Local Government Election 2017 / Cecil Smith
| Candidate Name | Cecil Laing Smith |
| Electoral Ward | Lerwick South |
| Description (if any) | Independent |
I’m Cecil Smith and I was first elected to Shetland Islands Council in May 2007 representing the Lerwick South ward which includes Gulberwick and Brindister.
I have been honoured and privileged to have represented the constituents of the ward and the wider Shetland community. I am standing for re-election as I feel I still have more to offer. I have been open and honest during the past ten years and that’s how I intend to continue if re-elected.
The next council will also have difficult challenges and decisions to make. They will require to work as a team from the start and work for the benefit of all in our community. There needs to be continuity to take forward the good work already achieved. Strong leadership will be required. I am confident that I could bring my experience to the council chamber.
What are my priorities for Shetland? We must keep the vulnerable and elderly along with the education of our children as our top priority. We must continue to offer the very best of education throughout the whole sector which includes the nursery departments, as these teachers are the first contact with a child who will be moving on to school.
The vulnerable and elderly need to be protected. The council must stop targeting the easy options when savings have to be made. Some of the services being reviewed will require careful consideration because of the impact changes may have. Perhaps it is time to look at a complete restructure of the council. Could considerable savings be made in this way?
There are traffic/parking issues in Lerwick. One of the most serious areas is at Bell’s Brae School. To address this would be one of my main priorities.
While I recognise that financial resources are going to continually reduce we have to remain positive and put the people of Shetland first. It is them who vote and put their trust in us. I think it is important that we support the apprenticeship programs bearing in mind they will be the experts of the future. More funding for this has been made available from the Scottish Government and we must lobby for our fair share. The council should make every effort to encourage our young people, on completion of their education, to consider the opportunities available in Shetland and make it their home.
We should engage more with our young people and it would be my intention to have regular meetings with the two newly elected MSYP members and other youth groups who wish to meet for discussions.
If re-elected I will continue to address the issues of Lerwick South ward in particular and Shetland as a whole. Strong leadership will be required for the next council. I am confident that I could bring my ten years’ experience and strong leadership qualities to the council chamber.
To enable me to be your number one voice in the Council Chamber please support me by giving me your number one vote.
Contact details:
Phone: 01595 870 702
Mobile: 07734 832 393
Email: csmithbousta@btinternet.com
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