Charity worker turned councillor outlines her priorities for new role
Safer streets and cost of living crisis are on Janis’ agenda
A senior charity worker said it was an “honour” to be elected to represent Paisley Northwest as she targets “safer and cleaner streets” for the ward.
Councillor Janis McDonald, previously chief officer of deaf scotland, is one of two Labour members in the area.
She was voted in alongside colleague Councillor Ben Smith and veteran SNP duo Kenny and Mags MacLaren.
Speaking after her election, she identified the response to the cost of living crisis as a key priority as she spoke of constituents’ fears around rising food and energy prices.
Councillor McDonald, who won 852 first preference votes, said: “As a newly elected councillor, I feel proud and excited but a bit scared too.
“It is an absolute honour to be elected by others and I will work hard to try and meet the expectations of Paisley Northwest residents.
“There are two priorities that are particularly important to me.
“The first is that people in Paisley Northwest area want safer and cleaner streets and improved public spaces that make them proud.
“The second is help with the cost of living.
“Many are working hard, often in more than one job or have caring responsibilities, but struggling to make ends meet.
“People are very fearful of the food and utility bill price rises we are all seeing.
“That goes for business owners in the area too, who are worried about the rising costs to employ people.”
Investment in Renfrewshire’s roads and pavements, as well as in children’s futures, and bringing buses under public control were also identified as key issues for Councillor McDonald.
Councillors Kenny and Mags MacLaren, who were elected on 1,305 and 851 first preference votes respectively, thanked the electorate for returning them to the council.
“Both Mags and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us, to allow us to continue to serve the people of Paisley Northwest,” the former said.
“We are both honoured and humbled by the support we have received and will continue to do our best to help everyone in the ward.
“With the election now passed, it takes a week or so to get back to full speed within the council, with additional training and briefing sessions taking place.
“However, we are still dealing with casework and anyone who has a problem with council services can still get in touch with us to see if we can help.
“We’ve taken on board some comments made by individuals and groups regarding various issues from anti-social behaviour to economic development and will follow through on these ideas over the coming weeks and months.”
Councillor Mags MacLaren added: “There are a number of regeneration projects planned for Paisley Northwest – including new council housing which we have been pushing for – and we look forward to developing these plans and ensuring that local residents and groups have their say on such plans.
“Covid has obviously had an impact on how the council worked over the past few years, but it has opened up opportunities for using Zoom and Teams for working with groups and individuals.
“We have gradually moved away from the traditional councillors’ surgery, but are still accessible for all our constituents by phone, post, email and Zoom/Teams, as well as meeting tenants in a suitable location to hear any issues they may have.”
It is an absolute honour to be elected by others and I will work hard to try and meet the expectations of Paisley Northwest residents Councillor Janis McDonald