calnetalk.com

Chepfer · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 2:17 pm Post subject:

I'm sure you'll all be good for Calne.

My only concern is that in the past we have had outside candidates "Use" Calne as an easy option for getting onto the district and county council, because they could not get into there "Own" insignificant local councils.

You seem genuine Chuck ....... But why live in Chelworth (Cricklade), if you believe Calne is such good a place do you acyually like it enough to live here.

I see also that you are a councillor for Minety and Purton at the moment, why the change ?

Is this a genuinly want to represent Calne or is it just a way for you to make a political leap .........

I feel Sophy and Peter do not need to explain themselves as i have seen the efforts they have put into making Calne a better place ...i.e Sports centre and Sophy's fantastic idea behind the schools garden scheme .. I also know they want to make a difference as they live here, (in the area they want to represent) ........ Not just work here.

This is not a dig at anybody ... I have always voted conservative ... and though this is NOT a political vote as such, it's important to get the right person in office.

Chuck · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

I stood in Minety Purton last time beacuse I was asked to and I was intrigued as to how Councils work. I switched because Carol Soden is the County Councillor there (not inc Purton) I had no connection with Purton but a big connection with Calne. Work being the main driver in my life as a business owner (partner) in terms of keeping the woolf from the door.

Janey (my wife) runs a Kindergarten in Cirencester so Calne would be quite a long way for here to travel to, kids go to Grammar in Glos as Wiltshire has a reciprocal - so the bus leaves from Cirencester also.

I am too genuine to want to stiff Calne or those in it. Is it a step up the political greasy pole? I don't think so, but it is a real outlet for what I enjoy most - at nearly 50 and that is an option to give back somethingn to society.

There are plenty of Councillors who, in my opinion, are perhaps not as genuine as I am. That is not to say I am not in it for myself I am here because what gives me that warm feeling is to help turn someones situation around, to help, either big or small. From hedges to edcuation, from unemployment to drainage, from roads to disability access, it is enough (for me) just to make people's lives just that bit better or rather to try to.

Listen I am fair game, I live outside the town, but it is a really important place for me and for my family because here is where we get the job done. I simply could not stand anywhere else and feel a genuine connection.

I was interviwed with the other candidates and I guess my genuine thoughts came over - there are candidates who do not have the abilties or drive to make things better that I do some will get in some will not but the Council needs more people like me. No pretence, no love of power, just a wish to make someones life better and be fair and work hard.

Listen written down it looks sanctimonious clap trap but its is how I feel. I worry about those people I have met - too many stories but some which really make you want to get out of bed and bat for them!

I do not carry the baggage of living here for so many years, which is good and bad as I have said. I wish anyone who has put their head above the parapet the best and leave it to the public to sort out the peson they feel is right.

To be straight the voter should look to get a person who is strong enough to stand up for their area in the winning party after all that way you get a piece of both. Peter would be great but the Lib Dems are unlikely to be the ruling body and therefore he will carry less sway. But don't get me wrong he is a genuine chap too, Sophy will poll some votes too and send a clear Green message to the new Council, though I suspect she is not expecting to win strnager things have happened! But most importantly she is stnading for what she believes in and what we all need to consider for the longterm future of our World.

But after the election it will be up to those who did the voting to get their choice to work for them - everyone needs to kee the pressure on and perhaps this site should have a permanent Councillor's surgery for each one of those who are elected to represent Calne that way we can see what is being done in the voters name - or what the voters are driving for in terms of change.

Anyway good luck to anyone standing who reads this and to those wha are not please make sure you express your views in the Ballot Box as well as here.

Cheers,

Chuck
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Roger Chuck Berry

Chepfer · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 11:32 am Post subject:

Good answer Chuck.

So if you were elected you would have no problem with people dropping by your place of work, to ask you questions willy nilly.

As that is what will happen !

Tont Trotman always had an open house if you had any questions that needed answering and i guess as a busnessman who is generally only in the town durng the day ... that'll be the time people will have to contact you ?

