VOTERS in East Hampshire will go to the polls this Thursday (May 2) to elect 44 new councillors across all 31 district council wards.

In the build-up to the local elections, the Herald offered each candidate the chance to submit a 150-word statement, setting out in their own words why the deserve your vote on May 2.

These are listed in alphabetical order, by ward then candidate, below.

Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm at polling stations across the district of East Hampshire.

The counting of votes for district council elections will take place on Friday (May 3), with the results published live from the count on the Herald website and Facebook pages.

LINDFORD

* Simon Banks Van Zyl (Lab)

Simon moved into Lindford on a Saturday, seven years ago and attended his first meeting of Lindford Parish Council the following Monday. After a few meetings as a member of the public he was invited to join the Village Hall Committee (shortly becoming chair) and within a few more meetings, having met the qualifying waiting period, was co-opted onto Lindford Parish Council. Simon has served twice as vice-chair, helped to organise and record two fetes and championed the installation of Body-Weight-Training gym equipment on The Triangle.

Simon’s voting record shows him keen to support social and sporting causes in the community

as well as organisations which support and advise vulnerable members of the local and wider community.

With a background in trade unionism, public transport, lifelong learning and entertainment, as well as studying politics, philosophy and economics, Simon looks forward to further enriching life in Lindford.

* Derek Barr (Con)

I have lived in Lindford for 27 years with my wife Jacqui. Our children, now grown up, live locally with their two grandchildren. I am a keen dog walker and run my family business locally from home with my son. Both my grandchildren studied at Mill Chase, and the younger is still there. An active member of Lindford Parish Council since 2010, I look back with fond memories at our achievements. We established new road signs, and the local shop and working men’s club adopted the logo we designed. While under my chairmanship our parish council saw a number of successful village fetes with the armed forces attending, a great assault course for younger people, a dog show and much more. I want to use my experience to build on the local success driven to date by Yvonne Parker-Smith, our outgoing councillor.

* Geoffrey Bentley (UKIP) - Did not provide a statement.

* Frank Levene (Lib Dem)

Dr Frank Levene has been married to the same lovely Valerie for 44 years. They have three wonderful sons – twins and a third – and are blessed with four grandchildren, two in Florida, USA and two in Sydney, Australia.  

Frank has an abiding passion for local affairs since being so fortunate to reside here after his global travels. Professionally, he is most interested in business and international trade. Personally, he believes we can do so much better in this locality with a little more vision, inspiration and a commitment to getting the job done. 

He would like to see a big reduction in red tape, more affordable housing, and new thinking with bold investments when it comes to education, health care and an integrated local transport network. Last, but not least, Frank will actively explore opportunities for socially-responsible public-private partnerships. 

* Neville Taylor (Ind)

I believe passionately about our village and I carry an optimistic message that things could be better for Lindford residents if only we tried something different. There has been an independent councillor in Petersfield, why not Lindford? Opinion polls reveal a huge public appetite for something different in British politics and local politics needs to change to keep up. Lindford needs a councillor who will do all they can to improve village life for residents. Someone who will put people first ahead of political party, someone who will stand up and champion local issues and someone who will take accountability. I believe I am that person. Generations of my family have called Lindford home, which is why in one of the most densely-populated villages in the south of England, I will oppose any planning application that seeks to build more homes so we can protect our limited green spaces.

LISS

* Sheila Baldwin (Lab)

Sheila’s priorities include:

The need for more social housing so those unable to afford to buy, especially young people, can have the security of a home without the worry of dealing with rogue landlords and inflated rents.

Properly-funded schools that don’t have to cut essential teaching staff or cut half a day off the school week.

Better youth provision to avoid the increasing drug and other crimes amongst our teenagers.

Better social care for those who cannot afford local private care homes.

A halt in the continuing reduction in bus services, which contributes to the loneliness of pensioners trapped in their villages and the difficulties for workers getting to work.

Prevent Liss/Liss Forest becoming a rat run for motorists. Speeding and air pollution are hazardous.

If elected, I promise to use my influence to tackle the above priorities and any others you raise.

