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.
We moved to Rye from the Midlands almost thirty years ago, and ran a successful guest house until very recently, when we retired, which leaves more time for community activities.
Since coming to live in Rye I have been very active in a variety of community activities, having served two terms as a District Councillor for the town, and as a Town Councillor for sixteen years during which I was very honoured to be Mayor of Rye from 2008 – 2010. I am currently Vice-Chairman of Rye & District Day Centre.
As someone working in the hospitality industry for so many years I have always and continue to promoted balance between the needs of the community and the economic importance of the tourist industry to Rye, balance being essential in view of the changes that are taking place now with more possibly to come in the future, and the need for employment in the town together with strong emphasis on what is good for the community as a whole.
My background is engineering, serving an six year apprenticeship with British Rail, then as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy with the P & O, and, finally, as an Engineer in the Electricity Industry until I retired in 1991. As a Trades Union member I represented the staff of that industry for many years, particularly through the very difficult period leading towards its privatisation.
I joined the Labour Party at a very young age, have been a member ever since. I have always been actively involved, whether stuffing envelopes, canvassing at the door or taking a role in work to represent and, hopefully, improve the community for all.
Being a Councillor is vitally important to the public and Councils can seem remote from general life experience. As a Councillor one must be available to discuss matters of concern, ensure the community is strongly represented at Council verbally and by submitting reports to the Council and making them available for all to read. I believe the role should be a full time commitment to the town and its residents.
Promoted by Eileen Masters on behalf of Sam Souster both at Hastings and Rye Labour Party, 84 Bohemia Road, St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. TN37 6RN
Image Credits: Sam Souster .