Here’s the candidate profile for Robert Townsend, 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: Robert Townsend
- Party: Stone Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: St. Michael’s
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Core Candidate Questions
1. Do you live in Stone and within the ward(s) you’re standing in?
YES
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I am co-chair of the Aston Lodge Residents Association
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
I will bring my practical and common-sense approach to the issues that council deals with. As an independent councillor my approach will not be affected by partisan politics. With 35 years in business and 10 years involved in community work I have experience and a range of skills that I can bring to 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?
As a ward councillor I am on hand to help, support and signpost anyone in the ward, no matter that person’s background, opinion or politics.
Should I be re-elected then I will continue to contribute to the range of committees and activities carried out by Stone Town Council which are designed to serve the entire cross-section of our community.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Crime & Anti-Social behaviour.
Access to health services
Pot holesThese are the issues that residents currently mention most often and with the most concern. Stone Town Council is not directly responsible for these issues but as a ward councillor I can have an impact by continuing to liaise with and lobby the relevant authorities. I can also escalate these issues with our Borough and County Councillors.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Firstly, I try lead by example. My wife and I always try to use a local business for any purchases or services. We are advocates for the excellent retail businesses in Stone and Walton as well the innovative businesses on our industrial estates. Use them or lose them!
Secondly, during my current term on Stone Town Council I have contributed to the significant effort by Council to make Stone a better place to live. Council is involved in a range of activities that supports Stone’s economy. It has been pivotal in supporting Crown Wharf Theatre and the Heritage Centre as well as a regular program of events which bring people and commerce to town.
Should I be re-elected, I will ensure that the Town Council budgets continue to be well managed and targeted to benefit the local economy.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Stone Town Council operates around several committees which create a positive and democratic process. This enables councillors to bring forward ideas for discussion, approval and budgeting.
My experience over the last four years is that Stone Town Council has a wealth of enthusiastic and committed individuals who work hard together to get things done. This work will continue and will be constantly developed.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
Stone Town Council has 18 councillors representing five wards. This broad spectrum of individuals enables a range of groups and sectors to be represented so that Councils plans and budgets offers support across the community.
Being an independent councillor also helps to ensure that I represent the interests of the people rather than the interests of a political party.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
Personally, I am increasing my own efforts to reduce, recycle and reuse. I believe in the power of individual actions that can make an important contribution towards the climate emergency.
Stone Town Council has taken steps to improve its environmental performance. If re-elected, I will continue to support this through Town Council activities as well as through lobbying Borough and County Councils on their environmental initiatives.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
If re-elected, I will be able to use the knowledge and experience I have gained in my first 4-year term to hit the ground running. Being a Councillor is a voluntary role that I have chosen to do and as such, I am able to give it the necessary time.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
1. What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Honest. Sensible. Committed. Caring. Friendly.
2. As an already elected council member, what three things you are most proud of from your most recent term in office?
Helping residents who are faced with specific challenges and problems.
Building community cohesion through the local residents’ association.
Contributing to the initiatives made by Stone Town Council that have improved life in Stone.
3. Can you give an example of something that in hindsight you’d wish you’d tackled differently in the most recent term? What lessons did you learn from the experience?
On occasions I have held back with some ideas whilst I evaluate them. With hindsight it would have been better to get those ideas out in the open sooner for discussion with other councillors.
4. 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?
I consider myself truly independent because I can formulate my own views on any issue that comes before Town Council and I can vote however I choose. I became an independent councillor because I want what is best for my ward and for the town and this does not necessarily run in line with national politics.
Stone Town Council has a small budget and a limited remit which needs handling by local people who want the best for Stone. Having a large number of Independent Town Councillors means that Council gets a range of views and opinions from individuals who care about the town.
5. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I will remain dedicated to doing what is best for Stone and the people of Stone
