Independents urged to run for council to revitalise South Ayrshire
Independent candidates should fight all council seats this May, according to a former MSP.
Chic Brodie, who is heavily tipped to launch his own bid in South Ayrshire, insists the authority needs “properly challenged” following years of failure.
And he says the only way to shake up the status quo is by blooding new talent from across the political spectrum.
Mr Brodie claims “flatpack democracy” is required to make those at the top accountable.
He said: “We’ve had two very damning Accounts Commission reports over the last 10 years and many questions over the council’s economic development.
“And that’s not to mention the very many and increasing comments about the state of Ayr town centre and lack of decisions on restoring its assets and its iconic buildings.
“Quite simply South Ayrshire Council needs a leadership overhaul.”
Mr Brodie, who is part of the See AYR group looking to provide alternative plans to revive Ayr’s economic fortunes, added: “That means an overhaul in County Buildings where plans and results of councillors and senior officers are subject to a very public performance review by the people of South Ayrshire.
“Independents in the market town of Frome in England were supported and encouraged over 10 years ago by residents fed up with the party political wrangling and self interests within the Town Council.
“Party-based politicians were suffering from bureaucracy and protocol.
“A decision was made to field candidates for all seats that had been politically diverse till then but the community was unified in having a common aim for their town and recognised that discussion would be about the issues. In 2019 Independents contested and won all the seats.
“The town, its small businesses, its citizens and its young people are now thriving socially and economically.
“We can do this in South Ayrshire this May and can then see an increase in local community engagement and decision making on issues that affect their communities. It’s called community empowerment. That and proper performance management of the council will see a rebirth of South Ayrshire, socially and economically, with all of us better off on both these counts.”