Rye is facing multiple major challenges, both now and as we address the changes required over the next 10 years and beyond. Multiple development projects are likely to be initiated soon, a major change in political restructuring is underway and many immediate decisions need to be made locally in relation to infrastructure and services.
Never has it been more important to have a well-managed and motivated town council, complete with all the skills needed to navigate through the opportunities and obstacles ahead.
Elections are an opportunity for voters of Rye to understand how our councillors will address these issues and select a council that will proactively prepare for these changes and implement plans that will have the best outcomes for our community. The election on the 18 December is the time when voters can choose which capabilities and plans of the 5 candidates standing they prefer, and select for their preferred representative. This is an important step as we prepare for a full council election in May 2027, by which time the new political structure for East Sussex will have been decided and all seats will be up for election.
With a target of 325 new dwellings to be built in Rye, and an as yet unknown percentage of social housing, the character of our town could change significantly. These developments require coordinated planning to ensure we meet future needs, while at the same time retaining the unique atmosphere that makes Rye so good a place to visit, live and work. A strong council needs to be an important part of this process.
In the meantime, we need to retain and improve all the important services that we currently benefit from, especially as Rother District Council is winding down and is likely to dispose of many of its assets in Rye.
Finally, we have a vibrant voluntary sector which needs encouraging, supporting and coordinating. It is a complementary combination of public and voluntary sector activities that together will meet the needs of our diverse community.
These days, many people often express disillusion at the behaviour and performance of our politicians – national, regional and local. But without a voting process, with widespread participation, we lose the right to be critical about how our towns are run. This is a local election, with direct impact on what happens in our community … Let’s all vote and make sure we put in place the best councillors for the years ahead.
Rye News will publish details on the candidates standing, in the 12 December edition.
Image Credits: Rye News library , Peter Connock , Chris Lawson .