* Keith Budden (Con)

I am Conservative candidate for Liss ward on East Hampshire District Council alongside my colleague Russell Oppenheimer. I care about the things that matter to you. I have lived in Liss for many years and have worked hard as vice-chairman of Liss Parish Council (chairman from 2009-2013). I am currently vice-chairman of EHDC representing Liss Forest, Greatham and Hawkley.

I work tirelessly ensuring rural villages are not forgotten as EHDC moves forward.

When Fuller’s put the Temple Inn up for sale, I quickly secured it as an asset of community value. Working with some great volunteers, we have kept the Temple Inn as a pub and worked closely with Red Mist Leisure to make it a welcoming, vibrant venue.

Anti-social behaviour became a problem in parts of Liss. I was able to make two grants to Crossover to help them tackle this issue.

I am a strong public transport advocate and have argued robustly for the 38 bus service.

* Ian James (Green)

When I stand in the gateway halfway up the hill to Hawkley I know exactly why I want to be your Green Party councillor. I look out over the beautiful countryside surrounding Liss and I want our grandchildren to be able to experience the same profound well-being and joy. Global warming will destroy it.

The Green philosophy has always been “Think global – act local. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) predicts by 2030 global warming will reach the danger point of 1.50C above pre-industrial levels. There is nothing more global nor urgent than controlling global warming.

We can take local action to contribute to the solution.

As a local councillor my highest priority would be, alongside other Green members, to work for council-declared climate emergency. Committing it to urgently take all measures required to ensure everything associated with council activity is carbon neutral by 2030.

* Howard Linsley (Lab)

Howard has a married daughter, two teenage grandchildren and works as a self-employed training consultant.

He has served on Liss Parish Council for 19 years. He is a past chair of the council and is a board member of Hampshire Association of Local Councils.

In 2005 and 2010 Howard stood for parliament in Hampshire seats.

Outside of politics he is a trustee of four local charities, chairing one whose aim is to help the 20 million Aids orphans in Africa.

An all-Conservative council is very bad for local democracy. Howard can be the desperately-needed strong voice in the council chamber holding EHDC to account, thus giving a better service and value for money to Liss residents.

If elected, Howard will distribute a regular newsletter to and run a regular surgery for his constituents.

* Roger Mullenger (Lib Dem)

I am standing to be the next district councillor for Liss.

I am now retired, after a career in IT gaining experience of a wide range of businesses in UK and abroad.

Nearer home, I have lived in Liss for 25 years, and was a Liss parish councillor for 12 years, and chairman for three years.

My voluntary roles over the years have included parent governor, nature reserve warden, U3A walk leader and Newman Collard trustee.

Recently I played active role in the creation of the Liss Neighbourhood Plan, and am currently on two South Downs National Park committees, one giving community grants and the other improving recreational access.

I really believe good, affordable and high-quality housing, excellent education, good local services and a protected environment are essential for everyone to have a chance in society.

* Russell Oppenheimer (Con)

As the local county councillor, Russell Oppenheimer has been making a difference in Liss for the past two years. He has achieved lower speed limits, funded local good causes such as the Liss Luncheon Club, and helped to deliver the transfer of the Triangle building from Hampshire County Council to the Liss Community Association.

Russell has developed a strong working relationship with his colleague Keith Budden and with all the members of the Liss Parish Council. If elected to East Hampshire District Council, Russell is committed to working with the parish council and others to improve pedestrian safety across Liss.

Russell is passionate about the Hampshire countryside and serves as a member of the South Downs National Park Authority, where he has championed affordable housing and improvements to footpaths and Rights of Way. Liss is a special village within the national park – Russell is determined to keep it that way!

ROPLEY, HAWKLEY AND HANGERS

* Marie-Marthe Gervais (Green)

A passionate UK and EU citizen, I have lived in Hampshire for more than 40 years. A university lecturer all my professional career, I was deputy director of a major business school.

I support the Paris Declaration 2011 to implement Twelve Green proposals for a socially just and environmentally sustainable solution to the real current crisis: our planet’s survival.

