On the 2022 campaign trail
MY STEP counter hasn’t seen so much action for some time, although I do aim for 10k a a day. But 30-40,000 steps is quite something. Our new intake of councillors will be a fit bunch, to start with at least. If there’s one thing all candidates can thank elections for, it’s helping keep us active.
It’s been hugely refreshing to be out and about in the wards we serve as councillors, hearing local issues, meeting local people and community groups. It has reminded me that I need to spend more time locally than in other meetings.
I’ve seen the stairs in Granton that need refurbished, and I will be asking officers to join me in a walk around the community to agree an action plan and decide immediate priorities
I’ve spoken to many people who are using food banks and who are worried about the real impact of increasing energy bills, with no support from government to make any real meaningful difference.
It’s these people all of us need to support. Our recent budget gives support to families and young people in school.
This direct financial support gives a little helping hand.
I’ve seen the huge number of local people using our fantastic open and green spaces, the new cycle and walking route I got installed at Lower Granton Road/ Wardie Bay busy with walkers and cyclists and the ever popular Wardie Bay, full of sea swimmers, families and groups of young people enjoying our city’s coastline. An opportunity for us to do more at Granton Waterfront, Wardie Bay and all along Edinurgh’s fantastic shores.
It’s not all rosy in the Forth Ward. I have a regular case load of issues. It’s not acceptable that stairs need to be properly cleaned, and painted, that some owners won’t pay their share, nor that small numbers of people think it’s ok to dump rubbish in shared spaces or blight our green spaces with fly tipping.
The election will bring a new intake of councillors. Let me say to all of those standing down, whatever their political party, thank you for giving up so much of your time, for some of you decades of your life, to public service in our capital city of Edinburgh. Politics isn’t often a thankful task, but I know the efforts and time we all put into these roles as locally elected councillors.
Finally, to everyone who is standing, best of luck. Oh yes, very finally - do Vote Labour on 5 May.