Here’s the candidate profile for Clive Thornicroft, 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: Clive Thornicroft
- Party: Stone Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: St. Michael’s
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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 live in Stone and in St Michaels ward.
- Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I am one of the Stone Town Council representatives for Age Concern Stone and District. I am also a trustee of the Stone Common Plot.
- If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
By regularly attending Council meetings, I will engage in the Council processes and procedures to represent the residents of St Michaels ward.
- 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?
My contact details are in the public domain and available to all members of the Stone community to raise any items of interest or concern.
- What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Crime & Anti-Social behaviour – by continuing to liaise with the Staffordshire police Chief Inspector and the team responsible for Stone via the Staffordshire Police Liaison Group
2. Vibrancy of Stone – Continue to support Stone Town Traders with their High Street events in addition to the annual Town Council regular programme of events
3. Potholes – put more pressure on County Council Highways to prioritise pothole repair in Stone.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Continue to support Stone Town Traders with their High Street events in addition to the annual Town Council regular programme of events.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Projects can start with a working party developing ideas into recommendations to sub-committee and will be implemented if subsequently passed by the general-purpose committee and full council.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
This is down to individual judgement.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
The Town Council has undertaken an environmental audit. We need to be aware of ongoing climate change initiatives. Waste management is a Stafford Borough responsibility.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
I take personal responsibility for my time and effort required to carry out my role as Town councillor, which is provided on a voluntary basis.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
- What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
I asked my Grandson and he suggested ‘boring and stupid’ – not a good start! I would like to think people would say ‘dependable’ ‘trustworthy’ and ‘thoughtful’ who knows?
- As an already elected council member, what three things you are most proud of from your most recent term in office?
1. Moving forward with the Stone Heritage Centre
2. Getting the Stone Neighbourhood Plan in place to protect designated green spaces.
3. Funding the Stone Help Line during the COVID-19 pandemic. - 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?
Nothing springs to mind immediately. I think the Town Council have tackled all issues in a reasonable manner but we continue to learn from the process.
- 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?
The one overarching ideal that unites the independent group is “the interests of the people of Stone” This is at the heart of discussions and debates. Stone Independents have made a sterling effort to gather a full complement of eighteen candidates for the upcoming Town Council election. I think the people of Stone should be proud of this effort and if for no other reason, vote for Stone Independents on May 4th.
- What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I’d like to continue to make Stone not only a great place to live but also an interesting place to visit.
