Abi is the fantastic candidate Thanet Green Part is putting forward in the by-election for the councillor seat recently vacated by Green Councillor Trevor Roper. Here is her candidate statement:
After visiting the area six years ago, I knew I had found my home. I love Thanet’s beautiful countryside, stunning coast, colourful history and very special people.
I quickly put down roots here, volunteering with local organisations including several years with Thanet Citizens Advice. That gave me an insight into the character and resilience of local people, and the challenges they face.
Professionally, I have campaigned for global public health campaigns and national think tanks. Moving here I looked for similar work, but after freelancing in my field for a few years, I was drawn in a different direction: I now run a small business that supports people with disabilities in work, from my home in Westgate.
As a Thanet Villages Councillor, I would dedicate myself to:
- fighting for housing, health, education and the services our communities need
- protecting trees, green spaces and play areas; our beautiful countryside and heritage
- opposing inappropriate and damaging housing developments on precious farmland
- better traffic management, with more affordable and reliable transport links
- recognising the threats of climate change and damage to the environment
- improved prospects for everyone – especially the elderly, young and vulnerable
The Green Party is not about power and control: it is about open dialogue and positive action for change; being willing to oppose the business-as-usual, jobs-for-the-boys status quo when necessary. But we do not create conflict for its own sake, and we are willing to cooperate with other parties to bring about better policy and better outcomes for the communities we represent.
The Thanet Villages ward currently has two Conservative councillors and one Green. I want to continue Trevor Roper’s work, turning up to Parish councils, hearing local concerns and acting on them. The Green Party has no vested interests and no party whip. We have nothing to lose by pushing for what’s right, and we don’t need to support the demands of central government when they don’t work for our communities.
I believe it’s time to do politics differently, standing up for the people and places of the Villages.