The talking is over and now it's your turn to help shape the next 5 years for our wonderful island. Who has made an impression on you? Who will best represent you and your views for Middle? Who will fight the establishment and push for accountability and common sense solutions? Have you found your Middle 'champion'?
I realise it may not be me! But, if you are still undecided, or just want to review some of the key things I do believe in, along with my core principles of 'common sense solutions and holding Government to account', then this final blog post will hopefully give you the information you need to make a reasoned decision.
If I am one of your two chosen candidates, then please ensure you cast your vote between 8am and 8pm on Thursday 23 September. The Middle Polling Stations are:
Crosby Methodist Church Hall, Old Church Road, Crosby.
Memorial Hall, Main Road, Union Mills.
Port Soderick Recreational Hall, Quines Hill.
Santon Old School, School Lane, Castletown Road, Santon
“We need to press the 'reset' button. Fewer vanity projects, fewer consultancy fees - it can only change when we start holding Government to account and introduce more common-sense solutions and joined up thinking."
Detailed below is a snap-shot overview of the key issues I have written about, with a link to each full blog. These have been used throughout my campaign and have evolved from my own thinking and those of the many people I have spoken to in Middle.
1. Why I am standing
The first of my published blog posts gave a brief overview of why I made the decision to stand and some key issues.
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/why-am-i-standing-and-what-for
2. Government spending
This issue really resonated with the people in Middle I have spoken to on the doorstep. Expensive vanity projects, unnecessary consultations and reports, poorly managed infrastructure projects – these have wasted tens of millions. We taxpayers deserve better. It is time for serious accountability. Read my article about this below:
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/campaign-issues-spend-spend-spend
3. Our Health Service
Another major issue on the doorstep. Government loves to tell us how wonderful our health service is, and I wouldn't dream of denigrating the majority of dedicated people working hard within the DHSC. But many people I've been canvassing for votes have told me horror stories about interminable waiting lists, botched procedures and haughty, unapproachable staff who 'know best'. What do all of us really want? We want to know what is actually wrong with us, as quickly as possible! We know we may need to travel 'across' to see a specialist, but we don't mind, because they are specialists and will make us better! So, make the island a centre of excellence in diagnosis, with excellent general practise. We can't be everything to all people - it costs too much - but if we could specialise in diagnosis, it would then be something to be proud of! See my full thoughts below:
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/in-sickness-and-in-health
4. Affordable Housing
Yes, there is a problem and it needs fixing, and quickly. But this isn't just a problem about first time buyers (of which there is an easy solution - 50% mortgages!), we have housing problems at all levels - and especially downsize homes and retirement homes. And can you imagine the furore if everyone's own house valuations and equity were affected by an artificially reduced market! Lots of problems, not enough common sense solutions. I've detailed a few thoughts and ideas which you can see by clicking the link below.
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/housing-nests-not-nest-eggs
5. Education
I realise I may be a bit of a curmudgeon who believes education is about preparing our next generations for the world they will live in, but so many of you have agreed with me on the doorstep! The purpose of education is surely to produce well-rounded, articulate, numerate and literate young people. I might be wrong, but I worry that education is increasingly an area for the promulgation of some pretty radical political thinking too. I've detailed a few thoughts and ideas which you can see by clicking the link below.
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/education-forget-pink-floyd-s-opinion
5. Economy
Did you know that Devon & Cornwall are set for a £3Billion windfall in staycations this year - £3 BILLION! Have you ever thought that now we own the Steam Packet, and the fact we're surrounded by an amazing coastline with heritage, culture and activity (Adventure) holiday potential - we could be capitalising on this growth sector? Yes, it's just one area, but it's an area we could absolutely maximise the potential. In business, you always look to sweat your assets - and we have some of the best in the world. I've detailed a couple of my thoughts and ideas which you can see by clicking the link below.
Click this link for the full article: https://stuart097.wixsite.com/stupetersformiddle/post/boosting-the-manx-economy
And finally...What's the most important thing I can bring? Well, everyone keeps telling me "We need someone to challenge them, and keep challenging them". Well, that's something you can rely on, but only if you use your vote!
If I am lucky enough to be elected to represent you, the people of Middle, I can assure you that we, all of us, will work together. I will be giving you regular updates and look to hold regular meetings. If you want someone to listen, and then act, without fear of the establishment, please do vote for me on the 23rd. If you have any questions, you can contact me by email at: stupeters@manx.net
I'm ready to take back the middle ground, and take back Middle for us all.
Best wishes
Stu