How I will represent you

In the various jobs I've been in, I've had a reputation for successfully getting people with differing attitudes, interests and priorities to work together.   I am also not afraid to ask probing questions - and I'll ask the same questions several times over, if necessary!

I will be a full time councillor - I will not have other work commitments distracting me from my role as a representative of the people of Forres.

Any Council, no matter its size, should serve the people who elect it.  Recently, Forres does not appear to have been served well by the Moray Council.  Getting explanations from the Council as to why they have made certain decisions seems to be difficult, leaving people frustrated and confused.  I think we would feel less frustrated and confused if the Moray Council willingly - and in good time - asked us what we thought ie undertook meaningful consultation.  And then, of course, we want them to actually take account of what we have told them when they arrive at a decision.  If I'm elected, I will keep a two-way dialogue between the Moray Council and the people of Forres.

It would be very naive to think that - if elected - I could 'change the world' ie the Moray Council!  What I could do, however, is take forward your concerns to the Moray Council and, where these concerns are able to be easily addressed, I can explain the answer, intended actions by the Council etc to you.  If the concern is more complex, I will stay in contact with you to keep you informed of progress.

Although I will be there to represent Forres and the people living in Forres, I am realistic enough to know  that sometimes the Moray Council will not be able to have the final say in a particular matter as a decision may be made by the Scottish Government. Should this happen I will do all I can to make sure the case being put forward by the Moray Council takes account of the views of the Forres people.

I will take forward concerns/issues brought to me by the people of Forres:

- with respect

- in confidence, where required

- irrespective of the party political beliefs of the person/organisation raising the concern

- setting aside my personal point of view

My ultimate aim is to represent the people of Forres in a way that I would want to be represented.  I believe the Moray Council should be open and transparent in its communications with local communities and they should respect the views of the people they were elected to represent.