Local Government Election 2017 / Amanda Westlake
| Candidate Name | Amanda Westlake |
| Electoral Ward | Lerwick South |
| Description (if any) | Independent |
My name is Amanda Westlake and I am delighted to be standing for re-election in the Lerwick South Ward, and I ask you to give me the privilege to represent you again and give me your first preference vote for me to continue to work on your behalf in the Town Hall at the council elections on the 4rd May 2017.
Why am I standing for council again?
I believe that I have the ability to continue supporting people in the ward and beyond in many areas from education, social care, transport and health. Over the last five years I have actively been part of a council who have restored the SIC to financial stability and balanced the accounts, following a long period of uncontrolled spending which attracted a special watch from the Scottish Government auditors.
By controlling spending and reducing the numbers of SIC staff the council is now more efficient and gives better value for money. There is nothing clearer that government funding will continue to be cut over the next years, I am committed to ensure the new council continues to work together, with other organisations and across all our communities, to achieve the best possible outcomes for Shetland.
A new Anderson High School and hostel is being delivered on time and budget. Despite the spending cuts we have been forced to make we are also now building a much-needed new Eric Gray Centre, which will be a boost to client’s families and their carers.
We have jump-started a proper broadband service for Shetland after BT and the Government first failed to provide it.
After contributed discussions we have secured commitment to reduce fares on the Northlink service’s new contract, which will begin in 2018, I am committed to ensure this is delivered along with our internal ferries costs and will actively voice our need to see this service fully funded as the other islands are.
There is also an urgent need to reverse the recent decision the NHS board approved for patients travel to Aberdeen by ferry. I feel that Shetland has a right to fair treatment from the Scottish Government with health and transport ferry links, which is our lifeline.
However there is much to be done and with ever shirking budgets from Government we need to maintain the best service to Shetland residents from young to old.
Maintaining Shetland’s culture and heritage must be a priority, to preserve the unique environment of Shetland land and sea fauna and flora in a time of unprecedented uncertainty with Brexit looming while balancing changes in the economy.
With the plans to build 300 new homes in Lerwick as well as the potential for the development of Lerwick’s largest site the old Anderson high school, this will have impacts on road safety and housing, which already exists at Bell’s Brae Primary School/Gilbertson Road and a need to ensure new housing will deliver properties for large and small, will be a key priority for me.
There is a need to attract new external expenditure into the area to maintain the service economy and provide new job opportunities for the future. Equilibrium must be met between the private and public sector for the economic development of Shetland’s future.
My personal commitment to you if re-elected, I will once again be your voice, I will listen to your views and act in the best interests for Lerwick South and Shetland.
Contact details:
Phone: 01595 696537
Mobile: 07886914209
Email: amanda.westlake@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LerwickSouth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-westlake-5471a939/
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