Thanet county council candidate profiles

The next county council election is on Thursday 4 May. 81 councillors will be elected from 72 electoral divisions.

To vote in the Kent County Council 2017 election you must:

  • be registered to vote by 13 April 2017 at an address in Kent
  • be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
  • be a British, Commonwealth or EU citizen
  • not be legally excluded from voting.

In most areas, you vote for one candidate and the candidate with the most votes is elected. However in Birchington and Rural and Ramsgate you can vote for 2 candidates and the 2 candidates with the most votes are elected.

Polling will be between 7am and 10pm. Polling stations will be announced on April 25.

The number of county councillors for Kent has reduced from 84 to 81 following a boundary review in 2016.

The Thanet county council candidates for 2017

Birchington and rural

BRIMM Suzanne UKIP

I am currently the district councillor for Birchington and cabinet member for operational services. I have lived in Thanet for 35 years and am a mother-of-two and recently became a grandmother. I am an engineer and have been working with the utility industry for the last 10 years, however I now focus most of my time on local issues. I have led the campaign calling for improvements to a local medical centre and pioneered a campaign calling for safer crossings at Birchington and Westgate school children which has been successful and will be implemented in the Summer of 2017. I am also spearheading a project to raise awareness of dog fouling on Thanet, which will embrace DNA technology. My interest in local history has secured the return of one of Britain’s oldest lifeboats from Boston. The boat was used in Thanet over a century ago. I will argue the case for Thanet residents who I believe currently get less county council money per head of population than the richer West Kent areas.

CURWEN Angie Liberal Democrats

I am Angie Curwen and have lived in Birchington for 25 years.  Born in Sandwich, I studied Business Studies in London and worked in health care, the pharmaceutical industry and information technology.  I moved back to Kent and to Birchington in 1991 when I met and married my husband Tony and have a grown-up daughter and son.

I am proud to be standing for election to Kent County Council (KCC) as a Liberal Democrat.  I am very concerned that the cuts being implemented by the Conservative led KCC have not really impacted services yet and will not do so until after this election

I have a special interest in health & social care and will work to ensure the NHS is given the money needed to provide excellent care, free at the point of delivery and properly funded social care giving dignity and freeing up beds in NHS wards.

I will contest Conservative plans to rationalise services between Thanet, Canterbury & Ashford and will fight cuts to provision of A&E services in Kent and for increased funding for QEQM.

Again, cuts to education services have not bitten yet and head teachers have said the Department for Education had “buried its head in the sand” over the extent of financial problems. As a Liberal Democrat Councillor I will fight for realistic funding for our schools.

When speaking to people in our villages I have been told many times that a visible police presence in the villages would be welcome.  This would deter anti-social behaviour and be a very important part of local crime prevention and I will work to bring policing back to the community.

I have previously served Thanet on the leadership team of the Independent Thanet Tourism Association (ITTA), working with Visit Thanet and Visit Kent representing the voice of “the villages”.  As a result the villages now feature heavily on the Visit Thanet website. I am standing to fight cuts to vital local services and if elected promise to serve all members of the area with plans to run surgeries in all villages as well as being contactable via email and social media.

DAWSON Emma Conservative Party

My name is Emma Dawson and I am very pleased to announce that I am standing as your Conservative candidate for the Kent County Council elections in May 2017 for Birchington and Rural division. I have lived locally in Thanet since I was 8 years old and am very aware of the passion the people have in Thanet and how important it is to have a strong voice to represent them.

My early career was spent with social health care, NHS and Residential care and this is a key issue in Thanet for our people dependent upon support and I will use this experience to promote a better, more comprehensive service fit for purpose from within Kent. I have also spent two years’ service as a district councillor, where I have gained valuable experience in working on frontline issues, such as, homelessness, housing conditions, evictions and anti-social behaviour.

Among the many issues there are also opportunities that I know will be important to you including, policing, traffic congestion, our local schools, bus services and fly tipping, these will be part of my driving force on your behalf.

