Here’s the candidate profile for Mike Osborne-Town, 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.
- Candidate Name: Mike Osborne-Town
- Party: Labour Party
- Election: Stone Town Council / Stafford Borough Council
- Ward: Stonefield & Christchurch / St. Michael’s and Stonefield
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?
Yes.
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I work regularly as a volunteer on a ward at the Royal Stoke Hospital; I am a Director of the Multi-Academy Trust comprising Christchurch Middle and First Schools and Oulton First; I am a Governor-Member of the Alleyne’s Academy; I have helped with the Hub Foodbank delivery and the local scheme for disability scooters; I have volunteered to help with the Crown Wharf Theatre; I am a member of Westbridge Park Leisure Centre and of Stone Golf Club and was, until this year, a member of Stone Tennis Club.
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
A positive, optimistic, can-do attitude to working with others to improve Stone; values based on fairness and equality; a passion to do everything I can to minimise the effects of the climate emergency; and finally, an independent voice to question single voice of the Independent Party that currently dominates the Council.
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?
By being available, patient and prompt in responding to the needs of Stone people whatever their backgrounds and views.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Making sure that we have the amenities, the services, the roads, the transport and the shops we need to cater for both new and existing Stone residents; Working together to make the High Street a busy, prosperous, welcoming and carbon neutral place that we all use; Supporting all Stone amenities, including Canal Wharf, the Library, the Frank Jordan Centre, Stonefield and Westbridge Parks, the allotments and The Common Plot.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
By doing everything possible to ensure that local businesses survive by making the town an easy place to get to and park and an attractive and colourful (and litter-free) environment. The Council needs to listen to local businesses and actively engage with landlords.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
I am a team-player and I always try to be positive and constructive. If elected, I would be able to hold to account the Independent Party who run the Town Council, but I would also work with them and always do whatever is best for Stone.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
The principles of fairness and need should come before vested interests and those who shout loudest.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
I think that this issue is THE most important one facing us and I would do everything I can to ensure that Stone plays its full part in looking after the environment. I would like to see a Youth Council focusing on the climate emergency and pushing the Town Council to respond.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
Although I am a busy person, I understand the time commitment needed and am prepared to prioritise it.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
I would want them to say I am kind, constructive, friendly, a listener and a doer.
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 asked the Council to consider upgrading the two lots of town centre toilets because they are unpleasant and unwelcoming and they show the town in a poor light. Nothing has been done – yet!
3. 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 a Labour Party member tells everyone that I am value-driven and committed to a fairer, greener future – as opposed to some random individual who wants local power. Town Council matters rarely have anything to do with party politics so that criticism is a red herring.
4. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I’ll work to make Stone a better (and greener) place to live in.
