Below is the latest post in our series of Q&As with election candidates standing to be councillors in Preston.
AdvertisementThe election takes place on Thursday 3 May 2012 and we’ve emailed this list of questions or posted it through every candidate’s door so you can find out what’s beyond the name on the ballot paper and what they will do for your local area if elected.
Full name? Neil Darby
Party? Liberal Democrat
Ward? Tulketh
Occupation? Caseworker
What has made you decide to stand for election? I live in the ward and take great pride in my local community. While I already do a lot of work helping local residents, as an elected councillor I would be able to do much more for the area.
I feel that modern local politics has a lot to answer for in terms of today’s disconnect between politicians and the general public. Local councillors are meant to be there as a first port of call for people – but in too many areas, including Tulketh, people never see their councillors. I want to be a part of a new generation of councillors who will correct this and will be seen all year round, rather than just canvassing for votes at election time.
What are the key issues for your ward? Tulketh is a diverse ward where there are a wide variety of issues in different areas, however, there are two specific issues which do cover the whole ward.
If you were elected, how would you keep your constituents informed? I already write regular ‘Focus’ newsletters to keep local residents informed and these would continue, while I would aim to be as accessible for residents to talk to as possible. I also keep a website which is regularly updated at http://neildarby.mycouncillor.org.uk and a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/liberalneildarby both of which residents can use to keep on top of what I’m doing in the local area.
Anything else to add? If people have any questions they can contact me directly, either by phone on 07891 645184 or by email at neil4preston@live.co.uk.
View a map below showing the other candidates standing for election in Tulketh and across the city.
View Election 2012: Local election candidates standing for Preston City Council in a larger map
If you’re a candidate standing for election, please send us your answers to the questions above along with a photo of yourself we can use to go with the piece. Please email it to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk as soon as possible.