MSYP election time is looming

I am officially announcing my decision to stand for re-election as the Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire for a third term.

Over the last two years, I have ensured to work hard and deliver on the pledges that I set when I stood for election two years ago.

I have held meetings with Perth and Kinross councillors as well as elected MSPs and MPs to discuss my work and develop positive working relationships.

I have met with Police Scotland Tayside Division as well as Perth and Kinross Council Trading Standards to look into the issue of New Psychoactive Substances and work towards solutions to this issue.

Early this year the UK government introduced a blanket ban on legal highs which is a major issue affecting the young people in my constituency.

If re-elected I want to continue my work on the creation of an education resource as more education is needed in schools to highlight the dangers of NPS.

I have engaged with local young people through writing my monthly politics column for the Perthshire Advertiser and hope to continue to do so.

Last month’s column was on the issue of youth unemployment where I shared my personal experience of being unemployed in Perth.

Every month I attend meetings of the Earn Community Council as the MSYP for the area to keep up to date with current issues affecting Bridge of Earn.

If in March, I have the privilege of being re-elected, I will promote the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament as well as engaging with schools to highlight key issues and to encourage young people to participate in discussions.

It is this experience as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament that has defined me as a youth politician as well as given me a confidence boost and helped me develop many skills.

Since I have been elected, this has given me the opportunity to attend official events such as the state opening of the Scottish Parliament as well as witnessing democracy in action at local election vote counts.

This has made me keen to learn more about politics as well as teaching me how to be a positive representative of my constituency of Perthshire South and Kinross-shire.

In March 2017, I ask that you re-elect me, Dillon Kennedy as a voice for YOUth.

If you have any questions about the campaign, please let me know what you think by tweeting @Dillonk_msyp or email me at Dillon. kennedy.msyp@sypmail. org.uk.