Setting the record straight

For anyone and everyone who knows me, you know I'm a Councillor. A Conservative Councillor. A Tory Councillor. A Blue Councillor. I could go on with this list, but the tagline starts getting a big more derogatory towards me, which I'm used to but I don't want to encourage it.

I've had my politics and values questioned recently. Admittedly, I question them myself all the time. I sometimes wonder why I do it but then I remember the bigger picture. I enjoy what I do. I like helping people, or trying to help people. I get passionate about what goes on locally. 

What has saddened me, is that I've discovered that recently I've been branded something that I'm not. When you put yourself in the limelight, you know you're bound to get a bit of negativity, especially if it's something so divisive as politics. But as much as I sit on the Conservative bench, I have never once claimed to be a "party politics" type of Councillor. I  involved myself in Council because I wanted to help the town that I know and love. I've never had a political agenda, or an aspiration past trying to get the right things for my area, and trying to help people with problems that need solving. To be completely honest, I'm quite happy to sit here on the back bench so long as I can have my say and represent the right views for the town and district. If I have an answer, I will give it. If I don't have an answer, I will get research the right information and get one.

I live and breathe Herne Bay. I was born here, and I've always tried to put everything I can back into the town. I've been doing that for years, and even after my time as a Councillor, I still will. 

Take what you want for my title, blast me all you like. I know I'm doing the right thing. 

Respect where respect is due.

It's been a while, again. I haven't really had anything much to talk about if I'm honest. Work has kept me under the radar. It's all been a bit doom and gloom, and let's face it, the weather hasn't helped!


I wasn't going to blog the doom and gloom part, but I felt, out of respect I should least write a little note:


Sadly, both Canterbury and Thanet Councils have lost some dear lovely Councillors recently. The late Brian Goodwin passed away back in May (One of my favourite Councillors to have ever worked with) and left a gaping hole in TDC. A quick on-the-trot by election followed. This was a double edged sword for me, because not only was I mourning the loss of a friend and colleague ... I was dropped into the deep end, fighting a By Election. Which we lost, by the way. Not by far, and not because we didn't try. Our candidate James was awesome but it just wasn't ours to keep. C'est la Vie. We didn't win the battle but doesn't mean we won't win the war... I can almost feel Brian putting a hand on my shoulder and saying "S'alright Pet" which is a small comfort I guess.


Margaret Sheldrick, formerly a Councillor for Birchington and Chairman of TDC lost her battle with the big C a few weeks ago. She moved to Cyprus back in November and her presence has been missed ever since. She used to pop in to the office for a catch up and chat away about the most random of subjects and catch up on the political gossip. She taught me a lot on how to work with Councillors (Not saying for an instant that they can be difficult, no, never!!) For such a tiny little woman she had so much power and strength, I was told she fought the cancer to the very end. I couldn't see it any other way really.


Then of course, the sad tidings of Hazel McCabe last week. This wonderful lady was the spirit of the Council, having stood for Blean since 1973! I'd only got to known Hazel a little in the past year, but what I saw of her, I couldn't help but love. She was so passionate about what she believed in. I always respect and admire someone who fights for her ideals. It was Full Council last night, and it was lovely to see so many people come to pay their respects, no matter what their political background. So, By Election to follow in Blean shortly. On the brighter side, this is not my patch for work so I do not get dropped in the deep end. However, I'm sure I'll be helping in some way or other.


It's funny how people can mould and shape your life. Each of these lovely people were not necessarily close to me, but all had a significant impact on my life and views in the last few years. Each of them taught me different ways of looking at things, and their insight into life and living was invaluable. 


You will be missed.