2005 Election Candidates

Torridge Constituency

Cllr Peter Christie

01237 473577

I have lived in the constituency for nearly 30 years, am a senior District Councillor and am currently serving a second term as Mayor of Bideford.

With two degrees, I am a lecturer at North Devon College and a long time lecturer for the Open University.

Over the years I have beaten candidates from all the other parties - proving that a Green vote is not a wasted vote. Vote for a man with local knowledge and a proven record of service to the local community.

North Devon Constituency

Cllr Ricky Knight

0845 456 2584

I was born in Fremington; brought up in Barnstaple and Croyde. I was educated at Park School where I met my wife - our two children went there as well, then on to the College. Bishops Tawton has been my home for the past thirty years. I have taught at Braunton School and, for the last twenty years, at Pilton School. I helped set up Barnstaple Junior Rugby Section and Tarka Hospital Radio, and have become a well-known musician. As a councillor, I am a committed member of the Barnstaple Community Alliance and have been actively involved in the “Our Town” campaign.

Vote Green – Vote for People
The Greens will campaign for prioritising public services, putting people before profit and championing the local economy.

Vote Green – Vote for the Planet
The Greens are the only political party taking climate change seriously by promoting sustainable policies on renewable energy, transport, waste and housing.

Vote Green – Vote for Peace
The Greens would never take this country to war for oil, nor base its foreign policy on the aspirations of the US. The Greens support the UN.

Barnstaple North

Earl Bramley-Howard

I am a 45 years old artist. I was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa and came to England when I was 3 years old; when my parents fled the apartheid regime after my stepfather was imprisoned along with Nelson Mandela in 1963 and was accused of being a terrorist. He claimed and received asylum in the UK and lived and worked here until he died in 1974, having built up a successful publishing company. I was educated here and grew up proud to be a full British Citizen. I trained as an artist at Isleworth Polytechnic and went on to be a sign writer for many years. I have lived in North Devon for the last 25 years and have been involved with the Green movement in one way or another, for most of that time.

I was deeply involved with South Molton Recycle from the mid 80’s to early 90’s when it was still a community charity and I was their transport manager up until 1993 when the council began funding recycling through them. Much has been achieved in the years since then but there is still much to be done in the field of recycling in our county and I believe bureaucracy still prevents effective recycling of both trade and domestic waste. The division of responsibility between the County and District councils leaves both passing the buck of responsibility to the other instead of looking for ways to co-operate and ensure that we minimise the amount of waste ending up in landfill sites. The true cost of land filling waste has to be taken into account when we look at long-term solutions to this problem and if elected I would work towards a unified approach to waste disposal with the County and District Councils. The recent cut of services - dressed up as recycling - has led to an increase in the rat population and is a public health issue. If elected I will seek to find ways for the councils to work closer together when it come to waste management so that we can make genuine progress in finding a solution to this huge problem whilst maintaining the highest standards for our community.

I have been left disabled with reduced mobility for the last 5 years which has given me a personal insight into the issues that face disabled people both locally and within society as a whole. I would fight to ensure that disabled rights aren’t eroded any further in Devon, as I believe the true mark of a civilised society can be determined by how it treats its disadvantaged members and minority groups. You are welcome to pop into the office in Joy Street if you would like to discuss local issues during the election.

I have two children aged 23 and 17. My youngest son lives with me and attends North Devon College, where he is doing an IT course. As a parent I am naturally concerned about the issues facing children and teenagers in today’s society and on a local level, would seek to improve facilities for young people and would support initiatives to improve the quality of education, for all children and teachers within our community.

I also believe it is important to recognise the needs of single people within our county to ensure that they are remembered, as they are a growing section of society whose needs are all too often neglected by politicians. There is growing number of single people who seem to be forgotten when it comes to making policy and I will fight to ensure that their voice is heard.

Ilfracombe

Cllr Frank Pearson

01271 865057

I am married, have chosen to live in Ilfracombe with my family for over 24 years.

