Here’s the candidate profile for Heidi Briscoe, 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: Heidi Briscoe
- Party: Labour Party
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Walton North
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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 live in Stone on the new Udall Grange estate, Walton North.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I volunteer with the local Walton scout group, I attend weekly- supporting the leaders run the activities for the scouts. I volunteer online time to a local Facebook page as an administrator. I have been a volunteer listening to children read in schools and I have volunteered with Stone helpline in the past. I am a member of Stone Leisure Centre
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
I will bring knowledge and experience of community matters, in particular those issues that may impact on health and wellbeing. I am a good listener and communicator. I have a positive attitude and enjoy working as a team to help make a difference. I understand the accountability and responsibility the role entails. I will bring lived experience of the community I would represent.
- 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 would ensure that I am approachable, available, visible and proactive. I would attend local events and engage with local groups. It is important to listen to peoples’ views and opinions even when they don’t align with your own. I am able to engage on social media platforms responsibly.
- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
I think the three most important issues are:
- To have the infrastructure in place for a growing town, with good amenities and services, with safe roads, pathways and good transport links, all working towards becoming a ‘greener town’.
- To improve the town centre and facilities. We need to improve the appeal of the high street and work on how to address the problem of empty shops. Improve parking and public conveniences.
- To tackle the growing problem of anti-social behaviour, and criminality locally.
These are not problems that can be addressed by one individual alone, it requires team work. I understand as a councillor the role is to bridge the communities’ needs with the council’s budgets and responsibilities. We need to prioritise local needs and plan for the future. It is important to support the existing local amenities that provide a vital role in improving health and wellbeing, for example Walton Community Centre, Walton Shops, Walton Common, as well as the towns facilities. I am fully invested in the community I live and will do my upmost to achieve the best outcomes with the resources available.
- How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
It is important to support the local businesses, by encouraging people to shop local. To make Stone a welcoming friendly place to visit with good access/parking and facilities. To listen to shop owners and value their views and experience. To discuss the use of empty shops with landlords as this impacts on local businesses. To work with police to tackle criminality that occurs at night such as the breaking of windows and graffiti, this impacts on the towns appeal when shops are boarded up.
- How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
I will work as a member of the team to achieve common goals for the good of community. I am a labour party candidate, and hold their ethos and values. My views and opinions will not differ from those of the independent councillors, in wanting to achieve the best outcomes for the community I live.
- How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
It can be difficult managing people expectations and priorities, but overall it is important to be fair, honest and transparent.
- What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing us. We all have a part to play in trying to reduce our carbon footprint to safeguard the planet. Individually to reduce, reuse, repair, recycle. Collectively to speak up and challenge poor practice and change /improve policy.
- How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
I understand the commitment required. I am now semi-retired from the NHS, so have a little more time than I used to have. I am an organised person and love a ‘to do list’.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
I think they would say: Reliable, Helpful ,Hard-working, Honest and lastly Friendly, (my grandchildren say it takes forever to walk down the high street because I talk to everybody!)
- 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?
No not to the council, however I have on many occasions dealt with situations where I have assisted people to appeal decisions. Not always successfully but at least I tried.
- How does being affiliated with a national political party benefit you being a councillor at a local level?
I think it demonstrates to people that I have no self interests or hidden agenda.
It demonstrates I subscribe to a set of principles based on a fair and equal society, by building stronger communities and a greener future.
- How do you respond to the criticism that you have to toe a party line and vote in line with your peers?
It isn’t a fair criticism. It isn’t about party politics, it’s about getting a job done and doing it well – for the good of the community. It would always be a vote for Stone’s benefit.
- What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I will work hard to represent the ward I live in and contribute to making Stone a thriving town and welcoming community.
