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Candidate Profiles: Anthony Austin, Greenwich West

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Name: Anthony Austin (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I work part-time as a freelance editor and also as cycle instructor in south and east London boroughs, teaching children and adults safe cycling. Previously I was a correspondent for Reuters, the international news organisation, working in Switzerland, Italy (including Vatican correspondent), Thailand, and Sweden.
I recently ran the London Marathon for the third time, on this occasion to draw attention to the plight of the polar bear with proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund. On another occasion I ran for the Mayor of Greenwich’s McMillan charity.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

While canvassing for the LibDems I’ve also been handing out forms for people to register to vote, if they hadn’t already done so. When occasionally someone says “I don’t vote, all politicians are in it for themselves” or the like, I say “but don’t you think everything we do is political, and it matters that your voice is heard at the local and national level.”

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing in this election for the LibDems with fresh policies to challenge 39 years of Labour control of Greenwich Council which has become dictatorial, lazy and cynical.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I love the riverside and its shipbuilding heritage. We should do much more to promote our borough, its royal status, the Thames path from Thamesmead to Deptford.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

If elected, and in consultation with my party colleagues, I would seek to give better value for council tax, investigate reversing the Labour decision to close Charlotte Turner primary school in Deptford, bring local people more into the planning process rather than imposing development on them.

Candidate Profiles: Simon Gallie, Greenwich West

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Name: Simon Gallie (Conservative)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

Simon Gallie has lived with his Partner in West Greenwich for the past 12 years and in London for 23 years. At work he leads a team of business and private banking managers based in Central London.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

In the last local election the turnout was very disappointing at less than 30% and we got another 4 years of a Labour Council who had already been in control for over 30 years. What we don’t know is what the other 70% of local residents wanted. If you care about your local area you need to vote.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

As I think parts of Greenwich are good but could be great. Are our streets as clean as they could be? Does the town centre look as good as it could? Are our public open spaces kept tidy? I don’t think we are getting value for money and want to make good great. I think I have business and commercial experience that would be useful in local government.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

The wonderful Park and World Heritage Site with many historical buildings in Greenwich West.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

In no particular order:
Ensure the Olympic Authority return the Park as they have said they will (despite a very lax and planning consent containing little detail).
Tidy and clean streets we can be proud of.
Value for money and efficiency in the upkeep of the council grass and planting areas.
Regeneration of some of the business premises and ensuring this is consistent with the World Heritage Site.
Preserving Greenwich’s Markets.
Controlling crime and anti-social behaviour without limiting residents ability to enjoy a drink in the sun.
Installing bins so people can actually “bag it and bin it” after their dogs.
Re-open Charlotte Turner School which should not have been closed.

Candidate Profiles: Dave Sharman, Peninsula

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Name: Dave Sharman (Green Party)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am semi-retired, having spent the last 20-odd years working for myself as an independent management consultant. I previously worked as a lecturer in organisational behaviour at Thames Valley University.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Local elections are crucial in getting committed people to take action. Voting for someone that you think can do something for the area is a big step. It’s also different from the general election as each candidate is assessed on a trust/competency basis.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Because I want to challenge and change the mindset of our current council – but accept that this is a big task!

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

The view from the Cutty Sark pub with the O2 and the gas-holder in the background – and the Old Naval College if you look the other way!

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

Creating a sense of community between GMV and the rest of East Greenwich; Finding some small things to improve the congestion in Trafalgar and Woolwich Roads and making a whole series of small changes that ordinary people in the ward would appreciate.

