Dear Neighbours, I’ve been teaching science to local secondary students for thirty years as my own family has grown up in Maidstone, and I have learned to be grateful for all who work so hard in our local services.

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It has been rewarding to give a little back, whether helping with litter picking and various environmental projects, or speaking in support of constructive ideas at our Town Hall. Some of our Parish and District councillors have served Maidstone well in the past, but we now face challenges on a much greater scale that we must face together as a community. This requires considered discussion and responsible decision making. Our Council has been bogged down in years of debate over housing targets, during which a binding Local Plan rarely becomes a reality. Large building companies override the repeated protests of locals who object to large scale developments lacking adequate sewerage connections, building homes which do not offer what new families and younger people might afford. Vital community services including surgeries, accessible play areas, cleaner transport links or local schools are not delivered. Money our Council does receive from Developers is promised for such projects but frequently later withdrawn. Our Council urgently needs renewed vision! So many people have given me a warm welcome in Detling, Thurnham and Weavering over recent months. You tell me how shocked you are that it took campaigners from outside the Council to begin formal action in Maidstone to hold our sewage company to account for its persistent ‘leaks’ and overflows. Residents understand that looking after our environment is part of looking after ourselves, which is why you voted Greens into second place here last time. You agree with me that we expect our Council to be more proactive in the restructuring of our public transport and driving environment, to reduce traffic jams and pollution, providing affordable means for everyone to get to shops, schools, and leisure facilities- just to get around efficiently each day. Cutting buses is not the answer, but our Council told us this year that they don’t see it as their job to talk with bus operators to help us all adapt to changing priorities. This is some of my vision for improvement in Maidstone, things you have told me you expect your Council to work for on your behalf. It is an honour to stand as your Green Candidate on 4th May 2023.