Following Greta Thunberg’s Fridays For Future School movement, I advocate urgent local steps to raise awareness and fight climate change. This includes declaring climate emergency and Extinction Rebellion. Our goal, environmental sustainability, means protecting countryside and promoting sustainable agriculture – because we have no Planet B.

I promote sustainability and equity. We should invest in affordable housing and renewable energy. We should encourage biodiversity and develop recycling. We should expand cycling tracks, enhance public rights of way, and improve rural public transport.

* Charles Louisson (Con)

I have lived in Ropley for 32 years and been its district councillor since 2015.

This election should be about local, not national, issues. I have campaigned for a fairer deal on parking charges to find a solution for the derelict Chequers Inn site and prevent development of Ropley quarry to protect wildlife, environment and amenity, to get a school bus service restored and worked on the new local and Ropley neighbourhood plans. I have granted over £15,000 toward local projects.

I will work hard in this enlarged ward to get funding for local facilities, be proactive in planning to maintain the essence of our villages while managing housing growth within local and South Downs National Park Authority plans, campaign for better broadband and mobile coverage and represent you at the council to keep these villages desirable places to live and work.

Please vote for me on May 2 to continue working for you.

* Stephen Whitehead (Lab)

Stephen has lived in the Alton area for more than 20 years and works in London as a tax consultant.

A life-long Labour supporter and a member and branch officer of Unite the Union, he is a committed trade unionist and advocate of employee rights and representation.

He has a particular interest in planning, environmental and conservation issues as well as transport and education.

In his spare time he is an amateur musician and a keen walker, and also does voluntary work for a number of wildlife and educational charities.

WHITEHILL CHASE

* Thomas Coleman (Lib Dem)

Tom Coleman is a married former teacher turned university researcher who has lived in Headley Down for several years since returning south from Scotland.

Originally qualifying in computer science, he trained as a teacher and worked in a children’s special needs unit. Determined to make positive changes to teaching Tom undertook a career in educational research. His current research looks to introduce new technologies such as video games to the classroom in ways that help children learn.

Entering politics in the wake of the 2015 election, Tom stood for election to the Scottish parliament in his then home of Glasgow. While he has a particular interest in education, Tom is concerned over housing for young families along with transport and access to jobs to allow communities to remain active and vibrant places.

Tom is keen to be accessible to all ages and intends to represent views across the community.

* David Ilsley (Lab)

I was born in Winchester and grew up in the village of Sparsholt. After attending school and college in Winchester I moved to Bristol to attend the University of the West of England, where I attained a first-class degree in software engineering.

After working in the west for some time I moved back to Hampshire to be near my family. I have spent the past nine years living with my fiancé in the Whitehill Chase ward and work for a local software house in Alton. I have only recently involved myself in politics, and I feel strongly the Labour Party’s manifesto for the many is the only way to go.

* Tony Muldoon (Con)

I have served as your district councillor for Deadwater, now part of the new larger Chase ward, for the past ten years and have been working hard to deliver our new town. I have also worked hard over the same period of time as a town councillor. Part of the infrastructure, the new A325, is open and planning has been approved for our new town centre, with a six-screen cinema, leisure centre and exciting health hub. I believe it’s important that, to represent our town properly, parties represent residents at both town and district levels to ensure our voice is heard. Together with my fellow Conservative town council candidates, we will continue to work as a strong, proven Conservative team to deliver for the benefit of our growing town.

* Sally Pond (Con)

I am very excited at the wonderful opportunities in the town. I have lived in Bordon for more than 50 years and brought up my now grown-up daughter in the town. My grandson is a current pupil at Bordon Junior School. I have represented Chase since 2011 and am a hugely committed and dedicated town and district councillor, working hard representing our interests. I am well known in our community and have served as our town mayor and am the current deputy leader of the town council as well as being a very active district councillor. I am keen to continue serving our community, continuing to devote my time to serving fellow residents both at town and district level.

