Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Strong Breeze

By-Election 2022 - North Isles / Gary Cleaver


Name: Gary Cleaver Electoral Ward: North Isles Description: Independent


Gary Cleaver

My most immediate concern is the uncertainty surrounding the provision of the timetabled inter island ferry services.

A combination of Covid related illness, poor staff retention and recruitment and ageing infrastructure have left North Isles communities in a desperate position.

Imaginative ways must be found to enhance the terms and conditions of staff and funding needs to be identified and released to upgrade the infrastructure.

There are lots of other issues like suitable, affordable housing, high speed broadband, fixed links. But unless the ferries are improved in very short order communities in the North Isles risk long term damage. This must be one of the main objectives for this council over the coming months.

I came to live on Unst 15 years ago, having moved from a rural West Yorkshire village. Over the years I have had a number of part time and sickness/holiday cover jobs as well as running a craft business and latterly selling refurbished microphones and studio equipment online.

I also served on the Scottish Ambulance emergency responder team based on Unst. From 2012 to 2017 I was one of the North Isles councillors on the SIC.

I sat on the Education and Families committee and was vice chair of the Social Services committee. I was a member of the Integrated Joint Board which is charged with oversight of community health and social care. I was also vice chair of the Shetland College Board and a member of the board of the Lerwick Port Authority.

The council of which I was a member faced a serious financial crisis, largely caused by years of ‘kicking the can down the road’! By the end of the council’s term things were in a much better shape to withstand the shocks of an uncertain world. However, many difficult decisions had been taken to get that improvement.

My motto is – No one is well served by being told what they want to hear at the expense of hearing the truth.

I would be honoured to receive people’s first preference vote and go forward to represent the ward in which I live.

Contact Information

Phone/Tel: 07496 811367
E-mail: cleavergary55@gmail.com

 

Return to North Isles By-Election 2022 – candidates list

 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.