Ballot box. Pic: Anthony Karanja
Ballot box. Pic: Anthony Karanja

As Lichfield and Burntwood voters prepare to go to the ballot box for the local elections on May 5, The Lichfield Blog has offered each of the candidates the chance to have their say.

We’ve sent out questionnaires to all District Council candidates and will publish their responses on the site to help you decide where to put your cross on election day. If your local candidates haven’t responded yet, why not chase them?

Name: Gordon Owers
Party: Liberal Democrats
Ward: St John’s
Occupation: Retired headteacher

What has made you decide to stand for election?
Although the Lib Dems are part of the Coalition Government nationally, I believe that it is important to work for our particular priorities at local level – especially in identifying and prioritising which are the vital local services to maintain during this period of economic hardship.

What are the key local issues for you in your ward?
South Lichfield has had its full share of development and the existing green belt boundaries must be firmly defended.

If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them?
As well as availability to all constituents through phone and e-mail, there would be regular feedback through our Focus newsletter which goes out to all in the ward.

How do you feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents?
I believe that my experience as a headteacher can help in dealing with local government issues and with national initiatives as they affect local concerns.

Anything else you would like to add?
I would be very proud to represent the people of St John’s ward on the District Council.

Also standing in the St John’s ward (once they have responded, these will link to the response):

  • Gwyneth Boyle (Conservatives)
  • Michael Hawkes (Labour)
  • Keith LePla (Lib Dem)
  • John Maunder (UKIP)
  • Paul Ray (Lib Dem)
  • Christopher Spruce (Conservatives)
  • John Wilks (Conservatives)

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.