Here’s the candidate profile for Andrew Best, 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: Andrew Best
- Party: Stone Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Stonefield & Christchurch
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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?
Yes I’ve lived in Stone all my life.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I am the vice chair of the governing board at Christchurch First School. In my spare time I play Table tennis in Oulton.
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
I bring a levelled and measured approach, I like to hear both sides of an argument before passing judgement on a subject. I am a great listener and in the past years I’ve been a councillor I’ve enjoyed representing an area of Stone in the council meetings.
- 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?
In my day job im one of the managers at the Poste of Stone. That role opens me to all members of the Stone community, I’m also very approachable and friendly. Customers are able to see me first hand and tell me how I can help whilst they visit the pub.
- 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, the cost of living crisis, regeneration of the high street.
- How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Town Council run events, marketing, supporting other local events and the various organisation that run them.
- How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Committees, working groups, and I look forward to continuing my work in the Estates committee to help the people of Stone use the great amenities we have in our beautiful town.
- How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
I would look at all groups and their needs, and basis my opinion on that.
- What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
I have three children and I want them to have a world to grown up into and look after. With my work with the council I have tried to address the environmental issues when they have been the subject of discussion. I have asked questions of the environment committee such as to consider my suggestion that council workers be allowed to use the governments ‘bike to work’ scheme to buy themselves an e-bike with the help from the scheme.
- How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
I set aside time each week for the role. I have attended nearly all of the meetings in this term of office and in my role as the Deputy Mayor I’ve attended everything I could to represent Stone in special events.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Friendly, thoughtful, considerate, reliable, enthusiastic.
- As an already elected council member, what three things you are most proud of from your most recent term in office?
As part of the Estates committee I’ve helped develop the amenities available at the train station and the Frank Jordan Centre,
As part of the Town and tourism committee helped plan numerous free events for the people of Stone,
As Deputy Mayor attended the Alzheimer’s Club 16 th Birthday party back in October 2022. They do some great work there and I was very honoured to be included in their celebrations.
- 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?
The Stone town council website isn’t the best and I wish id used my IT degree and helped the council more with the upkeep and ideas for the site. With a better functional site we could hopefully reach more residents of Stone which would be a great thing. However this is now being addressed by the recently appointed Marketing and Events coordinator.
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?
For me, I wanted to be at the table that makes the decisions. For Stone it’s at the Town Council where I felt I could make a difference. General elections with the big parties don’t really affect town councils at a local level. At a local level it’s about the local people helping the community as they know what people of the town want and need. The Stone Independents have a key interest which is we all want what is best for Stone.
5. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I shall continue to help the people of Stone to get the best for them whenever I can. I’ll continue to question and make a fair and measured judgement in all aspects of the council committees, and I’ll continue to help promote Stone to the wider community to boost our economy and keep our little town thriving and busy.
