Andrew Neilson
Conservative Party
Healey Ward
Last year, for the first time ever, a Conservative was elected to represent Healey Ward on Rochdale MBC. That person was me - I was elected to finish the term of a Liberal Democrat, who resigned, as he preferred to do other things.
In my year as a Councillor, I have brought about a number of improvements in our area which I have outlined in my recent leaflets. This has been against a background when as one former Labour minister said “There is no money left". It takes real determination in such circumstances to achieve results. I like to think that given a full 4 years, there is so much more I could do for Healey.
Healey should receive its fair share
I cannot promise to wave a magic wand and bring about solutions to all the problems that face our ward. But I can promise that I will be vigilant in ensuring that Healey gets the funding it needs for the likes of roads, policing, green spaces and schools. I am particularly determined that Healey should receive its fair share of the £500,000 which the Government has granted Rochdale for the repair of pot holes. I will continue to try my utmost to resolve all the issues which concern Healey residents.
I first stood for election here in 1992, and I think that my persistence in standing, year after year, building support, before finally being elected, indicates my commitment to our area, and my steadfast determination not to give in, but to get the job done. I cannot guarantee instant results to all the problems of Healey, what I can guarantee though, is that I will resolutely continue to press Healey's case.
Putting Healey first
"Community before Politics" has been my watchword, in putting Healey Ward first. There are three Councillors serving Healey: 2 Lib Dems and me. Many residents have told me they like being represented by Councillors from more than one party, as it keeps all Councillors on their toes, rather than taking voters for granted. For many years Healey had all three Councillors from the Lib Dems, and many residents have told me they felt the Lib Dems did not need to fight for votes, and this led to complacency with the result that Healey did not receive its fair share of attention and services.
The battle in Healey this year is between myself and Labour. The Lib Dems are in disarray locally, many of their Councillors have left the party, and don’t forget they finished sixth 6th! In the recent Barnsley by-election. All the indications agree that the Lib Dems will finish in a poor third place.
So the choice is clear: Andrew Neilson—or Labour.
Even if you do not usually vote Conservative, I appeal to you, for the good of our area, to keep local democracy here lively, and to allow me to continue achieving results for Healey, please lend me your vote this time.
