Elgin south By-election: ‘Too many people feel Moray Council isn’t working for them’
A large section of one Moray town is set to go to the polls on Thursday with the by-election for the Elgin City South ward.
Four candidates are set to stand, representing the SNP, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Here, in the third of four articles being publishing today, we speak to Laura Mitchell, who lives in the ward and says she’s decided to run so she can serve and support the people in her community.
The SNP candidate works as the communications manager in MSP Richard Lochhead’s office.
Vowing to stand up to the Conservative-led Moray Council administration, Ms Mitchell says: “These are incredibly challenging times for people in Elgin.
“And there’s no doubt in my mind that when times are tough, decisions about who we elect to represent us are more important than ever.
“Local services are so important to each and every one of us – whether that’s our schools, social care, housing, roads or even the bins.
“These local issues will be my priority but voters can also count on me to speak up on big national issues, like the Labour government’s cruel decision to cut the winter fuel payment.
“Too many people in our community feel that Moray Council isn’t working for them.”
Ms Mitchell is backing a bypass for Elgin and dualling of the Aberdeen to Inverness trunk road.
And, if elected. she is pledging to work to make sure it comes to fruition.
Ms Mitchell says: “Building a bypass for Elgin will not only improve traffic management and road safety within the town itself, but will boost the Moray economy and that of the wider region.
“As it stands the A96 acts as a barrier between communities and discourages people from walking and cycling.
“I absolutely support the dualling of the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness – and would point out that it took the SNP getting into government before the dualling of this vital route was even on the agenda.
“When the First Minister was in Elgin earlier this year, he was clear that the dualling of the A96 is a priority for the SNP Government.”
Ms Mitchell blames councils’ financial issues on the previous Conservative government’s years of austerity, as well as the Liz Truss budget.
She says: “A serious increase in funding for the Scottish Government would in turn mean greater funding for local authorities, including Moray Council.”
In order to address the £12.7 million needed for the council to balance its books, Ms Mitchell feels it is imperative that money already pledged towards regenerating Elgin needs to be handed over.
She says: “People in Elgin want to know their children are getting a good education and all their needs are being met in our schools.
“They want to know that their elderly relatives will get access to appropriate care at home.
“Rejuvenating our town centre must be a priority and the Labour government must deliver on funding promised to Elgin by the previous UK government if that is to happen.”
As she lives in Elgin, Ms Mitchell is “well aware” of the attacks, noise disturbance and mess caused by urban gulls.
And she is committed to working with councillors and organisations to tackle the issue.
Ms Mitchell says: “There’s certainly a strong case for legislation around gull management to be reviewed.
“Unfortunately, there is no quick fix and it will require sustained efforts to get the numbers down and improve the environment we live in here in Elgin.”
The vote will take place on Thursday, November 7, with the polls open from 7am to 10pm.
Results will be announced the next day following the count which will take place in Moray Council annex.
