A BY-ELECTION will be held on Thursday 15th March to elect a town councillor to fill the Market Ward vacancy.
The vacancy was created following the resignation of Tim O’Conner after he moved from Frome to Shepton Mallet.
There are four candidates standing for election. Here they tell us more about themselves and their vision for Frome.
Neil Burns – Labour Party
“My name is Neil Burns and I am your Labour candidate in the Frome Town Council by-election. I live in the town with my wife and two children, and we are proud to call this vibrant community our home.
“I have over 18 years’ experience in retail and project management, and I want to use this for the benefit of our community. I want a fairer Frome that will bring greater equality and representation for all of us. I believe that Labour and I can help bring that. I want us to have a Frome for the many, not the few.”
Mark Dorrington – Independents For Frome
“I was raised in Frome and now live in the Market Ward after 30 years’ service with the police.
“I like to play a part in my local community, so volunteer for Frome Citizens’ Advice Bureau and am a trustee of Fair Frome. I mentor local students, host charity quizzes and attend council meetings regularly as an observer.
“I believe independent councillors provide the best service for our town, being able to make decisions in the residents’ best interest without having to answer to a national party.
“I want to do something about litter, parking and more community action in our ward.”
Drew Gardner – Liberal Democrats
“I am standing for town council because I love Frome! The town council has made some really great improvements to the town and I want to be part of making a difference to the daily lives of the people of Frome. What can I contribute? Well stacks of enthusiasm, energy and a ‘can do’ approach, but importantly I can lend my communication skills to perhaps help better engage with the people of Frome to make sure their voices are heard.
“A little about me? Well I am just the wrong side of 50, married with two children, the youngest goes to school in Frome.
“I run my own small production company and have a background in journalism and photography, working for some of the biggest names for longer than I care to remember. I have been involved in multiple campaigns nationally and internationally to ensure that ordinary people’s voices are heard by power – this is something which I intend to continue
“My life is very much rooted in the town, I live and work in the town with my office in King Street so I will be walking through your ward most days and I will always be available to talk about any issue, large or small.”
Elizabeth John – The Conservative Party Candidate
Elizabeth is a former Mendip District Councillor and Frome Town Councillor. She has lived in Frome since 1988, and with her husband has been involved in various local organisations and groups. She believes that the Town Council should not have every seat held by the same party or group.
Elizabeth’s priorities are:
1. Efficient financial management. This means spending money where necessary, but not incurring debt to finance unnecessary projects.
2. A constructive approach to the development of Saxonvale. As Frome has grown massively in recent years, it is clear it needs a wider range of retail outlets for local residents, whilst also creating more job opportunities.
