Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Rotherham - Applicants Welcome

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Following a meeting of Rotherham Independents last night, it is announced that applications are now actively being sought for a suitable candidate to represent them, at the increasingly likely event of a by-election in the Rotherham Constituency. The expectation is that the successful candidate would be our General Election candidate in Rotherham Constituency also.

The Conservatives have recently appointed a PPC for Rotherham, Jackie Whiteley, who fought Rotherham in last years General Election was announced in a surprise move, as normally selection of a candidate does not take place until an election/by-election is definitely in the offing.

Main qualifications needed are a willingness to apply our principles in practice, a commitment to examine all issues afresh without prejudice and be willing to be an active campaigner not frightened of hard work.

Interested? please contact Peter Thirlwall or Dave Ridgway, contact details on left panel, for more information and details of how to apply.

Rotherham Independents will in due course announce their intentions with respect to Rother Valley and Wentworth & Dearne constituency. If you might be interested in standing in either of these constituencies we would like to hear from you as well.

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Rotherham Independents Prepare for May's Elections.

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Preparations are beginning around Rotherham for the election battle to come in May. As well as Borough Council elections, Town and Parish Council elections take place on the same day as the referendum on the voting system.
We would welcome anyone who is prepared to live up to our principles and is interested in standing as a candidate at any of these elections, it need not be especially difficult nor expensive to do so. Full support will be provided. There is plenty of time if you act soon.
Please contact Peter Thirlwall by phone or email peter here. if you would like to know more about being a candidate.
If you would like regular information about our activities by email please click here.
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What makes Rotherham Independents Different?

Ten Reasons to join the Rotherham Independents.

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Ten Reasons to join the Rotherham Independents.

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The Rotherham Independents exist to bring about real change in our local politics.

What do they want to change? 

To answer that question, we need to consider what 40 years plus of absolute Labour rule in Rotherham has brought about:

1. Councillors so confident of re-election that they crow in public “Rotherham is Labour Territory”. So confident they become, arrogant and treat the  electorate with disdain, see reports  and letters in The Advertiser as to how they behave in  public meetings and even the council chamber.
So confident of re-election they vote themselves onto the   local government pension scheme. They take full advantage of increases recommended by their Independent Review Board.

2. Council Officers on exorbitant salaries, paid we are told to obtain the best, why then do they pay so much out in consultancy fees? Why do they, erroneously, compare themselves with people in similar positions in private companies?  When did they last run a meaningful cost cutting exercise?  When did they last have to fight off commercial competition in order to remain in business?  If they are running the borough what are the councillors doing?  In private companies the CEO and his board get paid for taking responsibility, long term decisions and establishing policy and middle management get paid for   turning it into action and control  day to day activities,  middle managers on  six figure salaries???

3. PFI schemes that  will see the people of Rotherham having to find 3.5 million pounds in rent for the next 30 years before their Council Tax starts to pay for anything else.

4. A dead town centre not helped by the council for years insisting that parking should be paid for,  in the face of repeated requests, from traders and the public,  to provide free parking.  Surprise, surprise,  the council have recently discovered free parking.

5. A  democratic system where every committee and council from the Borough to school governors has its Labour faithful.

6. Area Assemblies which cost a lot but seem to achieve little or nothing except to provide another vehicle for councillors to claim expenses.

7. A Council which without permission or consultation sets its self up as a banker lending money to private concerns in the borough namely Magna and the local Rugby club.  Which begs several questions, on what terms was money loaned, has it been repaid and if not when (in the current climate these should be at the top of  a list of jobs to do), these two were high profile how many others exist?

8. A Council and  its highly prized executives who set up a partnership with BT and went into a blaze of publicity about what advantages it had brought naming management  techniques which were taught 50 years ago in the council’s own college virtually  across the road from the council offices.

9. Before the current round of cuts this caring council had savaged the services to elderly and the least advantaged in the Borough while maintaining their own remuneration.

10. The position of Mayor used to be an honourary position bestowed to recognise years of public service,  irrespective of party affiliation, not in Rotherham,  this is now the domain of the ruling Labour Party only.

