Local Elections May 5th - profiling Sheffield
19 April 2011
Jillian Creasy, city councillor and Green group leader for Sheffield, has set out the local party's vision for the city's future. The group launched their local election manifesto 2011 on Friday, and released a local election broadcast yesterday, detailing their top priorities for a fairer, greener Sheffield, where they are fielding 28 candidates.
Jillian, a councillor for Sheffield's central ward since 2004, said:
"We want to give voters a real alternative to Labour and the Lib Dems, who simply aren't tackling many of the challenges of the future. We would invest in energy saving and renewable energy, saving money and creating jobs. We've shown how these principles can be applied in the city council - even in the face of draconian government cuts."
Bernard Little is standing in Broomhill ward, where the Green Party has previously been a strong second to the Lib Dems. He said:
"Creating jobs means more taxpayers - and that means more money coming into the exchequer. Not only that, but when people are employed, they have more money to spend, so local businesses benefit. If we combine this with closing tax loopholes to bring in the tax that is already rightfully owed, and taxing those who can most afford it, we will be generating the revenue necessary to address the deficit without cutting vital public services. Greens know there is a better, more positive way to handle Britain's economy - and Sheffield could lead the way in manufacturing for renewable energy, public transport and local food production."
Cllr Creasy, who is standing for re-election this year, has had notable successes in the past, persuading the Council to hold an investigation into affordable housing and opt into the Government's Sustainable Communities Act, initiating a review of noise nuisance and opposing Sheffield's bid for a supercasino.
Jillian is also a GP, and is campaigning against the proposed changes to the NHS, which already threaten to force the closure of two dementia care homes in Sheffield:
"The PCT says it can't find the money to fund nursing staff at Birch Avenue and Woodland View Care Homes. This flies in the face of claims by the Coalition government that the NHS is not under threat with no cuts to front line services."
Like other Greens locally and nationally, the small Sheffield group have produced results beyond their numbers. Cllr Creasy concluded:
"Electing Green Councillors really does make a difference - to individuals, local communities, the city, and at national level. We bring a positive approach to politics: working hard, listening to our constituents, and providing innovative and considered solutions to issues locally and nationally. We know people are looking for a real alternative - and that's just what the Green Party can provide. I hope all those who agree with us will come out, take positive action, and vote Green on 5th May."
Councillor Jillian Creasy
