We invited each candidate to supply up to 500 words on why they deserve your vote, optionally including a photograph and a link to an election address. We have published their submissions verbatim, no editorial changes have been made. Any errors are those of the candidate.
I was first elected to Rye Town Council four years ago and have been actively involved in the Full Council and the Planning Committee during that period, as well as being a member of the Rye Neighbourhood Plan steering committee, which has been so diligently lead by Colonel Kimber.
Aside from being on Rye Town Council I am actively involved in other community organisations, including: chairing the Rye Branch of the WEA – the UK’s largest adult learning charity; as a trustee and on the organising committee of Rye Arts Festival; as a committee member of Rye Conservation Society; and on the Steering Committee of the Rye Fund, which awards money to other local charities and community groups.
I am a director of Fletcher Centre Properties – the landlords of the Kino cinema – and I was instrumental in overturning planning permission for executive housing on the Lion Street site, helped fund the subsequent purchase the old Library and part of the former FE Centre from Hastings College and then the building of the new cinema complex. I take great pride therefore in playing a significant part in bringing cinema back to Rye after a gap of 30 years!
I have lived full time in Rye with my wife Niki for 12 years. Previously I set up, aged 26, a magazine publishing company in London which I sold in 2007, allowing me the opportunity to move to this wonderful town.
I have two dogs and two cats and like to take the former for long walks on the beach and in the woods.
I am a keen supporter of the Shelter housing charity and was part of a team that raised over £400,000 for them.
I am not a member of a political party and I believe that party politics have no place at Town Council level. The needs of the citizens of Rye come first, middle and last.
I would like to give my profound thanks to all who voted for me last time and hope their faith in me has been rewarded. I greatly appreciate all those who vote for me this time around!
Image Credits: Andrew Stuart .