I am a non-executive director of North Devon District Hospital, a member of the town council, Chair of Ilfracombe Community Alliance and on the board of Transform, the neighbourhood management initiative. I am also a governor of Ilfracombe Junior school.

I was co-founder and am still an active director of Trans-Send Ltd., the community run, not for profit, environmental company, which provides a drop-in Renewable Energy Advice Centre and which promotes and develops local, clean, green environmental projects, including the Cow Green community garden; Ilfracombe Farmers’ market and many more. Trans-Send is working with Transform on a project to create a self-build, zero energy affordable housing scheme in Ilfracombe.

I am a committed environmentalist, which is why I am standing for county council as a Green Party candidate. I believe that Ilfracombe is ideally placed to be self sufficient in renewable energy production – clean, green energy, produced within the community for the benefit of the community. I believe that Wind farms are necessary to make people realise the need NOW for REDUCED USE of fossil fuels, and as a prime source of RENEWABLE Energy as we develop better and more sustainable Marine and Bio Mass energy systems over the next 10 years

As a former business man, I believe that at county council level much can be done to reduce bureaucracy, reduce duplication, between district and county councils by bringing service delivery closer to the community so reduce cost, hence council tax.

The county council is responsible for waste management, highways, schools, transport, the environment and social services. Each of these areas affect or are affected by issues directly related to the environment, areas which are at the heart of the Green Party – and my own - philosophies.

Chulmleigh & Swimbridge Rural

Ian Godfrey

I consider myself fortunate to live in Devon - the most beautiful part of the country, having swapped life-in-the-fast-lane and moved to Swimbridge some 6 years ago. For over thirty years, I have been involved in both environmental and humanitarian campaigns – ranging from being the local co-ordinator for Greenpeace (Hertfordshire); actively working on behalf of Tibetan refugees in Nepal; being involved in numerous aid runs to Romania, supporting children with HIV/AIDS. Currently I hold the position of Chairperson for the “Swimbridge Needs A Park Committee”, the village Jubilee Hall and more recently, the local Tsunami appeal group. I am also Director of Health and Harmony festivals – one of the fastest expanding socio-environmental festivals in Devon. I consider human beings to be an intricate part of, not apart from, the rest of creation. As such, it is our responsibility to live our lives in a way that supports both the planet and its people. I believe that we can all truly change the world we live in by acting locally and thinking globally, by looking at how our own village works and the effect it has upon our own lives and that of others…

These are the local issues I am campaigning for:

1. Recycling – I am aware of other counties who recycle a wider range of waste than we yet do in North Devon – i.e drink cartons, plastic food containers, building waste, timber and tyres. The cost to the planet in terms of increased land-fill alone is not one we can sustain. The answer is simple – recycle more.

2. Play areas – adequate play areas for children are essential. The residents of Swimbridge have, for the past five years, been told by North Devon District Council, that an open recreational space for their village is the number one priority. At this moment in time there is no-where for the children to play safely. Swimbridge needs a park NOW. I will continue to work towards bringing commitment from all concerned to provide the planned and promised space within the next six months.

3. Fair-Trade - Commitment by all local government departments to have a full public environmental and social audit to ensure where possible, all products ranging from food to building supplies, are sourced locally or from Fair Trade suppliers.

Also,

• Traffic calming measures – supporting a 20mph speed limit in all villages in Devon.
• Better support for local shops and post offices.
• Improved public transport with more Park and Ride facilities.
• More commitment from local government to the production and efficient use of clean energy.
• More support to local organic smallholders and farmers.

South Molton Rural

Jackie Morningmist

01769 572615

I have been living in South Molton for the last 6 years. I have 3 beautiful children, who attend local schools. I was bought up in a small farming community, not unlike South Molton.
We have made many friends here, from all walks of life. The children enjoy school and have many friends, who are always popping in.

