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Candidate Profiles: Julia Tyburn, Peninsula

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Name: Julia Tyburn (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Peninsula

Julia was born in Paddington but has worked in South East London for 21 years and has now lived in South East London for 10 years. She lives with her husband, Rupert, in East Greenwich. She is a Trustee with United St Saviours Charity, Southwark- an Almshouses charity, Member of South East London Chamber of Commerce, Friend of East Greenwich Traders Association and Member of the Greenwich Society

Julia set up Zenon Consulting in June 1998 and is currently Managing Director. As a senior HR practitioner with over twenty years’ experience in HR, general management and Board level roles, Julia combines national policy level access and thinking with a deep understanding of specific culture issues and their solutions. Julia was interim Director of HR at Greenwich Healthcare/Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust in 2000-2002. She is passionate about HR and its role in transforming people and services.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It really matters that people vote in Council election as local councillors can focus on local issues that affect all of us.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing as Councillor in Peninsula because I am passionate about the area that we live in. Greenwich is a beautiful place and is visited by millions of people every year. There are thousands of people who live and work here and our role as councillors should be about supporting all of these people and to sustain a safe and vibrant Greenwich for all.

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

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind about East Greenwich – the view at the top of Maze Hill is stunning and the energy and tenacity of the local traders in East Greenwich.

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

My priorities, if I was elected, for Peninsula ward are :

· Doing what residents really want

· Stop Labour’s misguided plans for blocking roads north of Trafalgar Road

· Stop unsuitable modern buildings in or bordering the East Greenwich conservation area

· Revive East Greenwich and Trafalgar Road shops and businesses

Candidate Profiles: Malcolm Reid, Peninsula

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Name: Malcolm Reid (Conservative)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I am 36 years old and have lived in Greenwich since 2000 moving into the Peninsula ward in 2003. I am the Chief Financial Officer for an investment advisory firm based in Mayfair. Prior to this I worked in the City after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Business Studies. I have been involved in local politics for a number of years and I am the current Treasurer of the Greenwich Conservative Federation. I am a keen cyclist, cycling most days from Greenwich to my office in Mayfair and enjoy keeping fit at the Arches Leisure Centre.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

The council is responsible for over £100m of council tax payers money, yet at the last election the turnout in Peninsula was only 35%. The current Labour has been in power for about 40 years and I feel are complacent. It is important that the ward is represented by the true majority of the electorate.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

With my background in business I want to ensure that we are getting value for money for our council tax and to ensure services are improved. I want to represent East Greenwich as I feel the current council neglect our area concentrating services in Woolwich. The former East Greenwich housing office lies in a derelict state, the old District Hospital site remains a blot on the landscape.

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

I enjoy cycling round the Peninsula, with the contrasts that it has to offer, with the O2 and mixture of remaining industry and housing, and when the sun is out enjoying a pint at the Cutty Sark

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

I would prioritise reducing congestion in the ward, working with local businesses and residents to develop an appropriate plan for Trafalgar Road. For the Olympics I would make sure that LOCOG stick to their promises and work to minimise disruption leading up to the events.

Candidate Profiles: Miranda Williams, Peninsula

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Name: Miranda Williams (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I'm 27 and have lived in the Borough for 4 years, as well as being an active member of our community I am also a school Governor at Fossdene Primary School, Charlton.

After graduating from university I worked for the Department of Work and Pensions in a JobCentre Plus before moving to work in London as a Caseworker for a Member of Parliament.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and knitting as well as following Forest Green Rovers from a distance.

I have been a member of the Labour Party for 11 years.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It matters that all people eligible to take part in any election vote. Voting is the only way that you can choose your representatives who make important decisions about your community.

Politics effects everyone in all parts of our lives so if you value the things that are part of our daily lives such as our clean streets, good local schools and our recycling scheme then you need to take part our democratic system and vote to elect your local representatives.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Having worked in Parliament for the last four I have seen how effective hard working elected representatives can be. I also believe that working together as a community produces results far beyond what can be achieved when we work alone.

