Carl Faulkner
Independent
Spotland & Falinge Ward
If elected, I will not claim any councillor allowances.
Despite savage cuts to services for children, the elderly and the homeless, our serving councillors have not cut their own allowances by a single penny. What does that tell you? There are many people throughout the Borough who work extremely hard in a truly voluntary capacity. They do not expect nor receive financial reward. I believe councillors should be no different and their time should be given freely – or not at all.
I am standing as an Independent because I believe we need councillors who are not part of the three-ring circus that passes for local democracy. Local issues should be left to local people whose passion is their town and not their chosen political organisation. A councillor is not elected to deal with national issues. Let our MP concern himself with such matters. That’s what he’s paid for.
The primary purpose of an elected councillor is to ensure our council acts in the best interests of the people it serves - not in the interests of itself. Far too often our councillors are too busy promoting the alleged achievements of their chosen party to undertake this basic function.
I will support all who act in the best interests of Spotland and our town regardless of their own party affiliations.
Party politics has let us down. It’s time for a true Independent Spotland voice on the council; someone whose mind is not shackled because they have been elected under a party banner of convenience.
I am a Rochdalian born and bred. I live in Spotland and am married with two children. I attended schools in the ward, as did both my sons. At 51, I am old enough to appreciate how our town has changed for the worse while successive political groups have squabbled amongst themselves.
Over the last three years or so, I have attended all but one of the local area forums. This is where local issues are raised by residents with a view to finding a solution. As far as I am aware, just one of the other candidates has attended on a single occasion. Is that really the sign of candidates interested in local issues?
www.votefaulkner.co.uk
