Residents of Freshwater South have four Isle of Wight Council hopefuls vying for the seat before the vote on May 7.
The candidates are incumbent ward councillor Becca Cameron (Independent), Greta Farian (Labour Party), Ian Pickering (Reform UK) and Peta Adrienne Stevenson (The Green Party).
Pitches to the electorate of 100 words and profile photos were sought by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), either directly or through parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Becca Cameron
I have lived in Freshwater for over 30 years, raised my family here, and spent years standing up for our community, environment and quality of life. I am standing as an Independent because Freshwater needs a strong local voice, not party politics.
I have worked with residents and organisations to push for action on Military Road safety, sewage pollution, flooding, green spaces and local services.
I will oppose inappropriate development, support affordable homes for local people, back local businesses, and campaign for a cleaner environment, better infrastructure, and reliable and affordable ferry links.
Greta Farian
Greta Farian has a background in working with staff and employers to resolve workplace issues and is currently a caseworker for union members working in charity and voluntary organisations.
With a particular interest in the care sector, she knows from personal experience the challenges facing those arranging support for loved ones and the importance of having a committed and motivated workforce delivering the service.
Greta is a member of the Island’s Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education in schools and was previously a member of the Kingston Faith and Belief Forum.
Ian Pickering
Unfortunately the Island faces significant financial problems over the coming years, and I will seek to root out waste and unnecessary spending, so that the burden on council tax payers, business owners and service users is kept to the absolute minimum.
I believe that electing a majority of Reform councillors is the only way to counter the historic impotence of disparate groups of Independent and mainstream party councillors.
We are lucky to have excellent leisure and sports facilities, library and medical centre in our town. I will work to keep these facilities safe, vibrant and thriving.
Peta Adrienne Stevenson
I worked in banking for most of my working life, but I have also done stints as a taxi driver and at a Sainsbury’s Local. Now that I am retired, I volunteer as a welcomer at Newport Minster and at the Apollo Theatre in Pyle Street, Newport. I love living on the Isle of Wight and really want to add to the Isle of Wight community where I have chosen to live.
Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.