Rotherham Independents want to change things like this, restore  real democracy, insist its members embrace the idea of public service at the expense of personal advancement,  provide value for money,  consider Rotherham and its electorate before any party dogma.

Want to know more about us? Then please contact us using the links on this site.

Don Blow

Member Rotherham Independents

Be Part of the Future! Not the Past!

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A Huge Thank You From Dave Ridgway.

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Last Thursday the voters of Sitwell had an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to chose a Councillor to represent them.

I was proud to put my name forward in this contest as a representative of Rotherham's newest political group, the Rotherham Independents, established in February, as an antidote to the tired old politics of the past that we believe is stifling progress for Rotherham's citizens.

Coming in third place behind the Tory and Labour Parties and ahead of UKIP and the Liberals was enormously pleasing for me and all independently minded people in Rotherham.

I did not have an opportunity at the count to express my gratitude to my voters or those that helped with my campaign nor those that organised the election in such an exemplary manner. This is what I would have said.

"I would also like to place on record my personal gratitude to the Police, Mags Evers and the elections staff who have delivered an election notable for being faultless, to my fellow candidates who have campaigned honourably. 

A huge thank you to my supporters in the Rotherham Independents, without whom this campaign would not have been possible and finally I would like to thank each and every one of those voters that placed their confidence in me and voted for a better future with the Rotherham Independents".

Dave Ridgway

Rotherham Independent Candidate

Sitwell Ward

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Sitwell By-Election Result. Disaster for Liberals, 769 Voters Go Missing! Labour Dismay as Ground Lost Since May - Against National Trend!

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Rotherham MBC Sitwell Ward By-Election August 5th 2010
Party	2008 Result	2008 % Vote	2010 May Result	2010 May % Vote	2010 By-Election Result	2010 By-Election % Vote	% Change since 2008	% Change since May
Tory	2300	58.5	2684	41.5	1213	45.5	-13	4.5
Lab	768	19.5	2238	34.6	864	32.4	12.9	-2.2
R Ind			751	11.6	252	9.5		-2.1
UKIP			793	12.3	241	8.9		-3.4
Lib	867	22			98	3.7	-18.3
Totals	3935		6466		2668

Dave Ridgway's result is remarkable in the context of the local political scene.

The catastrophic drop in the Liberal vote, second place to last or 867 to 98 a loss of 769 votes, clearly demonstrates the electoral problems the Liberals now have, both nationally and here in Rotherham, since they decided to go in to coalition and now are left looking for all the world to have put personal ambition first and are now busily engaged in implementing Tory cuts with a degree of enthusiasm not welcomed by those that put their faith in them at the time of the General Election.

Previous by-elections in Wolverhampton and Walsall which took place in July, clearly demonstrate a consistent pattern for the Liberals, receiving just 52 and 72 votes respectively. These by-election results so soon after the May elections must surely give great cause for alarm amongst Liberals up and down the country. 

The result for Labour must also have been very disappointing for them, as they lost ground since May and lost 2.2% of their vote share, despite mounting an extraordinarily vigorous campaign and a great deal of election day activity, not previously seen anywhere in Rotherham for many a year!

Where are the Liberals in Sitwell? Absent just like in May!

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Despite triggering the by-election in the Sitwell ward and issuing public denials that they had done so, Liberals seem a bit thin on the ground.

In fact they seem to be absent altogether, devoid of a campaign of any kind, this is an outrage for one of the ruling Coalition Government partners, taking the voters for fools, with an apparently absent candidate as well!

Rotherham Independents believe that you must be serious before putting your name forward to the voters for consideration and the actions, or rather inactions, speak volumes for the Liberals contemptuous attitude here!

This is a serious issue especially when latest opinion data showing that 40% of those voting Liberal in May, would not have done so, if they had known that this coalition would result!

Democracy requires that you make your appeal to the voters with you prospectus, those that don't, do not deserve proper consideration from the Sitwell voters.

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Don Blow - A Member Asks The Important Questions?