* Alina Vrabie (Lab)

I have lived in East Hampshire for more than ten years with my family. I used to live in Whitehill Chase ward until recently, when I moved across the road to Firgrove Road. My daughter attended a local school and now studies at Royal Holloway University of London. I have a master’s degree in management of public affairs and I work as a manager in the health and care sector.

I believe in honest and transparent leadership and my aim, if elected, would be to ensure our council continues to look at ways to support families, youth, seniors and jobseekers.

You will be aware the local crime rate in the area has increased, affecting the safety of people, businesses and town, and it is part of the Labour Party’s strategy to address this.

I am excited about the opportunity to add a fresh voice to local government.

* Paul Wigman (Lib Dem)

I am married and have lived in Bordon for 40 years. As such, I understand the real issues that affect local people.

I served on the town council from 2009 until 2015, was instrumental in recovering funds misappropriated from the council and transformed its financial management. In my spare time I am a voluntary driver who takes people to hospital and doctor’s appointments.

I was also very involved in establishing funding for the Deadwater Valley Trust to manage the local nature reserve. I spearheaded other projects such as the refurbishment of the BMX track in Jubilee Park, and the Firgrove and Sutton Fields playgrounds.

I proudly chaired the Garrison Working Party which ran the farewell event in June 2015. I make things happen. If you vote for me on May 2, I will fight for what the people of Whitehill & Bordon deserve. 

WHITEHILL HOGMOOR & GREATHAM

* Mercy Bolus (Lab)

I am a visionary type of person with the ability to engage with people at all levels. This enables me to be at equal level with most people. I am from Ghana, and after living in Liphook for some time I moved to Whitehill Hogmoor, where I have been for seven years.

I gained a BA (Hons) in community studies at the University of Reading and an MBA at Farnborough College of Technology. While at the college I initiated a voluntary organisation in the UK and Ghana to raise the awareness of issues affecting poverty-stricken districts in Ghana.

An RGN and SRN, I have been for many years a health visitor with the NHS. I have 14 years of voluntary commitments in the community. I am a local authority school governor in Alton and have been helping to link up schools in Hampshire, Ghana and the British Virgin Islands.

* Adam Carew (Con)

I grew up in Whitehill & Bordon and have a proven track record of standing up for our town. Elected for town and district councils in 2003, I have also been our county councillor since 2005. I have served as leader and mayor of Whitehill Town Council twice, and set up the first mayor’s charity for local causes.

A recent member of East Hampshire District Council’s cabinet, I have played a key role in planning the future of our town, launching its Green Vision and campaigning for schools, facilities and green spaces, including Hogmoor and Bordon inclosures.

I led our community’s campaign versus the loss of beds at Chase Hospital and recent cuts to NHS services. I fought successfully to get Whitehill into the South Downs National Park and oppose development on Walldown Triangle. I have supported Whitehill Village Hall, The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre, the Deadwater Valley Trust and numerous local groups through councillor grants.

We are beginning a new chapter for Whitehill & Bordon. We have an exciting new town centre, cinema, leisure and heritage centres on their way. Our residents deserve the very best and I am determined we get it.

* Michael Croucher (Lib Dem)

Michael Croucher is married with three children and five grandchildren and has lived in East Hampshire for more than 40 years. He is a trustee of Citizens Advice and he and his wife Jenny are involved in many local charities and community organisations.

He is a chartered engineer with an engineering business and a computer software development company.

He has been a Liberal and a Liberal Democrat for all his adult life and has been a local councillor at both parish/town and district council levels for more than 30 years.

Michael is worried about the monopolisation of the Conservative party at East Hampshire District Council. His main concern being EHDC is near the bottom of recycling tables and recycles fewer plastics than local supermarkets.

He is looking to work to boost recycling, halt the tip closures and expand the materials for recycling in line with other district councils and tackle the menace of fly tipping.

* Phillip Davies (Con)

I am honoured to be standing to represent you. I have lived in Hogmoor since 2002 with my wife Michelle and two, now grown-up, children attending Woodlea, Mill Chase and Alton College.