I believe I have the energy combined with the skills necessary to work with our community to promote the interests of Peninsula residents and to continue to work to make our community an excellent place to live.

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

There is very little that I don't love about the area! Greenwich Park, along with the Pleasaunce in East Greenwich as well as the O2 I would say are my top 3 favourite 'things'. But on top of that I love the diversity of our Borough and the feel of the area on Marathon Day.

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

To ensure that the Olympics in 2012 is an enjoyable and positive experience for all our residents as well as the many expected visitors.

I will work hard to ensure that new housing developments always have a balanced mix of homes offered at social rents, opportunities for shared ownership as well as those for sale at full price. I want to make sure that people growing up in this area have the best chance of living here for the next generation.
To be an approachable and effective Ward Councillor for all the residents of Peninsula.

Candidate Profiles: Mary Mills, Peninsula

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Name: Mary Mills (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I am an elderly widow who has lived in Greenwich for the past 41 years. My working life was mainly spent in the voluntary sector, including a stint at North Charlton Project, but latterly working on a community response to Docklands redevelopment, eventually concentrating on issues around the environment. I have a PhD in industrial history and am Secretary of Greenwich Industrial History Society - and because of this have written a number of books on the subject, concentrating on east Greenwich, the Peninsula and the riverside walk.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Of course it matters that people vote - we should be all about a participative democracy. It also matters that people speak up for what they want for the area they live in and I have always done what I can to encourage people to get in touch and to pass on what they say where I can.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I hope I can make a difference to people's lives in east Greenwich, North Charlton and the Peninsula. There is so much to do and so many things which are difficult. For many people it is hard to live in an area where there is so much change (although for others it is exciting). We need to understand those stresses and respond to them sympathetically and constructively and I do feel I have some very special experience of this. I also feel that in the ten years I have been on the Council I have learnt a great deal of how to tackle the many everyday problems which people have, and hopefully tackle them effectively and realistically. I very much feel that it is my duty to talk to as many local people as I can to learn what they want from their councillors, and I would encourage them to get involved. I am very used to handling email, and twitters and stuff like that - and hope to be able to use it to interact more and more local people. Over the past ten years I have developed a newsletter about local people and local events which goes out monthly - so I have always been happy to hear if people are doing things they want others to hear about, and to add addresses to the list of those who want to get it.

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

What do I like most about the area. Where do I start? When I moved to Greenwich in the 1960s I was knocked out that I was finally in an area with Labour councillors, a Labour MP and a Labour GLC member. I am still very proud of that. However I had come from Gravesend and both there, and here in Greenwich, we have the river - and that is a wonderful thing threading through all our lives. But now - oh how I miss the sound of the boats all day! - and the great cacaphony at New Year. But I am very proud of east Greenwich - it IS the centre of the world, its an exciting place to be and I am grateful every day that I live here.

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

Where do I start with that? I suppose I want the people who live here to be happy to live here and to have good and fulfilled lives. I suppose that also I want to work towards a cleaner, greener, totally sustainable environment. That's the long term. In the short term its sorting out all those 100s of day to day problems which hopefully are building blocks towards the long term. Or at least I hope so.

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: 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: Dick Quibell, Peninsula

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Name: Dick Quibell (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I have lived at my current address in Peninsula Ward for 19 years, and in the Borough for almost thirty years; I have a son and daughter who both attended local state schools. I am a maths graduate with a twenty five year career helping organisations use information effectively to optimise their operations. I have been a Labour Party member for almost forty years.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Obviously it is important that you have confidence in - and have chosen - the people who spend so much of the public’s money. The environment, local economy, public safety and local services are all influenced hugely by the elected Council members, it matters that people choose representatives that will use that influence on their behalf. They also need advocates to take up issues for them – like getting a fair deal over a school for their child, or ridding their neighbourhood of crime, noise, pollution etc. Choosing the people to do this job for you is really an important part of getting a fair deal. Voting is the only way you can make these choices.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Firstly I believe I am effective at being the representative and advocate I described in the previous answer – and that my record in this regard is good. This borough has serious problems that need to be addressed. A lot of our people are relatively poor, have not enjoyed their fair share of the comforts and benefits that a 21st century affluent society offers. I think I can make a significant contribution to redressing this, and to ensure that everyone - but especially the least privileged - have someone to speak up for them. I believe in Local Government being a strong element of our social fabric, helping to shape and change lives for the better, and being effective and well run. I want to be part of making that happen.