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Where’s the Councillors’ Pain??

Rotherham Advertiser 16th July Councillor Roger Stone went to great lengths to outline the probable areas for cuts in order to conform with the Government’s Austerity Plan.

Glaringly obvious by their omission was any pain to be born by the Councillors themselves.

In spite of grossly inflated allowances and expenses compared with Sheffield and the national average not one word about what they were prepared to forego.

No cuts, not even a freeze, on allowances, expenses, pension contributions from the tax payer, jollies, first class travel the unaffected list goes on and on.

This from a Council, elected on a supposedly socialist manifesto, where is the shoulder to shoulder support for the workers?

Don Blow
Aston-cum-Aughton Independent.

We can report nothing but total silence on this important issue from the Tories, Liberals, Labour and UKIP.

Our candidate, Dave Ridgway, on the other hand, has robust and principled views on this matter.
Dave wants to see them halved! From the grotesquely greedy levels of today, where councillors share in benefits in excess of £1,1 million per year.

Rotherham Independents

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Rotherham Independents - What we are about!

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Rotherham Independents are totally committed to improving the way Rotherham is run and offer an alternative that is viable to the old sterile debates that go on in the Town Hall.

"We reject the current approach because it excludes or ignores the views of the most important of all. YOU!"

Our commitment to you is simple, we will represent you and will always take your views as our guide. We believe that listening to and involving the public is vital in any democracy but is sadly lacking in Rotherham. This simply has to change, we exist to do just that.

We reject prejudice and dogma, we believe that decisions must be made on the basis of robust evidence not mere political prejudice!

We have accepted as our guiding principles the Bell Principles that expand on Lord Nolan's, Seven Principles of Public Life, read them here.

We are criticised by some for having few policies, those thinking that have missed the point!

"It is the rigid adherence to policy, even when contradicted by evidence, that is the real problem!"

We are different, because we have open minds to all reasonable ideas for finding solutions to unsolved problems, we will decide on the basis of sound evidence not dogma.We believe that the people of Rotherham have a right to be involved, before, not after, decisions are made.        A very refreshing approach, we think you will agree!

"Party Politics has brought Rotherham to it's knees, we exist to provide the antidote to this failed approach and to renew peoples faith in the political process."

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Sitwell Candidates Announced!

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The full list of candidates for the Sitwell By-Election has been confirmed, it is as follows:

Dalton, Judy. Labour.
Middleton, Christopher Norman. Conservative.
Razaq, Abdul. Liberal Democrat.
Ridgway, David. Rotherham Independent.
Wilkinson, John. UKIP.

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Rotherham Independents prepare for the future

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Independent minded people from across Rotherham will be meeting at Bramley Parish Hall on the 15th June at 6:45-8:30pm to start building for the future and to take stock of recent election fighting experiences.

We are a friendly bunch that believe politics should be fun too and we would like to extend an invitation to all who may be interested in our unique inclusive and collaborative approach to improve things for us all in Rotherham.

Unlike the main Parties we represent those whose voice is seldom heard, the silent majority, or the 'great ignored' as Cameron has described folk like us recently. We are not a political party, in any traditional sense, in fact we are the antidote to them. Take a look at us you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

We are growing, as more of Rotherham's fed up, angry and disillusioned citizens become aware that we exist and join us in making Rotherham a better place for ourselves, our children and future generations to come.

We felt that this task would not be met without a completely different and truly radical approach that we offer, to bring prosperity and enough jobs to support our local economy and to once again, thrive as a community.

We knew it was time to do it ourselves, no one else would do it for us. We say, enough is enough! We have 'stood up to the plate, so can you!

You are welcome to join us too and help to bring about the improvements to the way we are governed locally, that most yearn for, but don't know how to achieve, until now!

Interested? Like to know more? Thought you were alone? You needn't be now!

Then contact us as below please.

