Statements from candidates standing in the Kintyre and the Islands ward in the Argyll and Bute council elections on May 4
John McAlpine Independent
Having attended two hustings meetings and knocked on most doors, I am well aware of the public’s concerns in relation to ward two, Kintyre and the Islands.
My priority will be to ensure that our housing associations build suitable three-bedroom houses for rent. By doing this we can secure the future of our schools and communities.
I will always support our main industries such as fishing - including processors - farming, forestry and aquaculture.
In a time of financial cuts it is vitally important that we get best value for whatever cash is available.
Presently we have many older people living in ward two. Most lead active, independent lives. Many, however, have care at home issues. I will continue to fight to ensure their needs are met and that carers are both available and supported in the excellent work they do.
I have been working hard to create an indoor bowling arena in Tarbert which would benefit all bowlers, both young and old, and plans are ongoing for this.
I know this ward and I know the constituents. I am approachable and hard-working. With your support on May 4, I will continue to fight your issues.
Robin Currie Scottish Liberal Democrats
Once again I put myself forward for election for the ward of Kintyre and the Islands. It has been an enormous privilege representing the area for the last 10 years and I would be delighted if you gave me your support to carry on representing you.
This election is a council election and as such is about local issues. I will continue to work on issues that you tell me matter to you, such as housing for families in Tarbert; improvements to local roads; dog fouling and litter problems; and health and social care.
Since the last election, budgets have drastically reduced and it has been difficult getting what the area requires and deserves, but I have a good record of protecting services as much as possible and delivering the wishes of our communities. In these financially restrained times I have achieved a lot but there is much more to be done. At this time I think it’s crucially important to be represented by an experienced and respected councillor such as myself.
Giving me your preference vote will ensure that you have an experienced councillor who will continue working hard for everyone in the Kintyre and the Islands area.
Anne Horn Scottish National Party
In Argyll and Bute we need an open and transparent council, empowering communities to make the best decisions locally for local people.
Roads are our lifeline and we need proactive maintenance of the roads network rather than reacting to complaint and crisis that we see now.
Better integration of the public transport service would benefit all of our villages and improve employment and social opportunities for everyone in Kintyre and the Islands.
We need to work with Registered Social Landlords to provide social family housing where it is required, allowing families to stay in their local communities rather than having to move to where housing is available.
We are living in an ageing population and we must have the right care in the right place to allow people to remain at home independently for as long as possible. I will support all efforts to pay carers the living wage or more.
Robust, accountable leadership is required to support our excellent teaching staff, ensuring we ‘Get It Right For Every Child’.
Argyll and Bute Council leadership needs to change, and if you elect me on May 4, together we will make that change.
Michael Kelly Labour and Co-operative Party
Argyll and Bute is in crisis.
Every day more people leave and don’t return, unable to make a living and unable to get the housing they need.
Our council is a national embarrassment and a byword for bad government, where councillors can’t even be trusted to keep themselves awake during meetings.
Despite this, the councillors are in no hurry to do anything.
So many have held their seats for so long that I think they’ve forgotten why they even became councillors, now content to simply sit back and argue with each other over who gets to be in charge.
Sadly, the other candidates will not change this. They all have their little schemes and their private victories but none of them show any indication that they see the big picture here. There is no sense of urgency, any sign of anger at how badly we’re being treated.
I have run out of patience. We need action now. We need councillors who will not simply nod their heads in agreement and do nothing.
If you too have had enough then I ask you to stand with me on May 4.
Alastair Redman Scottish Conservatives
A hardworking councillor can achieve a lot for local communities and I want to represent the people of Kintyre and the Islands ward on Argyll and Bute Council and try to solve some of the many issues we see around us on a daily basis.
As a native of Islay, postmaster in Portnahaven and a member of my local community council, I am deeply involved in my local community.
I want to make sure that rural and island communities are treated fairly and with respect.
We in the Kintyre and Islands ward are long overdue for recognition of our contribution to tax revenue and industrial output, whether through our farms, fisheries, forestry, dynamic small businesses or our world-renowned distilleries. I will continue to press for greater local powers and fairer allocation of public funds to our islands.
Whether it’s poor broadband access or an inadequate mobile phone reception, problems with the ferries, potholes, cuts to bin collections or lack of housing I feel there is more our councillors could be doing for our area. I want to work with local people and my Scottish Conservative colleagues to make this an even better place to live for all residents.
Ed Tyler Scottish Greens
I live near Muasdale with my wife, who is a GP.
Before then I lived in Tarbert, where my son went to Tarbert Academy.
I served on the parent council, was a director of Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust, chaired the steering groups of Big Green Tarbert and Local Produce and helped on a number of projects including the TAWNI cycle/ walking trail.
I volunteer with Tarbert Community Healing Garden and am passionate about creating a thriving local economy.
My vision is for truly affordable housing that is warm and energy efficient. I will work to get more social housing built to meet people’s needs and do more to bring empty homes back into use.
Quality care is essential to support people’s health, maintain their independence and build more compassionate communities.
Investing in care not only relieves pressure on key NHS services, it keeps people connected to their homes, friends and families. Care staff and unpaid carers do vital work and I will campaign for better pay, conditions, support and recognition for all carers.
Greens are pushing for a revitalised local democracy where people are engaged and active in the important matters affecting their communities.