A total of 5 Isle of Wight Council hopefuls are in a contest to represent the ward of Mountjoy and Shide after the May 7 local elections.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Ray Harrington-Vail, The Labour Party’s Alan Hunter, the area’s Conservative councillor Martin Peter Oliver, Richard Quinn from Reform UK and Green Cllr Stephen James Rushbrook are confirmed candidates.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted nominees for 100-word pitches and photos, either directly or through parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Cllr Ray Harrington-Vail
Ray Harrinton-Vail is the Libdem candidate for Mountjoy & Shide. He has lived in the ward for 30 years, with his wife Amanda. He is the founder of the local Footprint Trust charity, which he set up to help those struggling with utility bills. He has been very active in his neighbourhood and across the Island.
Now retired he is a volunteer with the St John Ambulance, the third generation to serve in the first aid charity. Nationally he is a senior officer in the Civil Defence organisation. He serves on Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, representing his ward, and is also chair of the Amenities Committee.
Alan Hunter
Alan Hunter has lived in Newport for over 30 years. In that time, Alan taught at Downside Middle, Carisbrooke High, St George’s and at the Isle of Wight College, before going on to become a chiropractor, treating Islanders in Newport and Lake.
Serving as governor at the College, Nine Acres and St George’s schools, Alan built a deep connection with his community.
Alan says: “I am looking forward to being a strong local voice for Mountjoy and Shide, working hard for better schools, safer and cleaner streets and accessible health services, for all in our community.”
Martin Oliver (incumbent ward councillor)
Five years ago, I was elected to the Isle of Wight Council, since then, we have faced flooding, road closures, and many smaller issues that affect us all. I have worked hard to correct those and to improve the Mountjoy and Shide community.
I am passionate about making sure the Mountjoy and Shide area continues to thrive and be a great place for people to live. It was an honour to be elected as the chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, a position I took with pride.
The vote on May 7 is a critical vote for the community around Mountjoy and Shide and the Island as a whole. It would be an honour to serve you for a further three years.
Richard Quinn
I have lived on the Island for 27 years and have seen many changes; many of which have sadly not been for the better. I am standing as a candidate for Mountjoy and Shide as I want to help make our ward and the Island as a whole, better.
I am a retail manager and see customers affected by increased council tax, which is taking money from their pockets. I also see how they are not getting good value for what they pay and this needs to change.
The council’s finances need to be scrutinised. There are savings to be made and I’d like to ensure this happens.
Stephen James Rushbrook
I volunteer my time as Newport and Carisbrooke community councillor for this ward, and through this I have supported residents to deal with fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and to look after our allotments and green spaces.
I am now ready to serve as your county councillor. My day job is as a senior artist at Stainless’s games: 34 years in the computer games industry with over 30 published games including Uridium 2, Carmageddon, De Blob, New World Aeturnum, and Assassins Creed: Chronicles.
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.