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

Rather spoilt for choice – an urban park to rival any in the world on its boundary, the Dome with the best concert venue on the planet, being the centre of time and space (0° longitude), and one of the most vibrant and socially diverse communities in London.

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

i) Making sure that the Olympics in 2012 go fantastically well and that as many people as possible enjoy them hugely;
ii) Getting the school opened on the Peninsula, and drawing more of the Borough’s children into our own secondary schools
iii) Helping neighbourhoods be rid of the scourge of excessive traffic – especially on the minor residential streets
iv) Extending social ownership of the organisations that run things for us – including many of the Council’s own services.

Candidate Profiles: Charlie Easton, Peninsula

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Name: Charlie Easton (Conservative)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I’m Charlie, I live and work locally, as an HR Administrator at the National Maritime Museum. I also study part time at the University of Greenwich. I have a blog, gipsymoth.blogspot.com where I talk about my studies, thoughts and experiences as I go about my week. I enjoy visiting parks and museums, walking and learning about London’s history in the little spare time I have amongst everything else! My favourite TV show is House, and my favourite meal is Chicken Madras with fluffy rice (and I’m one of the few people I know who actually likes Lime Chutney on their poppadum’s!)

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

The average household in Greenwich gives over £1,000 a year to the Council, to provide and run local services such as schools, libraries, community centres, parks and leisure facilities. The Council has the power to approve or refuse planning applications, to sign off large events and projects such as the Olympics or Crossrail and to ensure the streets and houses of the borough are kept neat and tidy. There are over 220,000 people in the borough, yet turnout for local elections in the area sits between 20-40% of the voting population. The council has the power to spend a great deal of money and change the quality of life of its residents. By voting for 3 councillors in the local elections, we all have a say in whether it does this, how it does this and how well it does this.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

Every time I used to see something in the area that looked untidy, or read that a local service was underperforming or closing, it used to sadden and frustrate me. For somewhere that has so much culture and potential and so many visitors from outside the area, Greenwich underperforms locally and nationally in a number of areas, such as providing decent housing provision, good schools and local employment opportunities. The more I looked into the council's record on its ability to improve delivery of local services, the more I realised the incumbents weren't making the most of what they have. And rather than accept that things would only ever be as good as they are, I decided to get involved with Greenwich Conservatives and help them hold the council to account. By standing as a councillor in Peninsula, I hope that voters will permit me to take my fight for better services in Greenwich right to the Town Hall.

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

There's a lot to like in the Peninsula - the East Greenwich Pleasurance, the local pubs, the views across the river, the shops and houses, new and old. But (perhaps oddly) my favourite landmark in the ward is the power station and the old coal jetty. Its size and location beneath the meridian laser on the banks of the river make it as much a local landmark as the Naval College or Observatory. Its Charlie & the Chocolate Factory-like air of desertion make it intriguing, and its functional yet elegant design - particularly the little turret on the side - make what perhaps ought to be a building you turn your eye from a building your eye is drawn towards. And like the more culturally valued buildings in Greenwich, it has an air of permanence about it. I like it

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

-Secure a sustainable future for East Greenwich Library, which has been neglected by the council and under threat of closure for over a decade. Andrew Carnegie donated the borough the money to build and maintain the library in perpetuity for the public good: to keep our promise to Carnegie and the people of Greenwich is the least we can do.

-Stop the Council from granting consent to build housing on green space like Woodlands Park Road when plots like the site of the former East Greenwich housing office remain derelict.

