Here’s the candidate profile for Peter Young, 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: Peter Young
- Party: Labour Party
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Stonefield & Christchurch
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 have been a volunteer for Stone Food & Drink Festival and previously Stone Music festival.
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
‘A critical friend’ to the independent voice of the Town Council – Local knowledge and participation with a positive approach to problem solving. As a member of the Co-operative Party I am well used to working with others to achieve a common goal, and I will bring this attitude and my experience to helping Stone Town 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?
Approachable and all inclusive.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Supporting facilities and initiatives for leisure and business, eg; festivals and workshops
Engaging youth and younger people to participate in active citizenship, eg: Youth Council
Planning for the sustainability future of the Town eg: carbon neutrality
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Engaging town traders, promoting festivals and special events.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Being approachable, positive and communicative yet still challenging.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
Fair yet firm and realistic!
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
Reduce, recycle and reuse! Promote these key issues within Council activities and business.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
Planning, organisation and commitment.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Approachable, communicative, dedicated, principled and co-operative!
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?
Creating facilities for youth of the Town – the Council was in process of starting up the Youth Café, and sought consultation upon the process and amenities.
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?
The ability to look at the wider picture especially in respect to the economy, environment and national impacts upon the Town eg; HS2, housing and migration. As the only candidate who is a member of not one but two political parties – the Co-operative Party as well as the Labour Party – I can assure local residents that having party colleagues in other towns and at the Borough and County Council, and access to advice across the movement, will really help us get things done for Stone.
4. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I’ll work with the people of Stone in continuing to make the Town a great place to live in.