Kent County is one of the largest in the country where issues affect Thanet both politically and financially. The life skills I have acquired and with obtaining my Politics degree in 2005 will assist me to represent not only the people but also to assist in guiding Kent County to make the right decisions.

EVANS Peter  UKIP

I have lived in Thanet for the past 31 years as now reside in Westbrook with my wife and two sons, all of whom work in the healthcare sector.

A Clinical NHS Radiology Manager working in front line services I am aware of the crisis which is looming in both Primary and Social Care, through under investment and continued cuts.

A man of morals I am still fully committed to my original electorial pledge of returning Manston Airport to a fully functioning airport, and I resigned my position as Planning Chairman so that I can continue this campaign, and oppose the building of 3500 houses on the site by Stone Hill Park.I believe Thanet needs more social housing built for local people who on local wages cannot afford to buy.

A community’s biggest asset is the people who live and work in it, and therefore they should be invested in and not subjected to the savage cuts we are now seeing.If elected I intend to put up a strong argument for the people of Thanet who currently receive significantly less investment per head than our richer neighbours in the west of the county.

 

GREGORY Ken Conservative Party Candidate

I am Ken Gregory, and am one of two conservative candidates standing for election to Kent County Council in the Birchington and Rural Division . I am a former firefighter, and have served on Thanet District Council for 22 years.

My particular interests, and skills, include Strategic planning, highways issues, Broadband provision. In addition, care of our elders is a crucial issue for us all to take an interest in.

My personal interests include my Grandchildren , swimming, and caring for animals, in particular, horses and dogs. I live in Monkton, where I have a small farm.

If elected I, and my fellow conservative candidate, will work hard to ensure that local residents get their fair share of County run services, and make sure that your voice is heard clearly at County Hall

PENNINGTON Martyn Liberal Democrats

Currently a parish councillor for Westgate-on-sea. I represent the Liberal Democrats supporting a more open, united and tolerant society

RANSOM Natasha Green Party

I live in the village of Monkton. I stood for the Thanet Villages in the 2015 district council election and am passionate about giving Thanet’s villages and rural areas a voice. My concerns include rural public transport and support for rural business, particularly SMEs. I am worried that the Government’s housing requirements could have a serious negative impact on Birchington, Westgate and the Thanet Villages unless a much more detailed transport and infrastructure plan, including better public transport, is developed.

If elected, I will press for 20mph zones in traffic hotspot areas near the schools in Minster and Birchington. This would reduce accidents and help decrease congestion, which in turn would improve air quality, and would have very little impact on total journey times.

 As a horticulturalist by profession and a keen horsewoman, I want to help everyone in Thanet enjoy and preserve our beautiful countryside, and with this in mind I would push for the expansion of our cycleways and bridlepaths.

I have had a longstanding involvement in Thanet local politics, particularly around equalities, gender and environmental issues. I am currently Branch Co-ordinator of the Green Party in Thanet.

 ROBINSON Lynda Labour Party

I am Westbrook-born and bred and now live in Westgate-on-Sea: I am not only deeply rooted in the local area I adore, I am  also a second-generation worker in the National Health Service I love. My father spent 37 years working at The Royal Sea Bathing Hospital and I worked in the NHS for over 30 years, including 24 years as a nurse. I am currently a ward administrator at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital in Margate.

I am passionately committed to repairing the damage done to the NHS over the past seven years by underfunding and by the 2012 Health and Social Act –  also from the knock-on effect of savage cuts to social care budget. I believe that a properly funded, compassionate health and social provision is what the community wants, needs and deserves. I am a member of “UNISON” and  support its fight for our NHS. Austerity is a choice, not a necessity.

YENER Seamus Labour Party

I am a well-known face around Thanet – you’ve probably been in my cab at some point.  I am a local taxi driver whose wife runs a cafe in nearby Ramsgate. We live in Westgate and have been Thanet residents for many years.  I first came to England as a Kurdish refugee, fleeing repression by the then military junta in Turkey.  I greatly value our hard-won rights for democratic voting and the freedom to join political parties. When you have lived in a place without such choices, you realise how grim life can be.  I will campaign hard for more funding for social care as I have seen “first hand” the effects of Kent County Council’s poor provision for our elderly and people with disabilities. I am a father of two school-age children and worry greatly about the underfunding of our schools and how East Kent always loses out in education provision. Give me the chance to go to County Hall and I’ll certainly see the pot-holes get filled in and care is put up the agenda.

