Here’s the candidate profile for Lin Davies, 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: Lin Davies
- 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? If not, what is your motivation for standing in Stone and not your own ward?
My husband and I lived in Copeland Drive for 10 years before moving up the hill to Hilderstone. Many of my activities and commitments remain in Stone.
2. Are you involved in any Stone-based charities, schools, groups, sports clubs, etc.? If so, in what capacity?
• Royal Air Forces Association, Stone & District Branch – Honorary Welfare Officer
• The church of St Michael & St Wulfad with Aston St Saviour – active member for 30 years and licensed lay minister (Reader).
• Stafford Military Wives’ Choir – committee member
3. If elected, what will you, as a councillor, bring to the council?
The experience gained from being an elected councillor dating back to 2000 plus the social insights I have from years of delivering counselling on behalf of organisations ranging from Relate to Turning Point.
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?
Day-to-day conversions with a cross-section of townspeople but particularly in my work for the Church such as leading services and taking funerals.
5. What do you think are the three most important issues facing the Stone community, and how do you plan to address them?
• Appearance of the High Street – though my work on the Estates Sub-Committee
• Law and order – through the Police Liaison Group
• Unwelcome planning decisions by Stafford Borough Council – support the election of borough councillors whose primary concern is the good of the people they represent.
6. How do you propose to ensure that the local economy continues to thrive and support all local businesses?
Developing the Heritage Centre, supporting the new theatre and backing a wide range of events in the Town.
7. How do you plan to work with other members of the council to achieve your goals?
Continuing to be part of a very effective team
8. How would you balance the needs of different groups and priorities when making budget decisions?
By an open discussion and debate in the Town Council to agree compromise between competing demands. Most of the Town Council’s money comes from the taxpayers of Stone.
9. What is your position on local environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management?
The Town Council must set an example regarding environmental issues in accordance with the policies set at Borough and County level.
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 years my other commitments have been steadily reducing
Candidate-Specific Questions:
1. What five words would people who know you use to describe you?
Indomitable, principled, trustworthy, understanding, approachable.
2. As an already elected council member, what three things you are most proud of from your most recent term in office?
There are no specific items; I have been content to support the effective work of the Town Council in areas such as the helpline during the Pandemic and the Crown Wharf development.
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?
No specific items
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?
Members of Stone Independents are not subject to a party ‘whip’ nor party disciplinary procedures. We work together to agree a defined position on every issue and, by and large, we are successful in doing so. If any individual member wishes to dissent from a particular agreed position they are at complete liberty to do so but would be expected to inform their colleagues before any debate or vote.
5. What’s your pledge to the people of Stone if you’re elected?
To champion value for money, free speech, responsible behaviour, respect, and enforcement of law and order.
