Aberdeenshire Council ward 14 candidates make their case to voters in Huntly Strathbogie and Howe of Alford
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Voters in Ward 14 of Aberdeenshire Council have the choice of seven candidates to vote for, several of them new to the political arena.
One week ahead of polling day, The Huntly Express introduces the candidates and their priorities if elected.
Bryan Begg - Scottish Labour
I have lived in Huntly for 22 years and I think it, and the surrounding area, is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. I love the sense of community here. I work as a Humanist celebrant, so I know plenty about bringing people together.
I am standing because I want to help people with their problems and use the powers of the council to support people no matter their stage in life.
Labour will push for a targeted tutor programme for children who need to catch up after Covid, as well as a National Care Service to improve the access and quality of care for many, and a community Storm Readiness plan.
With SNP cuts to councils from Holyrood, and the misplaced values of the Lib Dems and the Tories in council, it’s time for an alternative.
Jeff Goodall Scottish Liberal Democrats
The gem of Aberdeenshire must be Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford.
But as with any area there are always people and communities who need help. I believe in doing my part to enable our communities so that every part of our lives is improved and enhanced by improving the services that Aberdeenshire Council offer.
Together we can help save local services like Insch Hospital and in other parts of our ward there seems to always be problems with potholes.
A lot of good work is being done by local organisations like Huntly Development Trust who are helping to revitalise Huntly Town centre by renovating buildings.
Only when local people come together will things get done and I want to play my part in that.
As your local Aberdeenshire Councillor I will do whatever I can to achieve your objectives. I will listen to you and your needs and put them first. I will do my part by using my many years of experience as a local businessman and Community Councillor.
Say no to division. Say yes to working together for a better future for us all.
Lauren Knight - Scottish Conservative
I am passionate about the local issues here as a resident and who experiences all of the local issues first hand. I am determined to bring about positive changes and am extremely passionate about pouring my efforts into the rejuvenation of Huntly town centre.
I pledge to work tirelessly to see the town transformed back into the busy and bustling hub it once was.
I am standing as a candidate in these elections to be the strong voice our community needs.
I care passionately about our local area and there are several changes I will seek to make should I be elected. I would be honoured to receive your number 1 vote and will work relentlessly to repay the faith shown in me.
Rosie Leagas - Independent
The issues I am concerned about such as rural sustainable development and connectivity transcend party politics.
Local government should focus on local issues rather than wider political ones. As an Independent I will be accessible and approachable rather than pushing a political party’s agenda.
The past two years have been life-changing, especially for young people, but there have been some positives that we can build on– people have become more appreciative of their neighbourhoods their communities, and the nature in their surroundings.
I would like to be part of the process of establishing a better future for Aberdeenshire generally and Huntly, Strathbogie and the Howe of Alford in particular.
As your councillor I would be part of the process of rebuilding after the pandemic and re-storing many of the services that have been lost. I will be accessible and approachable.
Gwyneth Petrie - SNP
I’ve now represented Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford since 2015 – it’s a ward I was born and brought up in, and where I’m now raising my family. I am very much part of the community, and want to work for the benefit of all who live here.
As Chair of the Huntly Town Team, I’ve been delighted to see real progress in the regeneration of the town. I want to continue with this work, and look to learn lessons from how we did this, to begin work in other towns and villages throughout the area.
Further, I want to continue to support rural schools and communities, some of whom have been badly let down under the current administration.
I will work to improve and extend our leisure and culture facilities, and ensure that they are accessible for all, and I’ll have an absolute focus on continuing to improve road safety for everyone, following on from my work to improve the safety at the School Avenue junction in Huntly.
It is genuinely a privilege to represent this area, and I very much hope to be re-elected on May 5th to continue with this work.
The SNP manifesto has four over-arching commitments - embracing the energy economy and securing a just transition; improving infrastructure; leading regeneration in towns across Aberdeenshire, and supporting local communities. Key pledges, include a rolling programme of school improvements and replacements; a continued and enhanced affordable housing programme and a commitment to working with all communities to put resilience plans in place.
Robbie Withey - Independent
When first elected five years ago I promised to be a strong local voice, I believe I’ve kept that promise. I have always put the community and local interests before national politics.
I’m standing for re-election because I believe that whilst much has been achieved, there is much more still to do.
I want to continue my work tackling speeding and road safety issues, littering, more funds to repair potholes, improved green spaces and much more. I know the importance of ensuring the best quality education and protecting and improving our school estate. If re-elected I will continue to be a strong voice for our community, supporting local businesses and promoting our local tourism and food and drink offering. We have a chance to come out of the pandemic stronger and better and with the right thinking and right representation within the council, our community can thrive again.
Stuart Whitby - Scottish Libertarian
I have no driving desire to be an elected official, however, I have even less to see people continue to run our council in the way that they’ve done.
These include: school shut-downs; an appointment system to take your rubbish to the recycling centre; the removal of open fires from council houses at a time of increasing energy prices and lengthy power outages; planning policies which add delay and cost to people; rates which make high street businesses uncompetitive; traffic and parking policies which add cost; prohibitive parking charges. I see local government as either failing, or overstepping the bounds of their authority.
