This week, our opinion section focusses on some of the candidates who are seeking to become our new town councillor by co-option. (LINK) Submissions were completely voluntary, and not all have chosen to participate, preferring to wait to make their views known at the council meeting itself.
To ensure fairness, Rye News suggested the following questions as a guideline for submissions, together with a limit of 400 words:
- A short background
- What do you see as the challenges facing Rye?
- Why should you be co-opted on to the Council?
Comments are in the candidates own words and listed in alphabetical order
Firat Bozyel
Rye is one of the most distinctive and historic towns in the country, but it faces challenges that require careful attention. The High Street, while strong compared to neighbouring towns, must be protected against the pressures of large outside companies that could weaken local trade. Housing affordability and opportunities for young people remain pressing concerns, as do transport links that connect Rye with surrounding areas. Additionally, Rye must continue to strike the right balance between preserving its heritage and embracing modern growth, ensuring it remains both a vibrant place to live and an attractive destination for visitors.
I believe I can bring energy, a fresh perspective, and a strong commitment to the council. As someone who has created jobs and invested in Rye, I understand the importance of balancing economic growth with community needs. If co-opted, I will work to:
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Protect and strengthen Rye’s independent businesses and high street.
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Support initiatives that create opportunities for young people, including apprenticeships and training.
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Champion sustainable development that safeguards Rye’s heritage while preparing it for the future.
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Ensure that local voices are always prioritised in decision-making.
Lyn Dutton
I know what you are thinking – why would an aerospace engineering consultant
make a good Rye Town Councillor? And it’s a fair question. So, let me try to convince you that it makes sense.
Successful engineering is all about the rigorous application of planning and design processes that result in systems that meet end users’ specific needs, while at the same time being compatible with the views of any impacted stakeholders. And that’s just what town councillors should do too. It’s all about detailed planning, consultation and team effort – and I’m quite good at that – or so they tell me!
I first considered throwing my hat in the ring when I spotted that “growth” for the town is identified as a prime target in the Rye Neighbourhood Plan. I agree that growth is truly the key to Rye’s future – the town must grow and stay relevant to meet the future needs of both residents and visitors. And I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to making that goal a reality.
Rye’s growth opportunities are broadly two-fold. The first are near-term and largely incremental in nature, but valuable nevertheless – and they should get underway without delay. The second are for larger opportunities, taking a longer view and creating significant new business dimensions for the town. However, the common denominator for whatever plan for significant growth is adopted must be that it should create long-term local jobs.
I also see the need for growth of good affordable and social housing stock as a major nut to crack. It only makes sense to attract new jobs if there is somewhere to live. Also, Rye also has a special challenge in that any growth must respect the character of the town and its heritage.
The challenge ahead may look somewhat daunting, but it should be achievable if we take an incremental approach and plan rigorously – and work closely with residents, the new layers of regional government and the Rye Chamber of Commerce.
I therefore hope to play a full role as a councillor, including work to assist the Council in adding detail to the growth goal in the Neighbourhood Plan – addressing questions like what, how, how many, when etc. And I think that would be a very worthwhile activity to which I would gladly give my time.
Dena Smith Ellis
Originally from Seattle, I moved to the UK with my husband, Graham, in 2018 and settled in Rye in 2021. In April 2024, I proudly became a British citizen, deepening my commitment to the community I now call home. With a lifelong passion for service, health, and education, I’ve channelled my energy locally as the founder and organiser of the Rye Pickleball Club at Rye Leisure Centre and as co-chair of the Rye Community Garden committee.
Alongside my community work, I hold an MBA from ARU Cambridge and a background in wellness education, coaching, and leadership. I also hold certifications in mediation, mental health first aid, and counselling, among others. Over the years, I’ve designed and led programmes that empower people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. I believe these skills, combined with my community involvement, give me a fresh perspective to bring to Rye Town Council. Rye is a town with unique charm and history, but like many small towns, it faces challenges. Housing and affordability remain pressing issues: development must preserve Rye’s heritage while ensuring that homes are accessible to local families and young people. Balancing the needs of tourism and business with those of residents is another priority—our economy depends on visitors, but our community must always feel supported and valued.
As a coastal town, Rye must continue to adapt to the realities of climate change and flood risk, while also addressing everyday issues such as waste management and litter. I am especially passionate about environmental stewardship and practical solutions that keep Rye beautiful and welcoming for both residents and visitors. At the same time, supporting community wellbeing—from young families to older residents—is essential for Rye’s resilience and long-term vitality.
As both a mother and a community-minded person, I deeply value family life and also recognise the importance of building connection for those without close family ties. My guiding values are integrity, compassion, respect, and transparency, and I would bring these to my role as councillor.
Although still relatively new to Rye, I care deeply about this town and its people. It would be an honour to serve and to contribute to shaping a thriving, resilient, and connected future for us all.
Owen Thompson
A short background:
I live in the centre of Rye with my husband and run my business Newo Dance from the Community Centre on Conduit Hill. I have lived in Rye for nearly 3 years but knew Rye as a child as we would regularly holiday in Camber Sands as a family.
What do you see as the challenges facing Rye?
I believe Rye is a fantastic place to live and run a business. This does not mean however Rye is immune to the challenges and problems of living in a thriving tourist town. I recognise these to be a shortage of affordable housing for local people, rising anti-social behaviour and an increasingly challenging economic climate for both residents and businesses. There is also great uncertainty around the proposed government changes to who will deliver local government services with the probable outcome being a unitary council for the Sussex area as a whole.
Why should you be co-opted onto the council?
I have a strong sense of civic pride and I love Rye for its unique traditions and ceremonies – many of which I try to attend. Traditions are what gives a town character but we just can’t rely on this alone. Essentially a town’s heart is its residents, many of which I’ve met through my volunteering. If elected, I hope to be a positive voice and ear for the people of Rye. My experience volunteering with RYZ Rye Youth Zone and The Hub on Rye Hills dementia Café and volunteering with initiatives like the Rye Chamber of Commerce litter picks and helping install the Christmas lights on the High Sreet has given me insight into the needs and aspirations of our community.
Simon Bowler told Rye News he would prefer not to write an article ahead of the co-option council meeting on September 15, but would be happy to be interviewed if he was elected.
Image Credits: Richard Farhall , Lyn Dutton , Dena Smith Ellis , Owen Thompsonn .