Speyside Glenlivet candidate for the 2022 local council elections, Elidh Myrvang Brown, David Gordon, Juli Harris, David McHutchon and Derek Ross, share their views
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CANDIDATES for the Speyside Glenlivet ward have shared their views ahead of May 5's local elections.
The ward, which includes Rothes, Aberlour, Dufftown, Dallas, Tomintoul and the Cabrach, will have the choice of five candidates.
Green candidate Elidh Myrvang Brown said:
"I offered to stand because it's important that Speyside Glenlivet have the choice to vote for the Scottish Greens.
"I would be delighted to serve the people in my area and the party in working well at a local level with all who are willing, to rebuild the economy, tackle climate change, support investment in public services and do whatever is possible to tackle growing inequalities that have been exacerbated through the pandemic.
"I believe participatory and representative democracy can compliment and perhaps in future combine to deliver better outcomes for people in Moray.
"I am grateful to everyone whose been in touch to express support in my candidature.
"Standing for election is one small action I felt I could take that could make a difference in helping people in Speyside Glenlivet and Moray recover from the pandemic and build a more hopeful and regenerative future for people and planet."
Conservative candidate David Gordon said:
"I have lived in Moray for seventeen years and I published the popular Knock News magazine from our rural office here.
"During that time I have worked with many local organisations, businesses and individuals and contributed to community affairs and events.
"I take a keen interest in rural issues and appreciate that it is a balance of interests.
"I will ensure that Speyside Glenlivet’s voice is heard in local government and beyond.
"I will oppose the increasing burden of unnecessary legislation, which comes from the Scottish Government, impacting on our local economy and our freedoms.
"Once elected I will scrutinise policies to ensure that taxpayers’ money is not wasted; push for better quality housing, infrastructure and healthcare for rural communities; as well as campaigning for a bigger budget for fixing road defects!
"I believe that getting out and about is vital and I look forward to meeting residents and groups."
SNP candidate Juli Harris said:
"I am standing for Moray Council because I want to be involved in helping our communities recover from the pandemic in a sustainable and supportive way, using resources and funding effectively to meet the needs of everyone in our diverse community.
"I believe I have the life skills and work experience to be a trusted and effective Councillor.
"Councillors must work together to empower and support communities, both rural and urban, providing a better future for everyone in Moray.
"We need to listen to what our communities are saying, involving them in decision-making that directly affects them.
"Everyone matters: children and families, supporting jobs and businesses to grow and prosper, ensuring that we make decisions that protect and care for our environment now and for the future.
"Finally, we must treat our older people and those with disability/care issues with dignity and respect by improving social care and support provided."
Sovereignty Party candidate David McHutchon said:
"Enough is enough!
"The Scottish Government's 'Just Transition' has been anything but just for the people of Moray.
"Wind farms are blighting our landscape; harming human health and wellbeing; and, damaging the environment.
"In addition to Clash 1 and Dorenell, at least five further medium and high-impact wind farm developments are being planned for this small ward, and its immediate vicinity.
"Our community is already dealing with shadow flicker; constant audible and AM noise; water contamination; landscape and cultural heritage degradation; and, the displacement of birds, animals and people.
"Currently, we live in Huntly, but are renovating an old house in the Cabrach, which we hope to move into shortly.
"If elected to Moray Council, I will fight tirelessly for the interests of all residents of the Speyside Glenlivet ward, and will work relentlessly to secure a moratorium on future onshore wind developments in Moray and surrounding areas."
Independent candidate Derek Ross said:
"I have lived in Speyside/Glenlivet for over 40 years and have had the honour of representing the Ward for the past 5 years as your Councillor for Moray and Moray’s representative on the Cairngorm National Park Authority.
"I attend meetings of community organisations as I believe that it is vital that I represent the views of the communities that I serve.
"If re-elected, I will continue to be your local voice, campaigning on issues like: social housing; real access to free personal care; rural infrastructure – schools, libraries, public transport, public toilets, broadband and mobile phone coverage; a just transition to renewable energy, but not at the expense of our gas and oil industries; and real devolution of powers from central government to Moray.
"I will be truly independent and campaign on the issues that affect the people of Speyside/Glenlivet and pledge not to be influenced by any political party."
