This is the second candidate to feature in our Candidate Focus series, designed to tell you a bit more about who’s standing in your area. You can read more about the series here.

Full name
Ian James McCormick

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Party
Green Party

Ward
Garrison

Occupation
Volunteer

What has made you decide to stand for election?

I felt I should stand in order to give the people of Garrison ward a real choice, so people who care about the environment, social justice and a fair future for all, can make their views known with a vote for the Green Party.

What are the key issues for your ward?

Three key issues for Garrison are transport, jobs and housing.

Transport is a vital issue for Garrison: the failed park and ride scheme at Junction 31A was a scandalous waste of public money. An integrated transport system that linked reliable, affordable buses with the trains would reduce the amount of traffic on the roads and provide a safer and cleaner environment for families.

Jobs are also a concern. Right now, unemployment is on the increase.  The gap between rich and poor keeps growing. The Green priority is to create more jobs and training places, particularly through investment in green technologies. There are growing numbers of well paid jobs in renewable energy, public transport, insulation, waste management etc., and we should be training up a workforce in Preston for these jobs. These jobs will also provide our city with the vital 21st century infrastructure it needs, including an efficient public transport system, homes that are warm and cheaper to run and much lower energy costs for businesses.

Finally, people need good quality, affordable housing to buy or rent.  We need to make it easier for people to get on the housing ladder and to help homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes due to job losses from the recession. Preston Council has a responsibility to ensure that empty properties are brought back into use and that new houses are built to the best environmental standards, and if I was elected I would make this my priority.

If you were elected, how would you keep your constituents informed?

First of all, I would make sure my voting record at all council meetings was posted on line and I would campaign to make it compulsory for all councillors’ voting records to be made public and easily accessible.  Second, I would use modern technology to inform my constituents and to regularly consult with them. I would publish a blog and I would use Twitter to connect with the people of Garrison. And of course, I would regularly send news to Blog Preston!

Anything else to add?

Just to remind everyone to vote on 5th May, and to say Yes to AV. Let’s make our MPs work to earn our support and put a stop to them getting elected with only 1 in 3 votes cast. AV – it’s a fairer system.

You can find out who is standing in your ward by visiting the election map.