Broadstairs

BINKS Rosalind Conservative Party Candidate

Since 2011 I have represented Broadstairs on both Town Council and, until 2015, Thanet District Council.  For the past 3 years I was Mayor of Broadstairs & St Peter’s – so I understand the issues (many long-standing) and the enormous potential that we have here.  I am a local kid:  Clarendon House, Southampton University and then 20 years  working abroad.  On my return I commuted to London for many years.  My career was at the sharp end of international banking and finance.  Broadstairs & St Peter’s has plenty of talented residents and huge community spirit to get things done, but Kent County Council still makes many decisions that affect our lives.  You need a strong voice there.

HEWER William Liberal Democrats

Awarded the Batchelor of Science by the Open University and Batchelor of Arts (Hons) at Lancaster University, I have also gained post graduate qualifications at Bromley College and Canterbury Christ Church University.

My work experience includes working with homeless people within a hostel, later, when qualified as a Probation Officer, I was seconded to a Youth Justice Team. I have worked as a social worker becoming senior social worker in the Children and Families Team in south east London social service’s. When providing services for adults, I worked as a senior care manager in a specialist HIV/AIDS team in a South London Borough. Latterly I worked as a children’s guardian for the London Family Courts.

I see Broadstairs as a distinct area within the Isle of Thanet, let alone within the County of Kent. It’s unique characteristics need to be protected and represented effectively at county level and as a Liberal Democrat that is what I would aim to do. Care must be taken that the interests of Broadstairs be not overshadowed by other concerns in the surrounding area within the county and nationally. As your representative on Kent County Council I would do all possible to look after the interests of Broadstairs and its people.

Locally, I support the Liberal Democrat proposals for re-opening Manston Airport. This could provide long-term local employment, and training thus providing a boost to the local economy. My concern is that building houses on the Manston site is likely to produce yet another London satellite commuter town rather than providing housing for local people, as hoped.

MACDONALD Terry Green Party

I am the Treasurer of the Green Party’s Thanet Branch. A former pupil of Chatham House Grammar School in Ramsgate, I went away to study at Hatfield Polytechnic and later did an MBA in Middlesex, but returned to live in Broadstairs with my family. With a background in electrical engineering, I now work for an IT solutions company, supporting businesses to make best use of technology.

I was active in campaigning for the UK to remain in Europe and am concerned about the implications of Brexit, particularly for foreign workers in the UK and for our relationships with the rest of Europe. If elected to KCC, I would support measures that seek to build positive links with other European countries, as well as initiatives to help different communities within the UK to understand, appreciate and work with each other.

I am a keen walker and cricketer, and enjoy being outdoors on Thanet’s beautiful cliffs and beaches. I believe strongly that we must work hard to maintain our natural environment, both at home and abroad. I would take a particular interest in measures to promote recycling, minimise waste, reduce and prevent pollution and reverse climate change.

MCCANN Stuart Labour Party

I have lived in Broadstairs now for 20  years now and I love being part of such a fantastic town and community.

People who know me will know that I am a passionate Trade Unionist and as a shop steward work daily to try and improve the conditions of members and enjoy representing people and helping to solve their problems.

I am standing for Kent County Council in May, because I believe it’s time to start defending our vital services against the continued onslaught of Conservative austerity.

I believe we have to take care of the most vulnerable members of our community. The elderly deserve decent social care and carers should be paid a fair wage for the job.

We need to take care of our young people. Mental health services for young people in Kent are at crisis point and we need to fix this immediately. We need to ensure all our kids get a good education and that teachers and schools have the resources required. All our schools should be top class, not just some of them.

I would resist the extension of acadamies and believe the ones that are currently failing should be brought back under the control of the Local Education Authority.

