We invited each candidate to supply up to 500 words on why they deserve your vote, optionally including a photograph and a link to an election address. We have published their submissions verbatim, no editorial changes have been made. Any errors are those of the candidate.
Party description: Liberal Democrats
Howard Norton has lived in Winchelsea for thirteen years with his partner David. He is a retired teacher who taught history and politics at Cranbrook School for thirteen years. Before that he worked as a vicar in south London and he is still busily active in the life of Winchelsea parish church. Howard is deeply involved in the life of Winchelsea. He is a passionate gardener; chair of the local Garden Society;
organiser of the NGS garden openings for Winchelsea; president of the Literary Society and a regular bridge player. He is a keen environmentalist who keeps bees,
enthusiastically supports the work of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB, and is a Friend of Great Dixter. He firmly believes that quality of life issues arising from an openness to nature should be given a high profile in local politics. Howard is appalled by the polarisation which afflicts British politics at present. With the Conservatives becoming the party of strident English nationalism and Labour increasingly sectarian and Intolerant. There has never been a greater need for a strong and moderating Liberal Democrat voice. Austerity or old-fashioned Socialism are no answer to the issues which matter to people in Rother. We must set our faces against tribal politics and be willing to cooperate with other voices who like us want a pragmatic approach to local problems.
- Rother is dominated by Bexhill and the Tories. Half of the councillors, but more than half of the money and time go into Bexhill. Rye & Winchelsea need a voice.
- Rother’s extreme application of Tory austerity policies have made its finances even worse. Austerity is now damaging the country and stifling Rother.
- A parking strategy for Rye once street parking enforcement has started, including a review of prices and coordination with public transport.
- Housing for the elderly. The local housing situation is most unsatisfactory. It is impossible for elderly residents in Winchelsea to downsize because smaller homes are simply not available with the result that they are forced to leave the town and their circle of supportive friends, to our and their impoverishment. More developments like Rye’s Devonport House could be part of the answer.
Image Credits: Howard Norton .