Candidate Profiles: Matthew Pennycook, Greenwich West

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Name: Matthew Pennycook (Labour)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I live in Tarves Way on the Rubicon development where I have helped set up a thriving Residents Association and I am a Governor at James Wolfe Primary school. My background is in the third sector where I have worked on campaigns and policy with organisations such as Child Poverty Action Group as well as heading national campaigns for the Fair Pay Network – a national coalition of fourteen anti-poverty organisations committed to taking action to highlight and tackle working poverty in Britain. I am also a Greenwich organiser for Hope not Hate, the national campaign working to expose the extremism behind the British National Party, and I’ve been campaigning over the last year across the Borough to make sure we don’t see a BNP councillor elected on May 6th. In my spare time I enjoy running, reading and practicing my Chinese (mandarin) which I have studied for the past five years.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Most of the decisions that effect people on a day-to-day basis take place at a local level so council elections are just as important as general elections. Politics affects everyone and involvement in the political process is essential to meeting the common challenges we face as a community. Democracies exist only by virtue of the engagement of their citizens. So if you value the safety of your home and family, the cleanliness of the streets around your home, or the quality of services and life in your local area then you need to vote for it and elect representatives who know and live in the ward with you and who have the experience and ability to understand your concerns and champion your interests.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Faith in politics may be at an all time low but I still believe in the power of people working together to improve their lives. I am standing to be a councillor because I have seen both professionally and in the voluntary work I do what can be achieved if committed individuals work together toward common goals. I believe I have the energy and the skills needed to advance the interests of Greenwich West residents and to continue to build on the progress made in our area over the last few years.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I love many things about Greenwich but our Royal Park stands out as my favourite thing in Greenwich West. It is an immense privilege to live so close to such a beautiful piece of parkland which is used and valued by so many residents.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

If elected I will work hard to build a fairer, safer and greener Greenwich West. My priorities would be:
• To safeguard our two Sure Start Children’s centres and to ensure our local schools improve faster.
• To ensure that the Olympic events in Greenwich Park are an enjoyable experience for residents and that the Park is returned in the same or better condition as it is in now.
• I believe in decent, affordable local homes so I will work hard to ensure that we build upon the work of the Decent Homes Programme locally and continue to improve our social housing stock.
• To preserve and maintain important local landmarks including Greenwich Market.

Nick Raynsford answers your questions

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I asked Greenwich.co.uk readers to send me their questions for the main parliamentary candidates. Nick Raynsford has answered your questions below…

If asked to list the achievements during your time as MP of which you are most proud, what would they be?

1 The transformation of public transport in the area in the last decade, with the Jubilee Line at North Greenwich, DLR extensions to both Greenwich and Woolwich town centres, a hugely improved river bus service, a much better bus network, and improved reliability of the trains – a world away from the lousy service provided by Connex in the late 1990s.

2 Helping to get the regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula underway, with the new Greenwich Millennium Village, and the transformation of the Dome into the O2, now the most successful live music venue in the world.

3 Helping to attract high-quality higher education institutions to the borough, including Trinity Laban and Ravensbourne College, and the University of Greenwich’s move into the Old Royal Naval College.

Do you agree with Gordon Brown’s comment (2nd TV Leadership debate) that MP’s should have no extra jobs and consultancies while holding Parliamentary office?

I agree with the Labour Party manifesto commitment that in future all MPs will be required to seek and obtain approval for any outside paid appointments (as I have always done) and should not work for lobbying companies (as I have never done).

Do you think you were representing your constituents wishes by endorsing the move of John Roan school to a location in the blast zone of a gas holding works?

The proposed move of the John Roan School was backed by the governing body and the council and I tried to ensure the new site was as large as possible and was to be built to as high as possible a standard. Ultimately the council and the school decided not to take the new site due to delays in starting work because of the presence of the gasholder, a decision I respected. I am now working hard to ensure an early start is made on rebuilding and refurbishing the buildings on the school’s current sites.

Do you think that Britain wants another 5 years of Gordon Brown?

I am clear about what Britain does not want: a return to the destructive policies of the Thatcher era of the 1980s, which could well result from the election of a Conservative government.

Does your party support the Olympics in Greenwich Park given it would entail long closures of this vital amenity and potential damage to this World Heritage Site, not to mention the obscene cost, lack of legacy and transport problems?

Inaccurate and misleading stores put out by those such as Andrew Gilligan – who falsely claimed that the Olympic events could lead to the destruction of avenues of trees, or that the park could be closed for up to five years – have contributed to vocal opposition to the Olympic equestrian events by a small minority of local residents. As MP for the area, I have talked to a large number of local residents over the last few years, and found that most of them warmly welcome the fact that Greenwich will be hosting six Olympic events in 2012, including the equestrian events in Greenwich Park.

What was the last book you read?

Richard Reeves’ biography of John Stuart Mill, author of the classic Nineteenth Century treatise “On Liberty”

Are you representing your constituents by insisting that the plans for the Market be pushed through?
Would it be democratically acceptable for a Bristol based quango to force upon Greenwich a market redevelopment that is unwanted by the people or their elected representatives in the Council?

