Each one has been given the opportunity to tell readers why they’re running for office and why people should vote for them.
Here’s what candidates standing in the Harton ward have to say.
1. Pat Hay (Labour Party)
I have been a proactive, visible ward councillor in Harton ward for the past nine years. I have always acted with the highest integrity in a professional manner representing you in the council chamber. I have been a strong advocate ensuring that your concerns and issues are dealt with professionally and that you get answers to all your queries promptly. I am asking for your vote again in this forthcoming election, you need a person you can trust and have faith in to carry out your wishes. A vote for me will give you just that, my motto has been ‘working with the people of Harton for the people of Harton.’ You can count on me to carry on working for you. I will work for you as I have always done and not just at election time but all year round. Photo: Pat Hay (Labour Party)
2. Lawrence Nolan (Independent)
I’m Lawrence Nolan, standing as an independent candidate in the Harton ward. Some may remember me from my election in 2004, serving as a councillor for six years. In that time, I experienced the way the (previous) leadership of the Labour group worked. With (that) now fractured, I have renewed vigour and enthusiasm to play my part striving to make our council transparent and accountable. A place where entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest, ultimately making the borough a better place to live and work. My priority would be transforming our neglected shopping centres, making them a vibrant centre of the community once again. I will encourage more environmental awareness, along with increased relationships with neighbourhood policing, taking a hard stance on antisocial behaviour, uniting our MP with council, not isolating her, working together for the benefit of South Shields. Photo: Lawrence Nolan (Independent)
3. Chloe Grant (Conservative Party)
Councillors have a duty beyond the ward’s general upkeep to lobby the council to bring opportunities within our reach. I will ensure the council produces stronger applications to government schemes to bring investment to our town. It may seem politically convenient for Labour to not have Conservatives delivering in this town, but we can change that. We see areas surrounding South Tyneside receive record investment from the Government, achieved by working with them and putting their area on the map. For many years, our council has lacked challenge and a credible opposition party to produce alternative ideas and budgets. Every idea and policy is made better with opposition. I will fight to support our businesses, end the lack of parking spaces, bring our area opportunities, and offer you better value council tax. Don’t vote for complacency, vote for change. Photo: Chloe Grant (Conservative Party)
4. Sarah Drummond (Green Party)
Hi, I’m Sarah. I have 10 years of experience working for a county council and am now living in the area and want to help out as I can. I’m really passionate about green issues and believe we can all make a difference. I will listen to your ideas and concerns and do my best to make these changes through the council. I like to lead by example but am also willing to learn and grow. We are all adapting to new ways of going about life. Let’s do this in the best ways possible. Vote Green on May 6! Photo: AN