LOCAL COUNCILLORS
7th May 2011 - Brian Buxton would like to thank the 500 local residents who voted for him in the East Staffs Council election.
Unfortunately most locals went tribal and voted either for the local Tories (who are reportedly very rude, make cakes for council meetings, sell crematoriums and follow what their party tells them to do) or Labour (who do nothing locally, represent the last appalling government and again are subject to party whip voting). Unfortunately these are not descriptions we can reasonably include in our elections leaflets, but perhaps next time we will !!
Considering that Brian could have offered a much more independent voice and a floating vote in the direction of local residents wishes, we are rather disappointed that many local voters were not more thoughful in their choice of candidate. Brian will continue to work as a Parish Councillor and is always happy to politely discuss any local issues and make a nuisance of himself on your behalf to try and get things done for Stretton, regardless of Tory backroom dealings.
April 2011 - Brian Buxton is standing to represent Stretton on East Staffordshire Borough Council this May. During his 4 year term as a Parish Councillor, he has been a major mover in the installation of a pedestrian crossing, the provision of a War Memorial and a major campaigner to remove dangerously positioned parking bays in the village, whilst working hard to ensure that the Parish Council spent more time listening to local opinions. His pledges are :-
* Continue to fight on the behalf of Stretton residents for a safer village and the removal of the above mentioned parking bays - much to the obstructive County Councillor's disdain.
* Consult with local residents and be an independent voice, not led by party whip, with the tenacity to get things done.
* Campain for a more open and transparent Council, where decisions are made in the open, not in secret.
* Unlike the 3 local Tories, do his utmost to prevent the sale os Bretby Crematorium to the Co-Operative monopoly - sadly too late as the sale has been pushed through before the elections allow any more opposers into the discussions - this really isn't the Tories finest moment.
Work to establish a village youth club / drop-in centre.
Brian also has a personal endorsement from the much appreciated retiring stalwart Councillor Frank Bather, who advises that Brian will serve Stretton with diligence.
Brian Buxton has retained his place on Stretton Parish Council and is also standing for East Staffs Borough Council, whilst Craig Chapman has chosen to not continue his Stretton Parish Council position, due to taking over as Popular Alliance party leader and his family, work & music committments.
The final Stretton Parish Council meeting of the 4 year term turned into a free-for-all as the below mentioned Chairman failed to show up to face the music and several Councillors aired further examples of their rude and discourteous manners and attitudes.
Brian Buxton tore into Tory Mayor-elect Len Milner who had suggested that the sale of nearby Bretby Crematorium "has nothing to do with Stretton residents," followed by "are there any more stupid questions." Charming !! The Council voted 8-1 that it would like to voice it's disapproval of the sale.
Craig & Brian thank Burton Mail reporter Katie Burroughs for her mature approach to exposing the devious and appalling attitudes demonstrated by County Cllr Staples, Borough Councillors Foulkes & Milner and the Parish Chairman Campion, since Cllr Staples tried to take control of matters 8-9 months ago. Some people quickly forget that they represent the local residents before themselves. (Update 2nd May - Parish Councillor Chairman Campion resigned under the pressure of being outed for what he is, whilst Cllr Staples was so shaken by being represented in her true light that she brought along her own support to face the last Parish Council meeting - yes, another rude man (she seems to attract them) who spent more time oggling a lady in the public seating and then spoke out of turn, when as a none parishoner, is not permitted to speak at the meeting unless asked.
Brian Buxton will stand for the Borough Council with the promise that he will always work for the residents who vote for him and ask him to address their concerns. He will also be on the lookout for further behavouir as described above and below and not hesitate to expose such party-whip-motivated antics.
Brian and Craig hope that they have stuck consistently to the Popular Alliance party beliefs through their open, honest and determined approach during their first 4 years as Councillors.