The decision has been a matter for Greenwich Council as the local planning authority, and now the Planning inspectorate. I chaired a consultative stakeholder group which considered options for improvements to the market over a two-year period. The scheme that was eventually proposed by Greenwich Hospital and recommended for approval by Greenwich Council’s planning officers would have safeguarded the long-term future of the Market. As councillors voted to reject the scheme it is now to be decided by an independent planning inspector, who is accountable to an elected politician, the Secretary of State.

I’d like to know what the candidates would do about the Blackwall Tunnel closure, and what their views are on two-way traffic through one 1/2 of the tunnel.

Although the work to make the Blackwall Tunnel safer needs to take place, Boris Johnson chose to do it just after he had cancelled plans to build the Thames gateway bridge, which would provide an alternative cross-river link. Doing the work without any alternative in place has caused massive and unnecessary dislocation and inconvenience.

Do you support reform of the voting system?

I support the Alternative Vote system which retains the constituency link – a very important feature of the current system – but also ensures that no candidate can be elected without securing broad support across their constituency.

How would Greenwich be different in five years time if you, and a Labour government, are elected?

In five years’ time, I hope to see Crossrail at an advanced stage of construction with the Woolwich station on its way to being opened (Only Labour has fully committed to Crossrail at Woolwich), the regeneration of Greenwich and Woolwich as a whole continuing apace, and everyone benefiting from the inward investment that a very successful hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games will bring.

Candidate Profiles: Toks Bailey, Peninsula

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Name: Toks Bailey (Conservative)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I was born in London and brought up in the UK and Nigeria. I’m active in the community through my church and through housing and children’s groups. I’m a full time parent – my children went to local schools, and I’m a Governor at Charlton and Willow Dene Schools. I also founded and run JMF, a charity for young people with disabilities. I enjoy meeting people through my work and getting involved in local activities – sharing our enthusiasm together and most importantly having fun!

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

This election is being held alongside a General Election. Whilst most people’s attention will be on the national elections, the local elections are important too: each voter has three votes they can cast, electing representatives who will have a say over issues that can have a significant impact on everyone’s daily lives: the standards of education, the number of police on the streets and the standard of local facilities and services. With the right leadership, local councils can make a big difference to our quality of life: this election is a chance for us to choose that leadership.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I have been involved in the local community for a number of years. As the founder of a charity, a parent whose children went and go to school in Greenwich and an active member of a number of local community groups, I have experience of what it’s like to try and work with the Council across a number of different issues. I am standing as a candidate so that I can work to make the Peninsula and the borough a safer and cleaner place to live and work, and make the council work harder to deliver better quality, better value services – I believe that the experience I have learned so far will help me make that happen if I’m elected.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I really like East Greenwich Pleasurance – it’s a special place tucked away off the tourist trail that provides a nice alternative to Greenwich Park on a sunny day.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

-Reducing congestion across the ward. By asking local people what measures they would like to see put in place to manage traffic on the main roads and discouraging traffic from speeding through residential areas, and by encouraging use of alternatives to the car where possible.

-Putting more police on the streets of the ward. Residents and businesses would like to see a greater police presence in the area. I want the Peninsula to be seen as a safer place to live, work and relax – at all times of day and night.

-Giving East Greenwich a clearer voice on Council issues. Much of the Council’s funding priorities are focused on Woolwich – as witnessed by the attempted closure of Greenwich Law Centre last year which we petitioned against. I would like to see a greater commitment by the council to keep services like the Law Centre and Library open.

Candidate Profiles: Ian Gerrard, Greenwich West

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Name: Ian Gerrard (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I’ve lived in the Greenwich area for just over 20 years, after finishing University and taking a job as a History teacher in a local state secondary school. I’m a keen fan of Northwich Victoria (which I know might not be too popular with local Charlton fans!) and I enjoy the odd game of golf, drinking with friends, reading and going to the cinema when I can fit it in. I’m also a member of a local drama group.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It matters that people vote in every election and sometimes council elections can be overlooked. They shouldn’t be, though, because they affect so many aspects of our everyday lives; the schools our children go to, how clean and how safe our local streets are and the planning decisions that impact on how our area will develop in the future.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I’m standing to be a councillor because it’s an important role and I want to play my part in making Greenwich a better place for all local people. I was a councillor for four years and enjoyed listening to the concerns of people and doing my best to help them. Being a councillor is the opportunity to give something back to the local community and to stand up for what you believe in.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

There’s so many things to like about Greenwich; the view right across London from the top of the park, pottering around in the market, having a drink in one of the many great pubs, the beautiful buildings that you stumble across round almost every corner. It’s a great area and I’d be proud to represent it, were I to be elected.