-Use the land where Greenwich hospital stood: if money for the proposed development cannot be found, the land should be offered in the meantime as allotments, parking space or an area for an East Greenwich market.

-Change the way the council responds to fly tipping and littering. It took me 4 phone calls, 3 call centre operatives, 2 polite "asks" of Cleansweep on the street, 1 manager, 1 meeting and 10 weeks for the council to clear up a single shopping trolley. The system is expensive and clearly not fit for purpose - a more robust system that responds effectively to local residents' requests needs to be established as a matter of urgency.

Candidate Profiles: Darryl Chamberlain, Peninsula

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Our continuing series of profiles of candidates for the Peninsula and Greenwich West wards in the forthcoming council elections.

Name: Darryl Chamberlain (Green Party)
Ward: Peninsula

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

I've lived in the east Greenwich and Charlton area all my life - I was brought up in Combedale Road, and now live in Charlton. I'm a journalist who worked on the BBC News website until last year, and since then I've been doing freelance work (including for greenwich.co.uk). I'm a season ticket holder at The Valley and like live music, long walks and even longer train journeys. I also write the 853 blog.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Council elections matter at least as much as the general election - I'd even say you've more chance of forcing change through by voting in a council election than in a general election. If your local council isn't sweeping your street properly, is leaving your local facilities to rot away, allows developers to walk all over it and has no plans to tackle congestion and pollution, then you should make a stand and vote.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I've kept blogs for seven years and started off being rude about everyone and everything under a psuedonym. But as time went on, the penny dropped and I realised that taking potshots at everything wasn't enough, and through blogging I'd met people in Lewisham who were doing good things to improve their areas. When I quit my job at the BBC I decided I wanted to do something positive to improve the area. I'd been impressed with what Greens had done in Lewisham, especially in doing basic things like keeping residents updated with what they're doing - something that seems beyond most Greenwich councillors. So I joined the Greens to help them improve their publicity, and when the opportunity to stand came up, I jumped at it. This area's my home, and I want to make it better.

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

It's the walk along the river - we've miles of waterfront that we don't talk up enough, from the tourist scene in central Greenwich through to the industry in Charlton. The recent fiasco with the Thames Path closure highlights just how it gets taken for granted. It's as important to Greenwich as the park is. One of the good things about the recent developments is that - eventually - the walk was opened right the way around the peninsula for the first time. We need to keep up the pressure to make sure the path is kept open as much as possible, and stays open.

We're also lucky to have beautiful streets around Pelton Road - which could benefit from a little bit more care - some cracking pubs and the buzz around The Valley on matchdays.

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

We need to make sure local services are defended - East Greenwich law centre is under threat of closure, and the council won't commit to the
future of East Greenwich Library, which is a fantastic community facility in a beautiful building which should stay in public use. Greenwich Council should also come clean about just what's happening on the old hospital site - this patronising "heart of East Greenwich" stuff is wearing thin when the land's been lying empty for three years.

We'd also like to pursue some simple ideas to combat congestion, like electronic boards to warn drivers of traffic jams through Greenwich or Blackwall Tunnel closures, and put pressure on TfL and Southeastern to make public transport more attractive to use.

We need to make sure streets are kept clean and safe - parts of the ward, particularly in Charlton, barely see a street sweeper's broom and are left looking an absolute state after the bins are collected.

We'd like to champion local businesses - the East Greenwich Traders Association is doing great work and we'd like to help them do better. And I'd like to see the barriers between the Millennium Village and the rest of the area broken down - it could be a real asset to the area, but GMV residents have issues with the way it's run. It's incredible that nobody has been able to set up a full-time cafe by the ecology park, for example - it could boost its profile like the cafe
in East Greenwich Pleasance has done there, and attract other businesses to GMV.

Finally - the Greens will keep publishing newsletters and keep in touch with residents. Councillors on their own can't improve Greenwich, but by teaming up with local people, then together we can give it our best shot.