An election hopeful says an online survey will help him best represent local residents.
Christopher Wilkinson will stand as an independent representative in the Staffordshire County Council vote in May, as well as a by-election for a seat on Lichfield City Council.
He said he was keen to fully understand the views of residents.
“In this election, I’m placing a high priority on improving the accessibility and engagement local residents have with their political representatives, as well as ensuring everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard when it comes to important local issues.
“I’m issuing these surveys to everyone in the area I seek to serve as I aim be a trusted representative for all residents regardless of how they vote.
“Political events over the past five years have generally been polarising.
“The main advantage of this people-orientated approach to local government is that I’m able through the survey responses I collect to find common ground between people who would otherwise consider themselves political opponents.
“The responses generated by the surveys will be used to create a manifesto for both the city and county council that will put local people’s interests first.”
Christopher Wilkinson
Mr Wilkinson said he believes politicians needed to better understand the changes brought about by the coronavirus crisis.
“We’ve got to meet new challenges posed by remote working, education beyond the classroom and healthcare in the community.
“Above all, we need to get businesses going again. We need to support organisations to move their products and services online as consumers switch from the physical to the digital economy.
“We’ve got to adapt quickly to the new needs of the economy by operating with flexibility and providing tools and support to reduce barriers to progress as companies grow their way out of recession.
“My survey questions assess public attitudes towards a number of key local issues ranging from measures to assist Lichfield’s economy, the effects of Covid-19 policies on our mental and physical health, how we can better protect our local environment and how we can improve our transport systems.”
Christopher Wilkinson
