Matt Allen (Conservative)
I KNOW money is tight for many at the moment. But what has been the reaction of our politicians?
The Conservatives in Government have helped us with the £150 non-refundable Council Tax rebate, £400 for help with energy bills, £600 for pensioners, £300 for those who are disabled, £1,550 for those on means-tested benefits, increased the National Living Wage and have cut the price of petrol at the pump.
In contrast, Labour have dumped extra worry on local families by hiking their council tax bills yet again.
But, when Labour councillors take home more than £1 million in allowances, they can afford it.
We need councillors who understand the difficulties we are all facing. Conservative councillors voted against Labour’s hike in your council tax bills. We are on your side.
If you elect me on May 4, I will work to make Waterloo’s future even better than its past.
Vimal Choksi MBE (Labour)
I HAVE proudly represented the people of Ashton Waterloo since 2018.
I am immensely grateful to people of the ward for re-electing me in 2022 with an increased vote share and am honoured to be the Labour Party candidate for the third consecutive term.
Over the last five years, I have strived to make a visible contribution by effective representation to make Waterloo a better place to live and thrive through various initiatives such as the Clean, Safe, Greener Waterloo pledge.
Also making a visible difference to fly tipping hotspots, working with police and the community to tackle rising crime levels and improve road safety, lobbying the council for capital investment in the ward and bringing swift repairs of potholes and street lights.
I’ve supported local community groups and events such as Waterloo Action, Richmond Street Community Centre, Friends of Waterloo Park Centre and 4C Community Centre.
I am humbly requesting your support once again on May 4.
Trevor Clarke (Green)
THIS Labour council is not taking sustainability seriously.
Health, housing, transport needs, energy usage and even the air and water which sustain us should be the first consideration of the council in all its activities.
Too often these take a back seat as add-ons, not at the heart of policymaking.
Labour (and Tory) councillors simply don’t ‘get it’ yet. Green policies on fitting of home insulation, energy use and transport would save money and energy and help with the cost-of-living crisis, while creating local jobs.
This council was the last in Greater Manchester to recognise that a climate emergency is upon us. It was late in drawing up a climate strategy to tackle it too – although that turned out to be a glossy pamphlet rather than a serious statement with targets and measures of progress.
Both these things only happened when our Green councillor, backed by the local Green Party, was about to submit embarrassing questions.
Tameside needs more Green councillors asking awkward questions and holding this council to account.
Christine Clark (Green)
I AM proud to be standing alongside our established Green Councillor Lee Huntbach in Ashton Waterloo.
More Greens on the council will strengthen our influence when challenging the huge Labour majority.
I fully support Lee’s attempt to cut toxic pesticide use and swap grass verges for wildflowers.
As a Green councillor, I would work to progress Tameside’s climate change and environment strategy. There are still no defined actions or targets, despite an already agreed Greater Manchester Environment Plan.
Given the dramatic increase in the cost of living, we need now, more than ever to insulate homes to lower energy bills, to heat our homes and reduce CO2 emissions.
Improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure and better, cheaper public transport would save on rising fuel costs and reduce car dependence, pollution and CO2 emissions.
The people of this ward have proved that voting Green can effect change, especially where Conservative votes are wasted.
Green-led councils across the country are already achieving success on these issues.
Dave Howarth (Labour)
I AM honoured to have been selected as a Labour candidate for Ashton Waterloo ward.
This is particularly important for me as I was brought up in Waterloo and attended Waterloo Primary School.
In recent years, I’ve been active in the community, organising and taking part in weekly litter picks with the Waterloo Action group, delivering fortnightly food donations to Pauline Town and volunteering in Waterloo Park.
I helped organise the Halloween Event last year and the recent Easter event. I firmly believe events such as these bring the community together and I will continue to promote such activities.
I am a local candidate and will continue to work within the community, helping make Waterloo a better place to live.
If elected, I will work hard for all residents and look forward to serving the people of Waterloo with my close friends Vimal Choksi and Sangita Patel.
Due to boundary changes, you will be asked to cast votes for three candidates on May 4 and I hope everyone will make it three votes for Labour.
Lee Huntbach (Green)
AS AN established Green Party Councillor, I am proud to stand again for the people of Ashton Waterloo.
I have consistently challenged the Labour council to improve performance and provide value in the face of government cuts.
I don’t think yearly, maximum council tax hikes are necessary or fair.
I believe my bid to ban the use of deadly pesticides and transform grass verges into wildflower verges has widespread appeal.
The benefits in reduced costs and enhanced habitat for wildlife is a win/win for the budget as well as the environment. I will continue to challenge the council on this issue.
I created the ‘Waterloo Wombles’ before my election and have since raised funds to establish the ‘Junior Wombles’.
This programme helps young people improve fitness and encourage community spirit.
Ashton Waterloo residents have backed me and proved that Greens can challenge and beat Labour with hard work and persistence.
If you want Green, vote Green!
Sangita Patel (Labour)
I AM delighted to be standing for re-election in Ashton Waterloo after first being elected in 2021.
I was born and have lived in Ashton all my life and I am passionate about making changes and for the better.
I have more than 30 years of experience working in regeneration and neighbourhood services.
As well as resolving all types of residents enquires, I support community groups including Waterloo Action and 4C Community Centre.
I am chair of Waterloo Park and Centre, where I have organised many community events. I have arranged for school groups to visit to plant vegetables and learn about climate change.
With my support, the group received a national Britain in Bloom award. I currently serve as assistant executive member for culture and digital inclusivity and was proud to organise the Christmas Lantern Parade, which brought joy to families and attracted few thousands to the town centre.
I have loved serving the people of Waterloo and want to continue to do so. Please use all three votes for Labour on May 4.