In the run up to the General, Borough and Parish Council elections on May 7th we have been publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates that respond to our request (before the end of the month), in the order in which they respond.
To read the interviews with other candidates click on the tags at the bottom of the article. For example, pieces on the other candidates for the Alderley Edge Parish Council election will all be tagged 'Alderley Edge Parish Council Election'. Candidates representing the same party or group will also be connected via the tags.
Ilana Higham is an AlderleyEdgeFIRST candidate for Alderley Edge Parish Council.
Ilana's grandfather moved to Alderley Edge in 1960 and her family have lived this area ever since. After leaving university, she worked in the property sector before opening a deli business Aldeli with her father.
Ilana told me "I don't get too much free time, as our business is still in its infancy, so I spend a lot of time growing the business and trying new things out."
Speaking about why she has decided to stand for election as a parish councillor, Ilana said "Since opening the deli, I have come in to contact with a large number of local residents and businesses, and as a younger person I don't feel that my voice or opinions are valued. I want to change that."
When I asked Ilana what she considered to be the most important issues facing Alderley Edge, she replied "Preserving the unique character of the village and village life, whilst working together with businesses and people."
She added "Given our position opposite the schools, one of the things I would like to do is encourage local schools (especially Alderley Edge School for Girls) to appoint a Youth Ambassador to the Parish Council, which would involve us getting in touch with the Head Teacher. Alternatively, we could offer to go into schools and chair one of their School Council meetings, whilst explaining what a Parish Councillor does."
Ilana said Alderley Edge residents should vote for her because "I consider myself to be an approachable and personable character, and would enjoy representing the younger generation and their views."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
The 2011 Census showed that the population of Alderley Edge was then 4,780 with 53% females and 47% males, and the average and median age at 46. The CEC web site only shows the population demographic: (not very detailed I know)
800 16.6% Children (0-15)
2,870 59.5% Working age (16-64)
1,130 23.4% Pensionable age (65+)
I am interested to know the views of residents, on how many of the younger candidates is appropriate to have on a Council of nine, please?
As a young woman myself, it is nice to my contemporaries standing up for the village. Even if we have a difference of opinion, its gratifying to see a dialogue amongst those who are often accused of being disinterested. Ilana- I wish you all the best.
If I may, I do find your question a bit odd, Lawrence. Regardless of what response you may receive to your question to the residents, surely the proportion of younger candidates sitting on the Parish Council will be determined by how many votes each of them attract? If the community decide that Ilana, Rachel and Elly are the candidates they think will serve them best (including those too young to vote), then they will be elected.
As the mother of a 16 year old son, I take a very particular interest in how the candidates are proposing to engage with and involve the youth in the village. I agree with Ilana that, to date, the current PC don't appear to have really considered how to do this in a pro-active way except perhaps, with the work they have done on the park. I think some time ago there were plans for a youth club to be run from the Festival Hall, but haven't seen mention of it for some time. I'm not sure if it took off. Perhaps someone from the existing Parish Council could update us?
And would you mind, Lawrence, elaborating on the thinking behind your enquiry, please?
I agree with everything you have said, and from personal experience I know what young people can achieve.
Nearly, twenty years ago a twenty-six year old, twenty-three years my junior, approached me with his business idea. With his idea, enthusiasm, energy and ability, along with my own business experience, we created and have sustained a very successful business. Today we have working with us many well educated, talented twenty somethings along with older more experienced staff. They work side by side in, software development, system support graphics, sales, marketing, finance and administration.
It is a balance of youth, experience and skills.
I did not live in the village four years ago, and I believe that it was unhealthy that there were nine unopposed candidates. Not their fault. I have followed this site avidly since its launch six years ago, so I am aware of the issues that have given concern.
I have already said in another thread that at Parish Council level, I disagree with party politics, monopolies, and that I support truly independent candidates.
On May the 7th I will put my crosses next to the nine candidates that I think will best serve Alderley Edge over the next four years. I know that some will vote for nine Conservatives or nine AlderleyEdgeFIRST, that is their prerogative, but I will not. Perhaps I am taking this all too seriously, but I have researched the issues and the twelve new candidates that I knew nothing about. I've used google, twitter, facebook, linkedin and for business people company searches, and of course this site. I know more now, than what candidates have told us about themselves.
