Here’s the candidate profile for Jonathan Powell, 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: Jonathan Powell
- Party: Stone Independents / Stafford Borough Independents
- Election: Stone Town Council / Stafford Borough Council
- Ward: Walton North / Walton
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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?
YES
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
Common Plot Trustee, Member of Walton Community Centre and Stone Rugby Club Previous Coach and long-time supporter
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
Experience of previous councillor, An understanding of the issues of the Ward I represent. (Traffic, Parking, Anti-Social Behaviour, lack of amenities)
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 will be building on the relationships I have made in the community, Working with local organisations in my ward. Engaging with the Walton area through a social media site and setting up a Residents Association.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
Traffic and tired infrastructure, lack of leisure amenities for Walton Community and imposed future building plans in the Stone area .
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
To remain an active of the town Council promoting town-based events, to drive a Stone wide focus, supporting all Stone Based business and promote Stone as a great place to live work and play at all ages.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
I have in the past been an active member of all Town Council Committees, Local community organisations and business-based organisations, and in all of those positions I have found that having an open mind, using the skill of listening, trying to see other points of view and focus on achieving a common goal and outcome are very important.
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
I would very much focus on the fact the money comes from Stone and is very much for Stone, with any decisions very much looking at how it benefits the people of Stone.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
The environment is very important to me and is one of the most serious impacts on our future. From litter in the street to the impact big businesses have on climate. Wetter winters and hotter summers. Reducing waste and increasing re-cycling or re-using. Small changes make big differences. We all have a responsibility to our environment. Without it we are in trouble.
10. How will you ensure that your role as a councillor receives the required time and effort to carry it out effectively?
Over the past 4 years as a councillor and over the last 2 years as mayor, time has been important to manage, but achievable. It’s important to communicate and ta eth time to sit and give my full attention to issues. I tend to allocate the same time each week to look at my council work load.
Candidate-Specific Questions:
1. What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
BIG, fun, hardworking, loving, BIG
2. As an already elected council member, what three things you are most proud of from your most recent term in office?
Being part of the environment Committee and helping to start the councils environment policy, In a small way, being part of the Neighbourhood plan being ratified and being able to support so many people and organisations in Stone as Mayor.
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?
I wish I’d got involve with the young peoples involvement with the council and Stone in a greater way. The idea was raised by another councillor and is still a great idea we hope to push further if we are re-elected.
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?
We are independents by name, and this is taken very seriously. We are always focused on the main point of being independent of any party led politics or policies. We don’t always agree, and debates can be heated, but one thing is always at the forefront of my mind. Represent my ward and arrive at the best decision for Stone.
6. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
I will continue to listen to the members of my ward, strive to understand their concerns and desires. Be a voice for them in council and help them where I am able or to help them find and speak to the right people. I will endeavour to help to strengthen our community and Stone as a whole.
