2015 is a momentous year for the Green Party, both nationally and locally. The fivefold increase in membership in West Dorset has led to 27 district council candidates standing for election on May 7th, a big increase on previous elections. This means that for the first time citizens in the area have a good chance of being able to vote for a Green Party candidate in local and parliamentary elections.
Clare Sutton, candidate for Weymouth East said “improved access to and increased community ownership of local spaces such as Castle Cove and Chapelhay Community Playgarden in Weymouth”. “Locally we are campaigning for more affordable housing for local people, a living wage, community-owned renewable energy schemes, and more support for local businesses.”
Julian Jones (West Dorset District Council and Bridport Town Council, North Ward) said “We believe that with a fairer taxation system then there would be no need for cuts to public services. We are also the only party taking seriously the issue of climate change which threatens our way of life.”
“We believe that democracy needs revitalising by devolving power to the lowest viable level for decision-making and nationally we will be aiming to establish a fair system of voting. We are also the only party taking seriously the issue of climate change which has been mainly caused by wealthy countries, while those in the poorest countries will suffer the worst consequences. For the good of every species on this planet we need to change our way of life and leave most of the fossil fuels in the ground.”
Matt Holborow, the candidate standing in Lyme Regis and Charmouth, said “Many more people than ever before the opportunity to vote Green at all levels. We are urging people to vote FOR the things they believe rather than voting tactically for their least-favoured option.”
The Greens are standing in 22 out of 24 District Council wards in West Dorset, and in Weymouth and Portland in 9 out of 12 Borough Council wards. They also have candidates for the Town Councils in Dorchester, Bridport and Sherborne.
For a full list of candidates, and to check who your local candidate is please visit https://westandsouthdorset.greenparty.org.uk/elections/