So when you ask the thinking behind my enquiry it is all to do with balance.
Youth, experience and skills.
I have nine crosses, do I choose 1, 2 or 3 for youth? I am unsure, and I only wanted to get a feel for what other people are thinking
it was our former PCSO (Jim) who mainly wished to set up some form of youth club (dreadful term isn't it?). The PC gave its full backing and offered funding and use of the Festival Hall with no charge of course. I'm not sure exactly why the initiative foundered, but I think there was sadly rather a lack of interest by the actual youth !
As I recall, there was a wish for a skateboarding facility, possibly in the park, but alas the cost was prohibitive.
Hi Lawrence,
good luck with your making of choices. Perhaps a pity that we can't have a 15 seat PC? Tho' the thought of listening to 15 opinions ???
Oh by the way; some go on about the present PC being political. I can't recall a single instance of the PC being approached by the Conservative party trying to significantly get the PC to do something. So why all Conservative? Lost in the mists of time.
Representing any political party is exactly that and if you are not representing them , then suggest you stand as an independent because it would be misrepresentation
POLITICS
--- is the practice and theory of influencing other people. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance - organised control over a human community, particularly a state. Furthermore, politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given community (a usually hierarchically organised population) as well as the interrelationship(s) between communities.
POLITICIAN
... is a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making.
POLITICAL PARTY
... a political party is an organisation (see note below) of people which seeks to achieve goals common to its members through the acquisition and exercise of political power.
... A political party is an organised (see note below) group of people with at least roughly similar political aims and opinons, that seeks to influence public poicy bt getting its candidates elected to public office.
INDEPENDENT
A few examples
... not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation etc.
... not relying on another or others for aid or support
... rejecting others' aid or support; refusing to be under obligation to others.
The AlderleyEdgeFIRST facebook pages at 11.50 today says "AlderletyEdgeFIRST is an ORGANISATION set up by a group of local residents to change the way Alderley Edge is run - for the better.
It's tough to be an Independent
My personal view is that AlderleyEdgeFIRST is a political party.
Not a national party, but certainly a local one.
*People before Party" great marketing line, but how true is it?
My question mark is not a request for answers it is rhetorical.
I accept others have their point of view, and I will read them to see if they can convince me otherwise.
Alderley Edge First is registered with the electoral commission as an alternative description of the Macclesfield First political party. The Macclesfield First party was registered on 1st April 2015.
http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP2617
If it wasn't registered, then all of the Alderley Edge First candidates would have to by law be listed as "Independent" on the ballot papers.
Other registered descriptions include;
"Wilmslow First", "Poynton First", "Macc First", "Shavington First", "Residents of Wilmslow", "Alsager First", "The Macclesfield Independents".
So presumably Macclesfield First is set up to be an umbrella party to allow all of these groups to run under their chosen party description, without each having to register themselves as an independent party.
My postal ballot form clearly states Alderley Edge First.
The foot of their logo says Vote Independent
So do the legal experts amongst the candidates, based on what you have revealed, now view it as an illegal Ballot Paper?
Same, for the large A3 glossy flyer.
http://bit.ly/1DpKMUT
Electoral Commission
Parish and community council elections in England & Wales
Guidance for candidates
.... I don't think it is necessary for it to state " Independent"
where does it say that please?
Now understand your thinking.
Part 2a of 6 - Standing as an independent candidate
1.8 The following is optional
A description - if you want the word "independent, and/or Annibynnoll in Wales, to appear underneath your name, you need to state this on the nomination form.
Alternatively, you may use a description of no more than six words..... It can be any description providing it is sufficient to identify you and is unlikely to associate you with a political party registered with the Electoral Commission.
So as I see it they can not use "Independent", because they are a registered political party, as you originally identified.
The AlderleyEdgeFIRST PARTY
I've previously said on two threads, that I do not agree with party politics in local elections, but now as I thought was the case, we've got it!
