Michael Holly
Conservative Party
Norden Ward
I am delighted to have been selected to stand as the Conservative candidate for Norden Ward. If selected it would be a privilege and honour to serve the residents of Norden.
I have lived in Rochdale Borough for over 40 years, 26 of which have been in the Norden and Bamford area and have been a Councillor in Rochdale for almost 8 years, representing South Middleton but an opportunity to serve the area in which I live was too good to turn down.
My whole working life was spent in Manchester where I trained as a chartered accountant and subsequently became a partner in one of the largest accountancy firms in the world. I believe I have put these skills to good use as Opposition Portfolio Spokesman for Finance, continually ensuring that the Council’s spending and Council Tax ambitions are being scrutinized and challenged.
As I firmly believe in contributing to society, I have also had the good fortune of being a non executive director of the Pennine Acute NHS Hospital Trust which runs our local hospitals so I have a good understanding of many of the health issues that the residents of Norden may have. I have also been the deputy chair of the AQA Education Limited, the examination board which is the biggest provider of A levels and GCSEs in the country. This experience, coupled with the fact that I have been a school governor of 3 different schools, primary and secondary, for a combined total of 29 years has given me an insight into many education issues.
Whilst local issues can vary between wards, many are generic and, as a local Councillor, to give a few examples, I have raised local petitions for the successful installation of dusk –to-dawn gates to reduce anti-social behavior, spoken out at planning meetings against inappropriate developments, campaigned for yellow lines and car parking at local schools and sorted out complaints about litter, bin collections, poor roads and drainage issues.
Working with your 2 current Conservative Councillors, Jim Gartside and Peter Winkler, would be a real privilege. Both are Councillors who get things done and, of course, in Jim’s case, having been a Councillor for the area for over 30 years, he seems to know everything about Norden. I have worked with them both in Council and I believe that we would make a great team going forward of 3 not 2 Conservative Councillors all of a like mind to support and help the community.
Locally I will campaign:
- to prevent further wind farms from being built on our precious peat moors and beautiful countryside.
- to promote the uniqueness of Norden as a shopping experience.
- To ensure that there is proper enforcement against fly tippers, both within Norden and over the moors.
- To continue to make Norden a safer environment whether it is road traffic, parking or simply preventing the theft of wheelie bins!
- To preserve the Green Belt for future generations.
- Finally, I would reiterate that it would be an honour to serve the residents of Norden if I get elected and will give you my absolute commitment to work hard for you at all times.