Rik Van Hegan
68 Queen Street
Swinton
Mexborough
S64 8NA

Email: rik@rikv.net
Phone: 01709580150
Mobile: 07878540288

Dave Ridgway

46 Sheepcote Road,
Brecks,
Rotherham.
S60 4DA

Email: davidridgway1@hotmail.com
Phone: 01709 541445
Mobile: 07948 417 171

Peter Thirlwall
6 Pinchwell View
Wickersley
Rotherham
S66 1FP

Email: peter.thirlwall@talktalk.net
Phone: 01709541111
Mobile: 07747633866

Over to you, the Voters of Rotherham Borough!

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Decision time is here at last after what seems such a long campaign!

We have tried by all means available to us, to communicate directly with you the voter our optimistic message of 'change for good!' and a fresh start by turning away from the real problem, is the Political Parties themselves! which are to blame for the mess we are in. Click here.

Rotherham Independents represent decisive change from the old ways that belong in the past. Click here.

"A fresh future based on cooperation not conflict. 
A future that we will take pride in, because we built it, Together!"

Please Vote Rotherham Independent, (our candidates are listed on the left hand side) there are one or two Independent candidates that are not part of the Rotherham Independents, if they are not listed they are not one of our Candidates. Please note that Wingfield Ward Independent candidate, Michael Sylvester, while not a member of our group, is a friend who you may vote for with confidence because he is part of the future too!.

Make the Future Happen on May 6th, Vote Independent for all our sakes!

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What makes Rotherham Independents Different?

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Rotherham Independents are totally committed to improving the way Rotherham is run and offer an alternative that is viable to the old sterile debates that go on in the Town Hall and in Parliament.

We reject the current approach because it excludes or ignores the views of the most important of all, you!

Our commitment to you is simple, we will represent you and will always take your views as our guide. We believe that listening to and involving the public is vital in any democracy but is sadly lacking in Rotherham, this has to change and we exist to do just that.

We reject prejudice and dogma, we believe that decisions must be made on the basis of robust evidence not mere political prejudice!

We have accepted as our guiding principles the Bell Principles that expand on Lord Nolan's, Seven Principles of Public Life, read them here.

We are criticised by some for having few policies, those thinking that have missed the point!

"It is the rigid adherence to policy, even when contradicted by evidence, that is the real problem!"

We are different, because we have open minds to all reasonable ideas for finding solutions to unsolved problems, we will decide on the basis of sound evidence not dogma.We believe that the people of Rotherham have a right to be involved, before, not after, decisions are made, a very refreshing approach, we think you will agree!

Party Politics has brought Rotherham to it's knees, we exist to provide the antidote to this failed approach and to renew peoples faith in the political process.

We have set out in detail our analysis of the underlying causes of the problems that Rotherham's people daily endure and our refreshingly new approach to them. We think you will be impressed!

Rotherham Independents

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The 'Sitwell Polecat' and Dirty Tricks Exposed!

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We were surprised and dismayed that our Tory opponent in Sitwell Ward, Tony Mannion, should stoop so low as to mount what appears for all the world to be a 'dirty tricks' operation against Jean Thirlwall our Candidate standing in Sitwell this year.

Tony Mannion, this year's Tory candidate in Sitwell Ward, issuing ridiculous threats and behaving in a most intemperate and intimidating manner, demonstrates the old political thuggery at its finest and reflects very badly on himself, raising the issue of his basic fitness to serve Sitwell's voters as a Councillor?

The fact that he abused the Council email system in carrying it out, just adds to the level of offence caused. Clearly the Council email system is not there to carry out political vendettas.

I reproduce the email below:

From: Mannion, Anthony
Sent: 13 April 2010 09:06
To: Thirlwall, Peter
Cc: Members
Subject: misleading information in breach of the Nolan principles

Dear Cllr Thirlwall,
I was shocked to find misleading information on the blog of your candidate against me in the local election which gives the impression that I do not and have never lived in the ward; the sentence reads "Unlike the other candidates I have lived and brought up my children in the Sitwell Ward..."
This is obviously far from the truth as I have lived in the ward since moving to the ward two months after being elected, just under four years ago.
I believe that placing misleading information like this before the public breaches at least one of the principles that you and your crew have signed up to so I will give two days to remove it. If it is not removed I will report you and your wife and/or her agent to the Police and the Electoral Commission.
You see that's the trouble when you claim to have principles you have to live up to them.

