Watford Labour Party

Watford Constituency Labour Party working for you with Claire Ward MP 

Watford Labour Party
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Popular councillor selected as Mayoral candidate

 

 Nigel BellWest Watford Councillor, Nigel Bell, has been selected by Labour to challenge the Liberal Democrat Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill in the Mayoral and local elections on 6th May. Nigel, who was last elected in May 2009 with a 14% swing, will be a popular choice amongst voters. He received congratulations last year from the Prime Minister for securing the biggest swing to a Labour of any candidate in the UK.

Nigel said: “It is a great honour to be selected to stand in this election. I have always served people of all political persuasions and I would work to build consensus to revitalise our town."


Claire Ward, Watford’s MP said:“Nigel will present a real challenge to the Liberal Democrats who now look tired and out of touch. Voters trust him. Many who are not even Labour supporters vote for him because he is hard working, honest and gets things done.”

 

Nigel has put together six key pledges* to Watford people upon which he will fight the election to be Mayor.

Nigel for Mayor

Six Pledges for the People of Watford

1-Transparency about how YOUR money is spent

I pledge that as Mayor I will be more open and transparent than the current Mayor about the money that the Council spends on your behalf.

For example, you as Council Tax payers have a right to know exactly how much of your money has been spent on expensive consultants and for what benefit?    The present Mayor and her Administration plan to spend £27million in the next 5 years in the town centre but deals are being done behind closed doors -Watford residents have a right to some straight answers. You need to feel confident that the money will be spent to bring long-term improvements to our Town.

2.-I would take a lower saIary

I do not think an elected Mayor for such a small district Council like Watford can justify a combined salary of £

72,000. We have a Managing Director and other highly rewarded senior managers to run the Council. I would not take such a high salary at a time when so many Watford people are finding it difficult to make ends meet during this world-wide economic downturn. Other elected Mayors around the Country get by on far smaller salaries than the current Mayor pays herself..                        
               
 

3-Cross-political consensus to revitalise the town.

As your Mayor I think it vital for the future of our town to seek consensus and cooperation amongst all political parties, especially when we are just beginning to come out of the recession.

I would have no hesitation in inviting my main opponents to join the Cabinet and I would also ask the leading business and union representatives to join as associate or advisory members. Revitalising the town's infrastructure is key and I would not act as if only I and my party had all the answers.

4- A better deal for the elderly

I know that being able to get around on public transport is vital to the quality of life of Watford’s senior citizens. As your Mayor I would enter into negotiations with the Mayor of London and rail operators to obtain discounted travel for the over 60’s to and from London and on the London Midland line. I would also bring in free swimming for Watford’s elderly and young, taking advantage of grants available from central government.



 5-Protecting Watford’s heritage – Keep the Pond – Rebuild the gates.

We all know the tragic story of the beautiful Cassiobury Park gates and their demolition by a previous Tory administration at the end of the 1960’s -I want to make sure that our historic town centre pond is not reduced to a small water feature, as our present Mayor is planning. I assure you that as Mayor I will under no circumstances sanction the removal of our "historic" pond.  I would bring together a wide range of people to see if a consensus exists to re-build our park gates as a fitting entrance to our glorious park.

6- No false promises – I will always be honest with you.

Unlike the current Mayor who was elected in 2002 on a promise to reduce Watford’s Council Tax to the Hertfordshire average – and failed, I will not make false promises to get elected. I will ensure you get ‘value for money’ from your Council Tax and that services are not compromised. Watford had a proud tradition of having some of the best services in the County. You could always tell where the Borough boundary was in snowy weather as Watford’s roads and pavements were gritted when other Councils didn’t bother. As Mayor, my priority would be to bring back quality to Watford’s services.

 

Nigel Bell

 

14th February 2010

 

 

   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promoted by Ray Collins, General Secretary, the Labour Party,on behalf of the Labour Party, both at 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HA.
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