I am bringing up my children to respect other people, no matter who they are or where they come from. I want them to know that there are many different, diverse societies, cultures and religions in this world and that we should live side by side with them, not in conflict with and ignorance of them. As adults, we owe it to our children, to bring them up in a place that is open to change and willing to accept others. We have to stop the cycle of ignorance and prejudice that one generation hands down to the next.

I am standing for the Green Party, because I feel that, as a parent, I owe it to the next generation to ensure that they have a future. At the rate we're going, with the way we abuse everything we put our hands onto, from our planet to our fellow human beings, from animals to the Ozone Layer, to all living things: well, the future is looking pretty bleak for our kids. The Green Party has it all. If you can, log onto the Party web-site: www.greenparty.org.uk You’ll see for yourself. Please.….please:-Vote for the Green Party, let there be a future for our children and for their Children.

My campaigning policies as the Green Party Candidate for the County Council Elections on May 5th will be prioritising facilities for young people, the way we are tackling recycling and the threat of building a supermarket here when the majority of us don’t want one. Supermarkets drive local shops into bankruptcy and then the prices go up.

Combe Martin Rural

Jon Hooper

I am 28 years old, born, raised and educated in North Devon and, although I escaped to University and the thrills of working in the city, Devon’s pace of life, rolling hills and secluded beaches always tugged at my heart. My first job was with an internet-based company but I quickly realised that internet work could be done from anywhere, so I became self-employed and moved back to Devon.

Like many young people, I find house prices are too expensive, so I’m living with my Mum. Accommodation in North Devon desperately needs to become more affordable for local people and second homes need to be discouraged. The tourist and retail industries do not provide the right kind of work to keep many young skilled people in the area, so I’d like to encourage diversification into other industries. Home-based work over the internet is just one such model for rural businesses. We are also ideally placed to be part of the emerging British renewable energy industry, with ample wind and wave resources for research and development and plenty of maritime and marine engineering skills.

I used to vote Lib-Dem, but over the last ten years I’ve been gradually drawn into the Green political movement, becoming increasingly impressed with their excellent social and environmental policies. In places such as Oxford, Norwich and Brighton, more and more Green councillors are being elected because they prove their worth: promoting better public services, recycling, pedestrian and cycle paths, better transport options, creating affordable housing, implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency and getting politically divided councils to work together for the good of the community.

I want to promote farmers' markets, farm box schemes and locally owned co-operatives to supply locally grown food and reduce the supermarket stranglehold on food production. Greens will divert Devon’s massive road-building budget into better and cheaper public transport and schemes to relieve the congestion caused by school runs.

I’m standing for election so that North Devon can benefit from Green policies in the same way that other areas of the country have. For me, Green Politics is about planning for our future. The population of the South West is predicted to double in the next few decades and we’re going to need some inspirational new ideas to provide for the needs of that many people. I believe that adopting Green policies - built on the principle of social and environmental sustainability - are the best way to meet that challenge.

Fremington Rural

Linda Mack

I was born in the parish of Fremington, where my family still live. I grew up in this area and was educated at Park School. My two teenage children and I are interested in ecology, politics and the peaceful resolution of conflict. I studied for a B.A. with the Open University and have worked on recycling projects. At present I am working as a care assistant and volunteering for Oxfam. As an active supporter of community projects, I have taken part in Barnstaple Women’s group, a CLIC cycle ride in Kenya, and regular Amnesty group fundraising evenings.

I am concerned about meeting the needs of elderly and disabled residents. Therefore, I am in favour of the provision of free travel passes and more reliable and accessible public transport. I support local shops and businesses, particularly those serving local produce. As a committed cyclist, a priority for me would be the provision of more cycle-paths and facilities for cyclists.

I am fully supportive of the excellent concept of recycling domestic waste. However, the introduction of wheelie bins to North Devon occurred with no consultation or regard to individual situations. This is an opportunity missed. The programme of fortnightly collection and the difficulties of collection and storage need to be reconsidered, especially for town dwellers with very limited space.

