded individuals, you increase your influence and gain access to people in various levels of government. This access enables you to gain tangible benefits and outcomes for the town, ultimately giving Stone the representation, it deserves at all levels of government.
Moreover, being affiliated with a political party provides transparency to voters. It lets them know what I stand for and what my politics are. While they may not always agree with my politics, I have been open and honest about them from the outset.
To address concerns about being forced to “toe a party line,” I have never encountered such an issue in my experience working with local parties. I have discussed this matter with many people in the county, and they too have not faced this. In fact, I believe that the party line argument is a myth. As someone who always puts residents before any party politics, anyone who knows me will confirm this.
By working in tandem with a political party, I can bring about significant change to our town and make sure that our voices are heard. I assure you that I will continue to serve the people of Stone with honesty, integrity, and dedication, working towards the betterment of our community.
- What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
To give Stone its voice back and make sure that all decisions made about Stone will benefit Stone.
To celebrate the diversity of the town and that all residents have a great experience of living here.
To ensure that Stone has a sustainable future that makes it a beacon for successful living in the 21st century.