Yours Cllr Mannion

PS I know how you and your mob like to send round robins so I thought I'd let the rest of the councillors know how you're getting on with your new principles.

When this attack is added to the Advertiser letters pages of last Friday, a picture is beginning to emerge of panicking Tories dismayed at our relative popularity and the fact that locally and nationally they are going backwards with a most unconvincing campaign.

In attempting to derail our campaign in this way it simply serves to highlight the fact that the poor voters of Sitwell have something to think about before blindly re-electing this spiteful and immature Councillor. He seems to be a real throwback to the days of the old Tories and Maggie, Norman Tebbitt and company. Certainly not the nice cuddly Tory that Cameron now pretends make up the Party. A fully paid up member of the 'Nasty Party' if ever there was one!

We also have heard that a new nickname has been coined for Mannion, the 'Sitwell Polecat' is doing the rounds.

Meanwhile Jean Thirlwall, our candidate, is quietly gathering significant support in this previously Labour now Tory seat of Sitwell. Things on the ground are very interesting indeed with both Tory and Labour voters choosing Jean as the best hope for the future, something that truly humbles us as the extent of the public's trust in us becomes apparent. We are grateful for this and pledge that we will not let you down!

Rotherham Independents
Campaign Team

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The Rotherham Independents Answer!

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All of us involved in the Rotherham Independents Campaign have become increasingly angry and frustrated about the poor way that decisions that affect all our lives are taken. The parade of greed, sleaze and corruption that has been the daily diet of all news for a very long time now has sickened us but galvanized us into decisive action.

Increasing numbers of Independents have stood in Public Elections with some success. There are currently two Independent Borough Councillors, a growing number on the Town Councils and a number on Parish Councils.  Our roots go back longer than most would suppose because we didn't have any local elections last year this is our first chance to challenge the tired old ways that belong in the past, not making our future.

"We now know for a fact that nothing will improve if no one acts. 
No one else will do it for us!"

In this spirit, our group could be entitled 'Rotherham People Do It for Themselves!' and this is exactly the spirit that motivates us and shows what we are trying to achieve.

We have a unique approach to our opponents, we are guided in all that we do by the values embodied in both the Bell Principles and the Seven Principles of Public Life. See below.

We are not, nor ever will be, a political party in any traditional sense because we work openly, involving rather than excluding opinions and building consensus, wherever possible, without the baggage of dogma or prejudice.

We are cooperators and not interested in the worn out answers to the same questions that the old parties have not solved in over a century of trying it their way. 

We bring a fresh and open approach so the general public can have their say and we will listen, consider, then let you all know our view on any issue, no matter how thorny and controversial. A good example of this way of working can be see here as we start the process of putting detailed, mature and honest solutions to the problems that you are talking to us about and face every day.

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"We exist to challenge the status quo, to take on the unacceptable practices of those who control Rotherham currently and Change Rotherham for Good!" 

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Rotherham Independents are nearly ready.

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Rotherham Independents are nearly ready. We took this photo yesterday and we thought you would like to see it here first. We are contesting eleven wards this year and the parliamentary seat of Rotherham.

Peter Thirlwall and the Rotherham Independents Local Government Candidates for 2010

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Martin Bell Letter to Independent Candidates and Independent-Minded Voters

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Martin Bell OBE is a former independent MP for Tatton and a BBC war correspondent. He is a supporter of the Independent Network.