I believe in a free and publicly funded NHS.I oppose the forthcoming STP’s or Slash, Trash and Privatise. They will be a disaster for the whole of Kent. We need to provide the vital health prevention services such as drug and alcohol help, whilst ensuring a healthy lifestyle is available by improving sporting and recreation facilities ensuring they are accessible to all Kent residents.

WILTSHIRE Zita UKIP

I have been a local politician in Broadstairs and St Peter’s for more than 20 years. I have served as district council cabinet member for housing annd as shadow cabinet member for specialist children’s services at county.

I have a reputation for fighting for residents interests and have tackled issues of multiple occupation, looked after children and victims of gang culture. My county council grants have supported the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs Folk week, Global Generation Church’s Lark in the Park, and dedicated support for the Quarterdeck Youth Club.

My proudest moment to date was cheering on the Quarterdeck’s young people as they won a national youth crime beat award at a ceremony in London.

Cliftonville

BROWN Matthew  Liberal Democrats

DAVIDGE David Independent

GAME Lesley Conservative Party

A district councillor living in Cliftonville, representing Cliftonville East, Shadow  Cabinet member for Community Services, chair of the QEQM Cabinet Advisory Group, Governance & Audit Committee member. I’m not a ‘career politician’ but work hard for the community using my experience to benefit local residents. My career covered Business Management & Development, Education, Welfare to Work, Facilities Management, Human Resources, Health & Safety. Combining my experience with that of a district councillor I feel this would help with the challenges I would face if I became a county councillor and enable me to expand on the work I already do for the community.

RAWF Aram  Labour Party

I live and work in Thanet. I have been employed for many years in our hospitality industry and won awards for customer service. I know what makes our local economy tick.
I also understand the immigrant experience. I came here in 1999 as a teenage refugee fleeing torture in Iraq. I am incredibly thankful to people in Thanet for giving me the opportunity to realise my potential. I’m now a British citizen. When I’m not working I spend much of my time volunteering for our community. I am a longtime member of St John Ambulance and help with charity events and festivals. I do not agree with people who blame our problems on foreign people. Immigrants put more in than they take out. I have a track record in campaigning. I’ve fought for street lighting, public transport, the NHS and I have always spoken out against racism.
My priorities will be housing, education, jobs, healthcare and social welfare. The problem with Kent County Council is that it’s too remote from people. How many people even know what KCC does? Councillors have to be more engaged, more active. If you have a problem I will be there for you.

WELLS Chris UKIP

I am well known as a Thanet politician serving in cabinets at both district and county and currebtly being leader of Thanet District Council. In these roles I have led improvements in education, children’s social services and community cohesion and development.

As a former county member for Margate and Cliftonville I sponsored community activities to bring the different communities on the streets together, pursued the impact of London borough children’s homes and served as a governor in local junior and secondary schools.

Most recently I led UKIP’s only district council through an excellent peer review following Labour’s disastrous stewardship of our area and worked cooperatively with other districts across east Kent on merger proposals to maintain and improve services while cutting costs.

I now want to bring some of that magic to County Hall, pushing back the overbearing influence of the Tory West Kent Boy’s Club on our lives here in east Kent.

WHITE Mike  Green Party

I am a builder and shopfitter who spent my early adult life travelling all over the world, studying at first hand our impact on the planet. I saw the effects of slash and burn policies to develop palm oil plantations in South East Asia, and of extreme poverty in Africa and Fiji, where I used my building skills to help provide very poor families with cheap housing and to repair cyclone damage to homes.

As a builder, one of my major political concerns is housing policy – solutions to homelessness, affordable rents and house prices. If elected, I would push for sustainable development on brownfield sites, with a high proportion of affordable housing and the reinvigoration of the social housing sector in Thanet.

I am a regular sailor, which gives me a particular interest in maritime issues. I have led on Thanet Green Party’s response to Dover Harbour Board’s planned dredging of the Goodwin Sands, an important marine conservation zone and war grave site. I would push for the protection of marine wildlife and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and vote to protect Thanet as a tourist destination against industrialisation, while working to create high quality jobs for local people.

