City of Lincoln Council election candidates – Park ward

In total, six candidates are standing in Park ward for the City of Lincoln Council elections, which take place on May 7.

Labour councillor Chris Burke is defending his position in the ward against candidates from parties TUSC, Green, Liberal Democrats, Conservative and UKIP.

The candidates standing in Park ward are:

Iain Baker – Liberal Democrats

Iain Baker

Age: 34

Marital status: Married

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

Park ward is a large and fragmented ward with several distinct sub areas, each with their own priorities. One particular issue is the fact we need resources for the young to help get them off the streets and out of trouble.
We also need to tackle the issue of poor quality rental accommodation in the ward. We believe a Landlord Licensing Scheme should be implemented to improve the quality of all rental property across the city.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I have a long history of helping the community, having been heavily involved with both the children’s centres in the ward. I am a local resident myself and want my family to grow up in a community we can all be proud of. If elected I will take advantage of my links throughout the community and experience in volunteering to work tirelessly on bringing the neighbourhood back.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I am a self published author, with a paperback book “Invasion Vacation”, and 3 E-Book short stories to my name.

Chris Burke – Labour

Chris Burke

Age: 62

Marital status: Married

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

‘Legal Highs’ on our High Street – I have Chaired the Policy Scrutiny Committee that gives the Police and Council Officers powers to deal with this. I will continue this campaign and review effectiveness.

Housing – Many Park Ward residents need homes of their own or better places to live. I am working with colleagues to create more houses that will be high standard but lower in rent than the private sector. I will pursue these options to reduce homelessness.

Developing facilities for the young and reducing disadvantages for all. I will continue this work seeking grant funding.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I live in the ward and lead on issues like the Community First Fund where, with other residents, I have enabled grants to go good organisations like the Bridge Community Church which fight poverty.

I support our special local environment, working with colleagues have enabled the improvement and protection of South Common.

I regularly walk the Ward with officers to look at where improvements are needed although there are good land lords I am concerned to continue to tackle overcrowding and poor housing. I have supported litter picks and work to make our streets cleaner and safer.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I was once part of Irish folk group the Copper Kettle in the 70s while serving in the RAF and now sing in my Church’s folk choir. I was also later a forces radio “DJ” but producing a Classic FM type program from RAF Stafford.

Hannah Smith – UKIP

Hannah Smith

Age: 22

Marital status: Single

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

If elected I would ensure that the Sure Start centre in the ward remains funded, as a qualified nursery nurse this is dear to my heart. I would strive to ensure there is adequate funding to keep up with housing repairs in the ward. I would do my best to ensure that rents and charges do not increase in these difficult times.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

I came a good second last year in Park ward and feel that it is possible to win this ward for UKIP, with your support. UKIP is unique in having councillors who are not whipped (not being told how to vote by your Party) and this brings a new way of working in the council.

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

I am the social secretary for our drama society at Hull University, until May when I complete my three year course and return to Lincoln.

Tracy Talavia – Conservative

Tracy Talavia

Age: 45

Marital status: Married

No information available

Vince Williams – TUSC

Age: 50

Marital status: Single

What are the main issues affecting your ward, and how would you address them if elected as a city councillor?

Poverty, health (see City of Lincoln community plan) and antisocial behaviour. I would address this by opposing further cuts and campaigning for reversal of recent cuts. I would actively engage with and support community cohesion projects and community efforts to improve the local environment.

In recent years local government has had more responsibilities handed to it whilst bearing the brunt of the governments brutal austerity cuts so I would use the position to lobby and campaign at national level for a fairer share of funding.
Also to assist constituents with issues around disability cuts, benefit sanctions and general concerns.

What makes you different to the other candidates in your ward?

Primarily, my total opposition to any cuts to services driven by the austerity agenda. Whilst City of Lincoln council are in a very difficult position with central funding cuts there are alternatives to just passing cuts on to constituents.

I also do not buy into and actively argue against mainstream political and media myths surrounding austerity, benefits and immigration. e.g No money? 100Bn bankers bonuses since 2008, richest 100 40Bn better off since 2010, 100Bn earmarked for trident replacement. National debt paid down, oops up by half a trillion+. Immigrants claim JSA AND steal your job, really?

Tell us something interesting about you that not many people know.

As well as political/environmental campaigning I also do non political stuff! Involvement with litter / fly tipping awareness campaigns and the Lincolnshire Language and Culture Swap community cohesion project. Outside of the day job and campaigning I love quizzes and live music, most genres.

Kenneth Yates – Green

No information available