As a retired police officer, I have worked alongside our local community for years, recently as an elected councillor co-ordinating initiatives like Speedwatch with tremendous support of fellow residents.

I continue to work with police across the UK and abroad and have spoken with Hampshire police leaders who will work with me to raise public awareness of our fully-manned police station sited at our eco station. Our regeneration is bringing jobs, new schools, houses, great infrastructure and real opportunities.

To continue to deliver with the regeneration it’s absolutely vital that parties field candidates at both district and town council levels, combining the voice of the town with the decisions made at district.

* Antony Gray (Lib Dem)

My family have lived in Bordon for nearly 30 years, and I have considerable senior management experience in the retail industry.

I was a town councillor for eight years and directly involved in transforming the council’s financial management. I was deputy mayor in 2010-11 and was the council’s staff liaison officer for five years, so I am very familiar with the way a council should be efficiently run, particularly its finance. I was a trustee on the Deadwater Valley Trust.

If elected, I will ensure the promised new town centre is built and that its long-term future is secure and sustainable for future generations.

I will demand affordable homes targets are met, that those on low incomes, especially the most vulnerable, are protected, that the town retains its excellent NHS facilities and that we provide good schools and social care, and improve our transport system.

* Moira Johnson (Lab)

I have lived in East Hampshire for 37 years. My two children attended the local village schools. I am a chartered librarian with a career across universities, colleges and schools.

I am standing as a Labour Party candidate to give local voters a chance to vote for a different choice in East Hampshire.

If elected, I will work at local level to encourage equality and diversity in local government, and deal with inadequate investment in our NHS and social care, which affects all of us, cuts to education budgets affecting local students, who are our future, shortages of affordable local housing, particularly for our young people, an insufficient and inadequate strategy to tackle climate change, and digital exclusion in an internet age.

If elected, I will run a regular surgery so I can understand how I can help you and will report back to you with a regular newsletter.

WHITEHILL PINEWOOD

* Tom Barnett (Lab)

An East Hampshire resident for ten years, I am standing as a candidate for Pinewood for a number of reasons.

Firstly, I am concerned by the Conservative East Hampshire District Council investing hundreds of millions of borrowed government money in property without transparency and wide consultation. I would provide a Labour voice on the council holding them to account on this.

Unlike the current councillor, I would not defect to the Tories after being voted in. People in East Hampshire want change in local government, they want restoration of public services and their local environments kept clean and safe.

Current developments in Whitehill provide great opportunities, but local residents’ concerns about this changing community must be central in this process.

I would intend to make sure of this so East Hampshire District Council’s planning not only improves the local economy but allows the social cohesion of our communities to flourish. 

* Trevor Maroney (Lib Dem)

I have lived in Liphook since 1998 and am married with a son and grandson. I am chairman of the local Liberal Democrats and the Bramshott & Liphook Parish Plan, which was completed three years ago. I have served as a parish councillor, and drive for Liphook Voluntary Care.

I am a retired Army officer, qualified civil engineer, accountant and chartered secretary. In a successful and varied career, I gained invaluable experience in construction, education and local government. I also served as a school bursar and charity treasurer.

If elected, I plan to fight the Conservative cuts of 57 per cent in affordable housing in Whitehill & Bordon and the closure of Chase Hospital. I will also ensure the new town centre is delivered as promised.

Together with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I plan to create an effective opposition and a more open, transparent and accountable district administration where issues are debated in public, not behind closed doors.

* Neil Ward (Con)

I live locally with my wife Nikki, running my business. I have plenty of time to work for Pinewood residents. I hope to bring my expertise, with more than 12 years as an elected councillor in Guildford, to help build on the fantastic developments that are happening in Pinewood, especially with regards to affordable housing.

We are an ageing population with lots to consider with housing. I apply common sense when considering outcomes and policy.

One of my greatest achievements was to get a care home built at Peasmarsh Guildford where I knew local people wanted it built instead of the extant permission for yet another car showroom.

We need to consider commuting and the need for work placement near residential areas so we do not have to travel miles to work, adding to already high levels of pollution. With new employers coming to the town, there are real opportunities.