Margate

BOYD Kerry Conservative Party

Born and bred in Thanet, I not only know the area very well, I love it! I fully embrace local community and have gained a vast amount of experience in a variety of roles to help and serve local people from being involved with my local residents’ association to coaching youth football, from teaching adult education computing classes to volunteering at local sports events as well as working in a local secondary school and local bakery.

I am extremely passionate about young people and currently work for a Kent based charity as a specialist mentor to help and support young people seek employment and training.

I am very proud to have worked for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner where I undertook research to inform the Police and Crime Plan regarding engagement with young people. I have also supported the National Citizen Service programme with 16-17 year olds carrying out social action projects and making a real contribution to their local communities. In my spare time I am a keen ‘parkrunner’ and member of a local running club, a frequent tweeter and charity fundraiser.

FINNEGAN John Liberal Democrats

We will not just be visible at election time when we are asking you to vote for us. We will run monthly surgeries in every village and town in Thanet so that you can keep us accountable and we can represent your views.

HILLMAN Gary  UKIP

I was elected to Dane Valley ward as a district councillor in 2015. My background in business has enabled me to bring me to bring new, effective strategies into the world of local representation.

Using social media, I have set up a thriving community hub to bring residents together regardless of political loyalties, acting as a real-time network reporting crime, fly-tipping and bringing community spirit and pride back into the ward after years of neglect.

I have worked in partnership with local and regional business to raise sponsorship and donations to host the Dane Valley children’s Christmas party and more recently launched the Citizen’s trophy, a new annual award and a tribute to bring pride and awareness to those citizens who have excelled in their service to the community.

I worked with fellow councillors in pushing for the demolition of a local pub that was left in a dangerous condition, have been involved in Easter egg competitions, road safety awareness and a Summer fete.

I feel community pride is needed to promote the needs and attractions of the local area. Thanet requires more investment from central Government and Kent County Council. It is time Thanet was recognised as the jewel in the Kent crown.

KIRKHAM Bernard  Green Party

I am a retired teacher who has also run a B&B business in Thanet. I live in the centre of Margate. I have lived in Margate and Cliftonville for nearly 30 years ‘of good and bad’. I love the way the community in the area is stabilising, but feel there is still a distance left to travel, particularly in the light of some of the tensions stirred up by the Brexit vote.

If elected, I would work hard to draw together the various elements in the community to take pride in where we live, and to try to reach consensus within the town on issues great and small.

I would pay particular attention to roads, traffic and cycling, and do all I could to get the authorities to address the litter problem – and if that failed, stimulate self-help in our communities.

I am opposed to the revival of Manston as an airport on environmental grounds and feel the Stone Hill Park combination of employment opportunities and housing is a better use for the site, if transport and travel to work issues can be resolved.

 

LEWIS Barry Labour Party

Famous for comic wit and outspoken outbursts in the council chamber  I was elected district councillor in Cliftonville, Margate, for the Labour Party in 1987.

At that time politics in Thanet were very stuffy and formal.  I wanted to shake things up a bit, try to get people rethink their ideas – but do things with a smile. Sometimes even the opposition couldn’t help but laugh.”

I threw my energy into the political battles of the 1980s, taking a stand on things like AIDS, nursery education and low wages.

I held a competition to find out who was the Scrooge Employer of the Year to highlight how little some people were earning with a prize of an inscribed copy of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the winner.

The Scrooge employer at that time was the council itself – paying some people as low as £1.50 an hour.”

My idea was that I was there to represent my electors, residents of one of the poorest wards in the south east of England and that I should do everything I could to fight for their interests.

But it was the row over the poll tax that I am best remembered for. The poll tax, or community charge as it was officially called, was a new way of charging rates on homes brought in by Margaret Thatcher. Many saw it as unfair to poorer people and I put his neck on the line to oppose it.

Believing the local Labour members weren’t doing enough to oppose the tax, I resigned my seat and fought it as an independent candidate.  Against all expectations I won the election.

I faced prosecution when I refused to pay the tax. I was taken to court and the magistrate told me I should pay up. I told him I had an electoral mandate to oppose the poll tax.