If elected, what would be your priorities for Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

Listening to the concerns of local people would be right at the top of my list of priorities as well as working hard to protect the best parts of Greenwich and helping to improve those things that fall short of what we’d all like to see. Other than that, I’d want to see improvements to local schools so that everyone has access to the very best opportunities – we deserve nothing less.

Candidate Profiles: Maureen O’Mara, Greenwich West

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Name: Maureen O’Mara (Labour)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

Lived in the borough for thirty years and have worked in both the public and private sector. Have lived in Greenwich West ward for nearly seventeen years.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It matters that people vote in all elections -local and national. Politics is about the house or flat that you live in, it is about how clean your street is, it is about whether you can get a job or not, it is about the quality of your children’s education and it is about the quality of care that your or you family and friends get from the NHS. Everyone cares about these things – we just group them together under the heading of “politics”. If you choose not to vote then you are letting other people make decisions about your life.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I have been a Labour councillor for Greenwich West for nearly twelve years and believe I have been able to get things done for local people and across the borough as a whole and want to keep doing that.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

There are many things that I love about West Greenwich – its strong sense of community for one and I also love its history. I am very proud that we are host to one of London’s four World Heritage sites which attracts now over seven million visitors a year.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

My priorities for the next four years would be to make sure that the needs of all our communities are met. We have just started to build council housing again in the borough – the first London borough to do so for some time. We need to make sure that we have the infrastructure to support our new developments and we need constantly to ensure that we maintain our improvements in the public realm – cleaner streets and cleaner estates. Clearly the 2012 Olympics will present real challenges for us and we need to make sure we are ready for those.

Council shuts sushi shop

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A sushi restaurant in Greenwich was temporarily closed last week after an unannounced check up by Council environmental officers.

Itoshii in Nelson Road was forced to stop trading on Tuesday after the Council went to court to get an emergency prohibition order issued.

Council staff visited the business  to check if improvements required after a visit a month earlier had been carried out. Instead they discovered evidence of extensive rodent infestations.

There was evidence of mice and rats found in the storeroom, kitchen and even inside the wok burner cooker. There were large holes in the walls that allowed pests easy access to the restaurant and the general cleanliness of the premises was below standard.

Work was undertaken by the owners and the restaurant was allowed to reopen for business last Friday.

Matthew Norwell, Assistant Chief Executive for Community Safety and Integrated Enforcement at Greenwich Council, said:

“The Council will continue to carry out unannounced visits to food businesses in order to safeguard customers’ health. We also want residents to enjoy their leisure time in the borough without worrying about putting their health at risk.”

Candidate Profiles: Mary Harris, Greenwich West

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Name: Mary Harris (Conservative)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I have worked in education for the past few years. I am involved in particular in English and literacy education. I think that everyone has the right to a good education to help them do well in the workplace. I enjoy living in South East London and in Greenwich in particular.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It matters because Council election results have a direct impact on peoples’ daily lives in the area in which they live.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I want to play an active part in ensuring that communities and individuals alike have a ‘voice’, that is, that they are represented fully on the Council. There is always room for improvement in local services and it is important to look for practical, pragmatic solutions to meet the needs of diverse communities in Greenwich West, from youth organisations and schools to community and residents’ groups.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I like that Greenwich West is so diverse in terms of people and places. There are many historic traditional buildings situated ‘cheek by jowl’ with modern locales. Every generation seems to have something definitive and positive to add to Greenwich West’s character. People seem to be willing to speak up and say what they think, too

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Greenwich West ward over the next four years?

As I work in education I think a priority would be promoting improvements in terms of education provision as, at the moment, many results are nowhere near good enough. For example, results are very uneven in terms of A*-C attainment at GCSE. Another priority would be to ensure adequate representation of residents’ concerns in terms of housing provision and street cleanliness.