Here’s the candidate profile for James Battrick, 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: James Battrick
- Party: Stone Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council
- Ward: Walton South
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Core Candidate Questions
1. 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?
I live in Walton
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
I am a trustee for 15 Square, I am also Service Delivery Coordinator for a Staffordshire based charity called SAGE
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
Enthusiasm, independent, free speaking
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?
I am always open to hearing others opinions and learning from their point of view, I will work with other counsellors and community members to work out best ways to hear people voice whether it be via social media, face to face etc.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Stone is a great place to live with a real sense of community so as our town grows I will do my best to make sure there is the infrastructure in place and work with those who have control over this, another issue is lack of provision for young people, we have scouts and guides but with the closure of the youth centre we need to find out what young people want, likewise what do adults or older people want.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
For the above to continue but working with local business to find out how they can support or what support they need
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?.
Working together by listening what people want or need from us and working out ways to achieve this this should be done in partnership with the community.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
The needs of different groups should be balanced against criteria such as have they had funding form the council before, how was it spent, what do they want to do this time, how do we support new groups to help them develop working with Support Staffordshire.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
My main concern is HS2 and how it is going to affect Stone, but in general we need to make our town as green as possible
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
I am fortunate my paid work and other commitments are flexible but also we work on school term basis where we evaluate what we are doing and best use of my time so I will be able to give time to council work
Candidate-Specific Questions:
1. What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Enthusiastic, determined, supportive, nurturing, trustworthy
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?
<<NO ANSWER GIVEN>>
3. 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?
We are not governed or restricted by national politics I want what is best for Stone by listening to what Stone residents want.
4. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
To listen, to respect, to act.