Eventually, the Conservative government were forced to scrap the poll tax.

REES Pip Independent

I am not perfect. Just an average guy. I am not rich, in fact I’ve got holes in my shoes. Ups and downs and all that. I have lived in all corners of Kent for 30 years. During this time I have seen the best and the worst of Kent. Councils come and go. I had several businesses and got involved with dozens of community projects. We do these things because they are right, not because of what we get.

There is a lot to do, too many to list, from ending secrecy at council, the shortage of homes and jobs, fly tipping and refuse issues, crime and anti social behaviour, support for enterprise, restoration of community assets, protecting our coastline and beaches, reopening Manston airport. local transportation and most importantly services for child care and the elderly.

It’s a lot to do but together we can make things better. I am only going to make one promise. If your good, if your honest, I will fight for you. I cannot promise you will get what you want. But I will not lie to you and I will do my best.

Ramsgate

ARA Raushan  Labour Party

Raushan For Ramsgate, best known as the proprietor of Ramsgate Tandoori and a winner of Pride in Thanet Tourism awards this year.

Whilst out canvassing, residents told me about the issues that concern them most. For example, tree trimming, traffic calming, public transport, lack of street lighting, poor disabled parking, wheelchair access in the town and the need for more public toilets.

I would like to encourage investment locally, providing incentives to bring empty properties into use. Many groups would like a community space to meet with others in similar situations, which could provide advice for vulnerable people. I have fundraised for a shower unit for homeless people to use which is due to open shortly.

For over 20 years I have worked with local charities and recently raised funds for East Kent Mencap at Foresters Hall and worked with the community to improve public spaces.

As the mother of a special needs child, I would focus on improving provision for people with learning difficulties, including Saturday, respite and holiday care. I would seek to provide funding for necessary modifications for the disabled.As a KCC councillor, I will put resident’s concerns at the forefront of my agenda.

CONSTANTINE Karen Labour Party

I’m passionate about fairness. I believe Ramsgate is being left behind. With some vision and hard work it could be, and should be, a vibrant community full of opportunities for all who live, work and visit here.

Our local economy is fundamentally important. Without a robust forward looking economy our corner of Kent will continue to flounder. Ramsgate’s young people will have little to look forward to If we don’t plan for the future. It is essential that we develop a strong local economic plan and hold Kent County Council (and the Conservative Government) to account for failing to provide the investment, support and the clarity of vision that we urgently need. As your elected county councillor for Ramsgate, I will diligently scrutinise and challenge Kent County Council decisions with the aim of closing the gap between ‘left behind’ Ramsgate and the rest of the prosperous South East.

Thanet workers earn the least wages in Kent. On average, a worker here earns almost five grand less than elsewhere in the county. Also, our local jobs are often temporary or seasonal and zero hours contracts are far too common. It’s difficult to build a decent life without the opportunity to earn decent money.

I will fight to attract the right sort of companies to invest here. Ramsgate needs green and carbon-free technologies, not polluting businesses. We should also develop our full potential as a tourist and leisure destination. Small businesses are extremely important too and I’ll be seeking genuine support for local start-ups.

We need much more action on housing, better provisions for our young people, increased social care services and support for older residents and others that need help. Ramsgate is a truly fantastic place. But poverty, low pay and lack of investment hold the town back. My role at county council will be as a strong voice for Ramsgate, fighting for a fairer deal.
COSTEN Stefan  Independent

DRIVER Ian  Independent

 

Environment

I will fight against the unsustainable overdevelopment proposals in Thanet council’s Local Plan.

Housing

I support building more council and housing association homes, on brownfield sites, to provide good quality homes for the 1,000s unable to buy.

Social Care

Older people being cared for at home, or in residential units, are being badly let down by poor services which often deny human rights and dignity. Disabled people are also suffering in similar ways. I support a sustainable tax-based system for funding social care services fit for the 21st century. Having disabled children of my own this is something I am committed to.   

