Below is the candidate profile for Rob Norman, the Green Party candidate for the Staffordshire County Council Stone Urban seat.
This profile has been added to our Candidate Profiles page on our 2021 election hub – click here to see more candidate profiles.
Answers to the questions aren’t edited, other than for formating, and are therefore the candidates own words.
In your own words tell our readers about yourself
I’m a musician and music teacher, who’s somewhat struggled this last year in so many ways, so I can empathise with many people and what they’ve been through. I’ve been involved with the Green Party for a few years, but have been interested in Green/Environmental issues for most of my life. I am a single parent, I have a daughter that lives with me and my son is at university in Birmingham.
What’s your personal statement about why you’re standing and what you want to achieve over the term if elected?
When I first became a member of the Green Party, apart from agreeing with what they stand for, I felt quite disappointed with politics and politicians, and thought that in some way I can make a difference, both locally and as part of an organisation striving for a better world. If elected, I would serve the people of Stone, dealing with all important issues, whether environmental or not, and strive to be a true representative of the people.
How does standing as a political party candidate affect serving local people on local issues?
I can’t foresee any negative effects of standing as a political candidate. The benefits of making a difference, and bringing about positive change in the community.
Do you live in the area you’re standing for, if not what’s your link to Stone and your reason for standing in this area and not your own?
I don’t live in Stone, but I have several links with the town. I live in Stafford, but previously taught music in Stone, and have often worked with the theatre group “The Stone Revellers” on several shows, and hope to get involved with events at the Crown Wharf Theatre.
What’s been your history as a political councillor?
This is my first time as a political candidate.
Apart from family commitments what other commitments do you have on your time? This could be work, business, voluntary or community roles – if these are linked to organisations in Stone then please mention it.
I currently teach part time (2 days per week) and work as a musician. This does involve travelling around the country, but mostly on weekends. There is quite a high level of flexibility with this kind of work. As part of my involvement with the Green Party, I often do litter picking or delivering leaflets, but this is also flexible.
What are the top 5 issues that you think affect the residents of Stone currently have?
- The financial strain on local businesses and families due to the pandemic.
- Police in Stone are stretched to the limit, and with various recent events, some residents do not feel safe in their homes. (Something that I can empathise with, as I was the victim of arson a few years ago)
- Electric car charging points in the town. As an electric car driver myself, I know this is a huge issue if we want to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles.
- Activities for young people. (Investment needed)
- Stone is often overshadowed by it’s larger neighbours (Stafford and Stoke). Hopefully the new theatre and other amenities will encourage people to come to Stone for events, instead of neighbouring towns/cities.
How will you keep in touch with your constituents’ concerns?
I will, along with my Green Party colleagues canvass the community, speaking to those in the community. Offering support where it’s needed, and most importantly offering (and publicising) a variety of ways in which constituents can contact me with concerns.
