Communities will come first, vows Barsby
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PUTTING something back into a part of the world he loves is a major motivation behind Keith-Cullen by-election candidate Rob Barsby throwing his hat into the ring.
Mr Barsby, who is standing as an Independent in the battle to claim the seat vacated by retiring councillor Ron Shepherd, lives in Portknockie with his wife, Julie.
He said: "When my wife Julie and I both retired early we had only one objective: to retire to Scotland; the place we both dearly love due to the amazing scenery, culture and the friendly people.
"Indeed, one of the main reasons we fell in love with Scotland was the Scottish people's pride in their country. When asked, we feel proud in replying that we stay in Moray. My aim is to ensure that we keep the magic of where we live.
"I believe strongly that I should seek to put something back into our society and to this end I am currently chairman of the Moray Coast Table Tennis Club, focussing on coaching children from the age of eight, part-time table tennis development officer for north-east Scotland and chairman of the Portknockie Flood Action Group
"I’m standing as an Independent because I want to respond to issues and make decisions without the restrictions of being a puppet of any party.
"I will make only one promise: I will do my utmost to keep the best and improve the rest. When asked, 'Why do you want to be a councillor?' my immediate thought and response is, 'Because I care'.”
Mr Barsby served as a councillor in Northumberland where he chaired the finance committee. He has a Masters business degree has owned several small businesses as well as having worked as a management consultant and business lecturer.
He also has a wide experience of the voluntary sector, including tsiMoray, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Moray Fresh Start.
The four candidates contesting the seat are: Ian Aitchison (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Rob Barsby (Independent); Jock McKay (SNP); Laura Powell (Scottish Conservative and Unionist).