For a parish election, then yes, it seems they can choose a description (of no more than 6 words) - but it can't be one chosen by a registered political party. So, a genuine independent candidate can't describe themselves as "Alderley Edge First" - because that description is registered with the electoral commission.
Responding to your earlier post in this thread.
I'm more than happy with a council of nine, just pleased to have a choice.
I expect you know the story line for, 12 Angry Men
Well I'm looking for 9 Angry Councillors (female & male, young & old)
Then on the big issues, like Heyes Lane Car Park there needs to be an unanimous decision.
Big ask I know, could take time, but if it is that important to the village sobeit.
No popping out to walk the dog, and anyone with tickets for Man U v Man C will miss it.
You can send a puff of smoke out of the Festival Hall, when you've reached a decision.
So don't forget the chimney!
So can I find those tough nine, or do I have to accept majority rules, and choose accordingly?
I've already said in another thread that I'm looking for youth, experience and skills.
Plus of course the "angry councillor" characteristic.
I'm getting there, so far, two definite Conservatives and one definite AlderleyEdgeFIRST
I am sure Ilana is so glad you two have managed to sort this out on her interview thread. Maybe you could now Google the word 'pedant'.
yes I am indeed a Conservative. Proud to be so. As a Conservative, I try to answer all your (and others) questions directed at me. Its a Conservative thing! As you remarked earlier, you are frustrated at the unwillingness (inability?) of AEFirst to do so.
There is a difference between being a Conservative and doing things in a Conservative way and representing the Conservative party as opposed to what you sem to be suggesting i.e. that I and the other proud Conservatives are mere ciphers.
Hi Lawrence,
you ask that there be a 'unanimous decision' re. the Heyes Lane car park. There is one. The present PC, after literally years of debate, are unanimous in going ahead with the Heyes Lane car park.
Congrats. on the interactions with Richard. In depth research; good to see. Ignore the dumb-ass comment 'pedant' or replace it with 'thorough'.
I do not need to google, I am aware of its meaning.
It is not relevant, whether I am or I am not pedant.
I do believe it is relevant , if AlderleyEdgeFIRST try to take the high ground, which to me it appears they are, that I establish for myself whether or not it is justified.
I did not approach AlderleyEdgeFIRST, they approached me, with their request for support.
That is a statement, of FACT or your interpretation PEDANT
They project, to be Independent, and against party politics "People before Party", and I believe that is misleading. I know the extent to which you are on this site, so by now you will know that I welcome the new candidates.
Maybe the fact that the MacclesfieldFirst / AlderleyEdgeFIRST combined group registered their name on 1st April says volumes ?
One "Fact" that you appear to have repeatedly quoted incorrectly is the "People before Party" slogan that you attribute to AlderleyEdgeFIRST.
If I look at their Facebook page, the strap-line reads "People before Politics" which I think you'll agree is something else entirely?
FACT, my postal ballot paper displays the logo, which is also on their flyer, "People before Party". Both delivered to, no doubt, every household in the village, so seen by all. A smaller number of residents will have visited its facebook page, and only 129 likes
I apologise.
I had read the Facebook page logo and assumed that the strap-line was the same across all of their "marketing."
Having said that, I dont really see an issue with AE1 pledging to put people before (either) Party or Politics. I see that amongst their number they have some very talented people who live, work and employ people in the Village. Most have already done a great deal for the Village and I am persuaded that they really WILL put the people of Alderley Edge first.
Accepted, it is easy to make assumptions in areas where you would expect consistency.
In other posts, contributors have wrongly assumed that I held preconceived views, before asking my questions, on the main issues. They were also wrong.
I am happy to acknowledge that receiving the AlderleyEdgeFIRST flyer through my letter box stimulated me to think, that now I only work in my business two days a week, that I should concern myself more with the village, where I expect to live for the rest of my life.
When nine people project to me that they can do a better job than the incumbent's, then I need to learn more than that presented to me on the marketing material. That is what I set out to do after receiving their flyer.
To me it does matter that if you claim to be Independent, that you are, and not part of a registered Political Party. Particularly if you try to project that politics, politicians and political party's are not good for the people.