These are the candidates for the Stafford Borough Council election in the Walton ward on 7th May. Of the six candidates, TWO will be elected to represent the ward on the borough council.
There are also elections to Stone Town Council on 7th May, as well as the Parliamentary elections.
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Margaret Goodall (Conservative)
I have lived most of my life in Stone. Together with my late husband I became very involved in Walton Community Centre. In the 1980s we helped to raise the necessary funds to build the new Presidents Hall and to renovate the Chairman’s Hall.
I still have a great regard for Walton, after being re-elected to both Stone Town Council and the Borough Council I found that I could still achieve such things as clearing the holding pond in Common Lane and helping to get C.I.C. status for the Tilling Drive Allotment Association.
I also served on the committee that was instrumental in saving the Post Office in Stone. My other main interest is in the environment, and I am proud to have served as the Chairman of the Environment Committee of Stone Town Council.
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Mark Green (Independent)
Mark was elected as a Stone Town Councillor in 2007 and had the honour of becoming Town Mayor in 2008-2009 and Stone Town Deputy Mayor in 2010-2011. Mark and his wife Kristan ran a bed and breakfast in the town for many years but having now retired, Mark fills his time being actively involved in and volunteering for many local charities, one of them being the Stone Stroke Club.
Mark is President and an active member of Walton Community Centre and enjoys his time volunteering with Stone in Bloom which has won gold for the past 8 years. Since being elected as one of the Independent councillors he has successfully campaigned for the resurfacing of Pirehill Lane and Whitemill Lane and helped towards putting the A34 gap closure on hold. If elected, Mark will continue his work for the people of Walton at Town and Borough level. As an Independent Councillor he does not have to toe any party political line and will vote with the courage of his own convictions.
Mark Green says: “I live in Walton, I care about Walton, that is why I ask for your support in electing me as your Walton Borough councillor.”
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Jill Hood (Independent)
Jill Hood is a dedicated Walton town and borough councillor and an active volunteer in many local charities and organisations. She has a proven track record of getting things done and a reputation of being a hard worker with a hands-on approach. Jill continually joins residents in opposing further development in Walton and fights for better roads and infrastructure.
She was one of the main organisers who began the Stone Food and Drink Festival and is always looking for ways to boost the local economy. She is now heavily involved in the new monthly market carrying on the tradition of Stone as a market town.
Jill is chairman of Stone in Bloom and works with a team of volunteers within the community, who ensure Stone is a great place to live, work and visit. She is one of the active members of Keep Westbridge Park Green who continue to fight hard to stop development on the park, but welcomes a new leisure centre, teenage facility and an up to date play area for younger children whilst still maintaining the beauty of the open green space for future generations to come.
Jill Hood says: “I will continue to work hard in opposing any further development of Walton. I was thrilled that the A34 gap closure has been put on hold which was all down to hard work by all of us Walton residents. I’m ashamed of the outdated play areas and equipment for our youngsters and lack of facilities for our teenagers. With the amount of council tax paid to the Stafford Borough Council from Stone it should guarantee better facilities and a greatly improved infrastructure within our town.
“I will continue to support residents in resisting and opposing any further development in Walton and campaign for better roads. As an independent councillor I listen to what people say and vote accordingly. I will not toe a party line but will use good old fashioned common sense in getting things done.”
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Dave Nullis (Labour)
I am married with 3 grown up children, my 2 daughters are both teachers and my son is a serving police officer. I have recently retired as a prison officer, where along with my job I was a committed union official, chairing and serving on the National Executive for over 10 years.
It has always been my personal belief that I can only be committed to do one job properly at a time, as with my recent union commitments I would, if elected, be fully committed and contactable , and not just at election times, and as your representative to support the views of the people of Stone at all required meetings.
While Stone is very much a beautiful and vibrant town, there are problems that I do believe can be tackled. Some problems that have been brought to my attention by many households are the state of the roads, parking areas and access to the local schools, and it is evident some roads and streets have had no attention for quite some time. It is my view and those of the local residents these are local priority issues that need addressing, and these do not have to be to the detriment of other projects in Stone.
But my main promise to you is, if elected, to be contactable and visible throughout the ward and I will meet with any individual or group with concerns and on their behalf to find appropriate resolutions. It is also my pledge to the ward to attend all structured and unstructured meetings as required and to meet and give feedback as required.
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Richard Sidley (Labour)
It is a privilege to stand for election in Walton representing the Labour Party. I am a former history teacher who retired as Deputy Head from a Stoke-on-Trent high school after 31 years. I have represented teachers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as local secretary and national executive member of NASUWT. I am a school governor and represent governors on the Schools’ Forum. I was a councillor in Stoke-on-Trent for seven years in the 1980s and 1990s before the local authority became responsible for education and schools.
I moved to Lower Moddershall in 2006 and have taken an active interest in local issues. In 2014 I gave evidence to the public enquiry into a planning proposal directly affecting the Moddershall Valley Conservational Area.
My main interests are education, social care, environmental issues, and the need for a more directly accountable local council with powers that reflect its responsibilities to local people.
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Mike Williamson (Conservative)
I was born in Stoke-on-Trent, educated at Hanley High School and Hull University, achieving an Honours Degree in Chemistry. I have lived in Walton for over 40 years, my two children attending our local schools.
I was involved in Pirehill Middle as member of the P.T.A., serving one year as Chairman and also being a Governor of Manor Hill. Presently I am Chairman of Stone First Responders and a Director of Tilling Drive Allotment C.I.C. I am serving my second term as Councillor for Walton on Stone Town Council and also my first as Borough Councillor. My major interest is in planning and it is my main aim to limit the number of developments coming into Stone, especially in Walton.
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