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.