Chuck · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 11:38 am Post subject:

I would welcome it!

Any excuse to get away from the day job!!!! Public toilets can get you down I need a bit of light relief!

I hope it happens as payback for me is the thought that I can sort stuff for people or at least try to.

Chuck
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Roger Chuck Berry

Chepfer · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 11:42 am Post subject:

Nice one Chuck.

And please dont think i am singling you out, i am trying to have an open debate involving everyone.

So Next ....

Sophy ...... Have you been involved and what are your thoughts on the cylcle network around Calne. Do you think it could be improved and where ?

sophy · Aspiring Calnite Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 46 Status:

Chepfer,

as a Green I'm all for getting people out of their cars and onto their bikes -- it makes sense not just for the environment but for people's pockets and health too.

We are lucky to have some good, safe cycle routes already around Calne, but there's always room for improvement.

We've also got a great bike shop in town.

I often cycle to school with my kids on the path along the bypass, which is a lovely safe route -- I'd like to see it set up as a properly marked cycle route though, and with marked routes linking to primary schools in that part of town and also to the new Beversbrook sports centre.

National Cycle route 4 is another fantastic route, with the stretch from Calne to Chippenham perfect for someone like me who lives in Calne and works in Chip. Having said that, I believe part of the route the other side of town, going towards Avebury, needs improvement.

There is also consultation underway to improve cycle routes along Abberd Brook.

What do you think needs to be done on cycle routes Chepfer?

sophy · Aspiring Calnite Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 46 Status:

Chuck, you say I am not expecting to win!

If we agree that the local elections should be about people not politics (and I think we do -- you say it yourself in this week's G&H) then I think I have as much to offer and am just as capable of winning as you or Peter.

If we bring politics into the mix too, then after the recent parliamentary expenses scandals many people now view the Greens as an ethical alternative to the main parties.

This is from politics.co.uk:

"The Greens are becoming increasingly optimistic about the level of
support they receive on June 4th in the aftermath of the expenses
scandal. Analysts are expecting smaller parties to do well as a result
of many disillusioned voters staying at home and others turning to the
far-right. But party officials stress the Greens are picking up many
votes as well. A YouGov poll conducted for the Greens found voters
thought the party was the least likely to put its own finances above
those of the public. Only five per cent of respondents thought the
greens were likely to put their self-interest before the country's.
Labour were least trusted, with 45 per cent saying they were likely to
put financial self-interest before the country. The Tories were just
behind with 40 per cent."

Peter Dolman · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject:

Sophy I think that your reading of the situation is nearer the mark than Chuck's. It nearly mirrors the responses I am receiving on the door step, although you cannot always believe what you are told.

I think that the vote in Calne North Ward is to close to call at this time. The potential abstention of the conservative vote, normally an electorate that votes even in the most inclement weather, is likely to be the crucial factor.
Sophy you will pick up votes from both Chuck and myself but to what level is another factor.

All in all it is going to be an interesting and nail biting week!

Good luck to you both.

ps at least the 3 of us have a lively debate going here at www.calnetalk.com unlike the other wards in the town. We are giving our electors and opportunity to ask questions and evaluate our responses.
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A lifelong Calne supporter

Chuck · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 9:50 pm Post subject:

Hi Sophy sorry I PM'd you by accident it is not that I do not think you are capable you are very capable I commented wrongly obviously that you did not think you would win. If you do then great, I have to say I am not at all sure som days I think its possible some days not and in all honesty I feel that I started behind.

Of course good luck to you and hey great its a 3 way thing.

I have done quite a bit of doortstep work and undecided is very high still so anything is possible I reckon.

But Sophy Capable you are and I said later everything is possible and if you DO believe you will win then I was very wrong sorry.

CHuck
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Roger Chuck Berry

Peter Dolman · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:00 am Post subject:

Sophy, is going to get a great boast to her campaign on Wednesday night with the start of her brothers new TV programme.

Might make the difference to winning or losing!

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A lifelong Calne supporter