Thursday, 16 December 2010

A month in the life of a Green Party councillor -- October and November

It has been a busy couple of months, which is why I have rolled the October and November reports into one. Since selecting Melanie Eastwood as our candidate for 2011 we have continued to be out there on the doorstep talking to people -- despite the cold weather. I have also been trying to get out to groups and events across Reading ranging from the Age Concern Berkshire's tea dance to Jelly's Third Thursday -- art in non-traditional spaces in the town centre.

Council meetings and briefings -- 7
Surgeries -- 2 stationery and 7 walkabout
School governor meetings -- 3
Community meetings and events -- 23
Enquiries and requests for repairs from residents -- 116

Some of our action:
· campaigned against the un-capping of university tuition fees
· petitioned against cuts to care which will impact on many of our elderly and vulnerable residents
· commented on the devastating Comprehensive Spending Review
· lobbied for more renewable energy generation in Reading
· gave new Green MEP Keith Taylor a tour of Reading
· supported east Reading information, advice and support charity Communicare and their new Communishop project
· continued to support parents fighting for a fair deal over changes to the Maiden Erlegh catchment area
· worked through the scrutiny process to improve the town centre and district centres and fight back against the clone town trend
· supported the low energy light bulb recycling scheme

Some of our results:
· successfully made representations to the licensing committee to minimise the impact of the Wokingham Road area night-time economy on residents sleep
· got the Freshwater Road alley re-gated to prevent fly tipping
· as usual we got countless instances of fly tipping cleared, trolleys collected, graffiti cleaned, pram crossings installed and residents' questions answered.

Expenses:
· None claimed.

Gifts to declare -- over the value of £25:
· None.

My interests are published on Reading Borough Council's website.

Monthly councillor allowance (pay) before deductions: £685.08

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