Here’s the candidate profile for Amber Mottershead, 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: Amber Mottershead
- Party: Stone Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Walton South
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Core Candidate Questions
1. 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 have lived in Stone for over 10 years, with generations of my family living here for over 70 years. I personally live in the ward that I will be representing, as well as many of my family and friends. Although fairly new to the area myself, I am aware of some issues within the ward that I would like to help tackle to benefit all residents.
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
Yes, I currently work for Stone based charity, AEDdonate. We are committed to helping fund and place defibrillators into local communities. This is something that I am extremely passionate about, ensuring that all residents in the community have the best chance of survival. I personally make it my mission daily to spread awareness around sudden cardiac arrest and the benefits that these life saving devices bring.
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
I hope to bring a younger concept and voice to Stone Town Council. I would like to use my experience and knowledge in many areas to help support all ages of the community.
I also hope to continue spreading awareness on basic life survival skills, which is important to all members of our community, no matter the age, gender, or ethnicity.
4. 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?
I plan to engage with and represent the interests of all members of the stone community by offering help and support in challenges that they may face. I would like to see things within the community that targets all members. Working in the charity sector, I am aware of many support systems and services that I can help appoint people to. Stone also has a wide range of groups that I will look to explore to ensure that I can appropriately appoint members of all backgrounds to. I pride myself on being a completely open book and respect other people’s opinions. I believe that everyone within the community should gain support as-well as their options listened to.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Firstly, I believe that Mental Health is a topic that isn’t spoken about enough, across all ages and genders and I equally believe that there isn’t enough services for this. I would like to see members of the community feeling comfortable enough to approach wider support. I plan to become a voice for this so that everyone within our community feels comfortable enough to seek help from specific services.
Secondly, Social Isolation is a battle for many, especially since the recent pandemic. I plan to encourage the community to take part in many voluntary roles as well as attending the many fantastic warm spaces and groups that we have in the area. Working in the third sector, I have met and worked with many people who have struggled with this point in particular and I first hand have seen how it can improve both mental health and well-being and will become a strong advocate for this.
Finally, I believe that support for all ages is extremely important, but I would like to see more Support for Young Adults. Stone is becoming a home for many young families and I plan to see both opportunity and support for these families and individuals.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
I think it is extremely important to work closely with all local businesses to understand any challenges that they may face, whilst offering any support,
I propose that we as a community, we continue with our fantastic town council run events, that are free for all to attend. With events such as our farmers markets and Stone Christmas Light Switch on, it gives Stone Town a fantastic way to bring additional footfall into businesses.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
I plan to work closely with other members of the council by learning about their knowledge and experience where I can gain an understanding of any issues and challenges that will benefit members of the community. I plan to actively remain present within the community as well as attending working groups and committees to gain understanding of any issues that may be faced.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
The local community will be at the full front of the budget decisions.
Personally I would like to listen and be a voice for what the community wants. I would like to have an open mind to all projects and will respect the demand of the community.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
I believe we could do more for our local environment. I would like to see more people volunteering to help keep public areas safe and clean, not only for the residents and community of stone but for people visiting the town too. I plan to look at ways to encourage more people from the younger generation to take part in activities such as recycling, Finally I would like to see a change in pollution in the area, raising awareness on the effects of pollution, including how this effects the human body – looking at ways we can improve this as a community.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
I will ensure that in my role as a councillor, I dedicate time to attend community events as-well as being a present figure in the community. I will also be active on social media making myself accessible at all times to people in the community to contact.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
1. What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Resilient, knowledgable, trustworthy, creative and honest.
2. 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 haven’t personally made a representation to the council, but I have seen how well issues have been resolved previously. The reason I am standing with Stone Independents is because this is a non political party and are a group of like minded people with the community at the centre of every decision.
3. How can candidates be classed as “independent” when they are all united as a group under a single political banner? How is this different from voting in line with a national political party?
As said previously, Stone Independents are a group of like minded people that have the community at the front of everything that they do. Stone Town Council has successfully over many years lead as a independent heavy ran council. Being an independent means that we are able to focus more on the people of Stone and their needs than following the guidelines and opinions of other political parties. Being an independent means that we are able to vote as we want with wanting the best for our community and town.
4. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
My pledge to the people of Stone if I am elected is to be a present figure within the community, spreading equal opportunity and support. I aim to continue to spread important awareness on basic life survival, ensuring that everyone is at an advantage of exceptional life saving skills. I want to work with the businesses of Stone to ensure that the economy of the local area is exceeding with the footfall of the town being a contributing factor through things such as the local events.
I pledge to be an ear and a voice for both the younger and older generation, being an outlet for support and advice.
