Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘I want the young to see impossible is possible’
“The future is with the young”. That’s the message for the borough’s residents from Ashford’s new mayor.
Cllr Winston Michael, who has been deputy mayor for the past year, will step up to the top position at a full council meeting tonight (Thursday), taking over from Cllr George Koowaree.
Speaking to the Kentish Express this week, Ashford Independent member Cllr Michael, explained his plans for the next twelve months.
On his new position, he said: “When I was asked I was flattered that someone should think me capable of that job because it carries a huge amount of responsibility.
“I’ve always been positive. So I’ve got to now give a picture of Ashford that it’s going to be a bright future for its residents and supporting businesses.
“I think I’m in a privileged position where I can make a difference for people and particularly, my year is going to be all about young people.”
Discussing his ideas, he said: “I’d like to do a lot more work with schools, because schools are where we start with young people and we have to get that right. The future is with the young. That’s my belief.
“I think our young people are incredible really when I look at what they have to contend with today.
“I want to try and do things with them to show them they’ve got real great inner strengths and what they think was impossible for them is actually entirely possible.”
He made special mention to the Big 8 council projects, expanding the business employment pool with students alongside other vocational options, and the Kent Challenger Games event this summer.
Cllr Michael paid special thanks to his ward: “I’m in this position today because people and residents in my ward (Boughton Aluph and Eastwell) voted me in. I have a huge debt to them for giving me this opportunity. I will continue to give help while mayor.
“I think there’s a lot of incredible things that are going to happen in the next year and hopefully I can help and make sure everybody no matter where they are, what age they are, what background they are, they’re all going to benefit from this growth in some shape or form.”