Poverty and Regeneration

I support the development of Discovery Park and Stonehill Park and  the transformation of Ramsgate port into a leisure focused modern 21st century marina. These development will create new, well paid, jobs for Ramsgate residents and tackle the unacceptable  poverty and deprivation face by many people.

Fair Education

Grammar schools are unfair.  They discriminate against children from less-well off backgrounds and prevent them from achieving their full potential. I oppose further expansion of grammar schools in Kent and will campaign to have existing grammars turned into non-selective schools.

 NHS

I support a non-privatised, modern NHS which provides the highest standards of care and which is properly funded by taxation. I support the QEQM hospital and oppose any efforts to downgrade or relocate its services elsewhere.

FAIRBRASS Lin  UKIP

I am a mother of four and live in Ramsgate. I have had to learn my role as deputy leader of Thanet council quickly, my first, and so far, only role in local politics. Through that learning curve I have helped to bring Thanet the best homeless winter shelter service for many years, have a new approach to working with the local community and have been representing Thanet and Ramsgate at events and meetings all over Kent.

As a Ramsgate Town Councillor, as well as my district role, I am calm and respectful, willing to listen and encourage and have good old fashioned common sense. From my King Street Surgery (open 10am-1pm Monday to Friday) I am available to all my constituents and have solved housing, education and highways issues for many people.

GROSTATE Colin Independent

HEWER Catherine  Liberal Democrats

I lived in and attended grammar school in Kent.  I went to St Andrews University where I successfully studied for an MA in English & French.  Later I did post graduate teacher training at Orpington College and the Private Secretary’s Certificate at Bromley College.  I taught at Wrotham High School, and later in secondary school in Lancashire.  I then worked in a hostel for homeless people then as a research secretary with a Lancaster University Research Team, and for Lancaster University Counselling Service.   More recently I worked as secretary at Guys Hospital.

I have four children, who all went to state schools and have successful careers. The fourth being a freelance sports journalist. I have seven grandchildren all, in non-selective state schools.

Education is of particular interest to me.  I feel most strongly that no child’s potential, whatever its start in life, should ever be wasted and that the resources that a government has at its disposal should be used to this end.  Other public services are of course important, both to the individual and to the well-being of the population in general.   My other big concern is the environment which has been shown to be so vulnerable to human activity.   An enthusiastic reader, I also love gardening when time permits.

MESSENGER Paul Conservative Party

I was educated at Chatham House School and then went on to college to study Transport and Logistics with subsequent senior management roles in worldwide cargo movements in the new car and van industries. In later life I followed a career in the local entertainment industry helping to promote the area, its businesses and economy. I am a staunch supporter of Manston Airport returning to being an airport.  Each KCC Councillor has a Members’ Grant of £20,000 a year and if elected I will ensure that it will be spent on worthwhile events promoting our beautiful district.

RATTIGAN Marc  Conservative Party

I’m 33 years of age and have lived in Thanet all my life. I have wide experience and a background in Healthcare, Media and Business Management. I currently own and manage a group of nursery schools across Thanet employing over 80 local residents. The younger generation are under-represented in local government and I want to change this so that every generation has a voice. I feel that my business experience as well as my passion for Thanet will give me the ability and drive to implement and secure better services and improvements to Ramsgate through a strong Conservative Kent County Council.

SHONK Trevor UKIP

I am born and bred Ramsgate and am proud  to have been Mayor of Ramsgate for the last two years. I represent the people of my special town at country and country level. My Out and About facebook posts have thousands of followers who look forward to a ‘Trevor’s eye-view’ of everything. I work for Ramsgate seven days a week. When I am not at County Hall I am in the town council office or out on site visits working for the people and future of the town I love.

I have successfully fought for parents wanting local schools for their children, arranged funding for many groups, conduct weekly surgeries, work with Kent Highways to keep public footpaths clear and with my fellow UKIP KCC councillors to campaign for new night street lights in Thanet. I am proud that Ramsgate was the first point of delivery for this.

WILLIAMS Jordan  Liberal Democrats

 

If you are a county council candidate for Thanet who has not yet sent in your profile please email 200 words and a photo to [email protected]