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: Sue Arnold
Party: Conservatives
Ward: Mease and Tame
Occupation: Business owner
What has made you decide to stand for election?
As a new candidate for this election I’m determined not to be a ‘faceless’ councillor. My core raison d’être for standing in the election is to continue to be a real community campaigner which is something I normally do through business channels for the good of the local and regional economy.
What are the key issues for you in your ward?
To oppose wind farms in village settings. While I accept alternative energy needs to be explored and possibly implemented, village settings are not the environment in which to do so. The devastation and blight on the landscape without proven outputs are to be resisted. We also need to support local property owners whose values may ultimately decrease.
Another key local issue is HS2 which I vehemently oppose. The business case does not stack up and we will be faced with a major environmental threat. There is no benefits to the communities of our conurbation and I would much rather the proposed £250million be spent on returning the economy to where it should be.
If you are elected how do you plan to keep your constituents informed of what you are doing to represent them?
Through the press and I speak to many of my constituents regularly.
How do you feel you will be able to make a difference to your constituents?
Communication is my business. I have spent 25 years in the local press and understand that keeping in touch at grassroots is imperative. If elected It is my intention to attend as many parish council meetings and distribute regular e:newsletters with updates on issues and more importantly how I intend to resolve them. I don’t intend to be a name on a slip of paper, I will actively encourage residents to contact me on their issues and challenges that they face.
Anything else you would like to add?
As an experienced businesswoman, I am renowned for being demanding and challenging and will bring my skills and experience to ensure an improved community for the Mease & Tame residents.
- Regional newspaper director for 25 years.
- Currently owner and manager of a local media company.
- Past president of Southern Staffordshire Chamber (director).
- Chairman of SucceSS (business and professional cluster group).
- Previous director of British Chambers of Commerce (London).
- The final chairman of Business Link Staffordshire.
- Director of Lichfield Festival.
Also standing in the Mease and Tame ward (once they have responded, these will link to the response):
- Penny Bennion (Lib Dem)
- Roger Bennion (Lib Dem)
- Ellen Perkins (Conservatives)