Having lived in this area most of my life, I believe that there’s an urgent need for affordable housing. We also need more community amenities, particularly for young people, to improve our quality of life and help reduce crime and stress levels. History, arts, dance, music, and theatre can help revitalise local communities.

Above all, I would like to respond to the concerns that many people have about pollution and climate change and promote effective solutions, such as renewable energy schemes and cheaper public transport.

The Green Party aim to promote local production over imported food. However, for items which need to be imported such as coffee and chocolate, it is important that we make it easier for local people to buy Fair Trade products. Fair Trading pays third world farmers a fair price for their produce and provides them with a dependable income. By supporting Fair Trade we are helping to alleviate third world debt and poverty.

This planet is our most important legacy to future generations. I believe in working locally to create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren in North Devon.

Braunton Rural

Mike Harrison

I live in Croyde and am interested in the environment and travel, preferring to use foot or bike. My publications include cycle maps, guides and soon a history of Croyde. I teach at North Devon College.

My recent campaigns include overcoming cycle bans on trains, improving the state of the Tarka Trail and local rights of way. Currently I am campaigning to improve facilities and avoid pedestrian/cycle detours at the Barnstaple bypass. My other concerns are of social issues.

Green ideas appeal to me because of their local focus and emphasis on sustainablity - putting solutions into place which will last for years and be a good foundation for our future. They are based on research, gathering public opinions and making consistent policies. In particular, sustainablility means minimising environmental damage and avoiding "use now, pay later" mentality.

For Braunton Rural, Green thinking amounts to the following aims:

• A strong local economy where our resources bring progress. Superstores threaten jobs, source distantly and take money out of the area.
• Sustainable transport, walking and cycling, is healthy, cheap and helps environmentally. The answer to seasonal congestion is not a by-pass.
• Energy choices that secure supply and reduce threat of flooding. This means yes to Fullabrook.
• Rural communities with their own facilities and good transport.
• Facilities and activities that can inspire people of all ages.

Let's get things right in our neighbourhoods - the local economy and visitors will follow.

You can find out more about Mike on his website Croyde Cycle.

Barnstaple South

Robert Cornish

I have lived in Devon for ten years working on two farms on the South-West corner of Exmoor. Eight of those years were spent establishing a nature reserve / farm with the help of the Country side Stewardship Scheme, which became recognised as a County Wildlife Site by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Since 2000, I’ve been living in the middle of Barnstaple working as a carer and designing and building a range of recumbent bicycles and tricycles as practical transport alternatives. I now appreciate more than ever that any real progress is going to have to be party political. Green Party political.

Whilst balancing the needs of sixty species of bird, otters, dormice, red and roe deer and assorted reptiles and amphibians, with the needs of organic sheep and cattle and ourselves, was a (mostly) wonderful experience, it was also profoundly alarming to slowly find out for myself how much of our native flora and fauna had all but vanished from nearly all of the U.K.’s farmland.

Transportation is of course another example of a major environmental issue that successive governments have utterly failed on. This has resulted in ever increasing CO2 emmissions leading to Global Warming which has become the single biggest threat to the continuation of our species. This short-sighted attitude is typified on a local level by the downstream bridge: 40 million pounds (so far) to just encourage more road traffic. It it obvious to everyone that our growing population needs more efficient and effective ways to travel. The main parties are ignoring alternatives such as public transport in favour of privatisation, more roads, more cars and more airports.

There are alternatives; we can and must stand up to the oil/motoring lobby. We just need political will to do so, and at present that is only to be found in the Green Party.

The relevance of my standing for Barnstaple South in the forthcoming County Council Elections therefore is that I wish to represent the people of Barnstaple on issues concerning Transport, Waste Management and Energy Conservation. I am also concerned about affordable housing, second homes, the artificial divide between “townies” and those that live in the country-side, safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists to work and to school and the effect of out-of-town shopping-centres and supermarkets on the health of rural and town-centre economies.