Let's make 6 May 2010 Independents' Day
An open letter to independent candidates and independent-minded voters.
I am writing on behalf of the Independent Network, the organisation that helps Independents help each other.
Independents have an unprecedented opportunity on 6 May to change the face of politics for good.  The MPs' expenses scandal has discredited many individual MPs, the parties that allowed it to happen and the House of Commons itself.  Many MPs with questionable expenses records have not been de-selected by their parties.  It is up to the voters to complete the process.
This is a time for independents to challenge the politics of the status quo; it is a time for independent Councillors either to stand for Parliament themselves or to help in the campaigns of others; it is a time to support the Independent Network by sending contributions to http://www.independentnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/donate
It is a time for the election of a group of MPs, without party baggage but with real world experience, to be a force for honest politics in the New House of Commons.  They will be answerable not to a political party but only to their constituents and their consciences. It won't be easy, but I believe that it is do-able.
If not us - who?  And if not now - when?

Yours Sincerely,
Martin Bell

Introducing Andy Newton - Candidate for Hoober Ward

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Andy Newton, a local born Rotherham man, lives in the Hoober Ward. He is 42, married to Lynn and they have a young family.

Educated in Rotherham Schools, Andy went on to become a Mechanical Engineer and became a successful local businessman.

Recent years have presented challenges and experiences that would have defeated all but the most resilient. Andy is the kind of person that adversity makes stronger and this is one of the factors that has led him to fight the Hoober Ward for a seat on the Council.

His experience in business has given him the perspective that would make him an asset on the council. He understands that both the people and businesses of Rotherham suffer under the weight of the leaden hand of the Council.

The current Councillors are indifferent to any pleas from residents for even the simplest and cheap solution to local problems, your Councillors are there to serve you, not themselves.

Andy says:

“I am standing for Hoober because it is time that the people were listened to for a change!

Your voice must be heard loud and clear!

With your help, I can be that voice!”

Andy Newton

Rotherham Independents Candidate

Hoober Ward

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Paul Martin - Independent for Holderness Ward

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The second of our candidates is now successfully nominated, Paul Martin for the Holderness Ward where his Labour opponent is none other than Gerald Smith, notorious for his high handed attitudes especially when dealing with those whose opinions differ from his own!

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Paul Martin - Independent for Holderness

This Ward will be a very interesting election battle ground in Rotherham this year as it will test the support for Labour to breaking point and beyond.

Our candidate, Paul Martin, a Parish Councillor for the last three years on Aston-cum-Aughton Parish Council.offers the electors of Holderness Ward a real alternative to the distant and dictatorial ways of the past. 

They may be confident that, in Paul, they have a 'Peoples Champion' and may elect him knowing that he will be representing them for a change. How refreshing!


Rotherham Independents

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The Rotherham Star Joins the Fray on First Class Travel!

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On Friday the Rotherham Star published the following story under the headline:

First class row over council rail travel
Published Date: 12 February 2010
By Richard Marsden

CALLS for a ban on first class train travel by members of a South Yorkshire council have been rejected.
The move was proposed by independent Rotherham councillor, Peter Thirlwall, who represents Wickersley.

At a full meeting of the council, he told fellow councillors: "I would ask you all to consider your position carefully before rejecting this motion, which would be taken by the vast majority of Rotherham people as a sign you do not live in the same world as them.........To read the rest of this story CLICK HERE

On Saturday they followed this up with an opinion piece:
Opinion The Star, Saturday, February 13,2010

Think again over first class travel 
 
COUNCILLORS in Rotherham ought to think twice about hanging on to their policy of paying for first class travel when they have to go to London on business.
They were asked to make the economy of buying cheaper tickets in future to show voters in the town that they are aware of the stringent times in which we all try to survive.
Refusing to consider this choice, councillors will leave many residents wondering if they are aware of the problems everyday folk endure during the credit crunch.
They should think again on this issue.

We, of course, agree with the Star!
Elected Members of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council cannot continue with extravagances such as this! They cost us, last year, over £1,100,000!

They are incapable or unwilling to change. Rotherham will wait in vain for Labour or the Tories to stop their party games and run Rotherham properly.

This is why we are asking for your support for Peter Thirlwall at the General Election, and for our Independent Candidates standing throughout the whole Town at the Local Elections, on May 6th. 

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Rotherham Independents - A Fresh Start for Rotherham!

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If, like us you are fed up with the way that Politicians in Rotherham always ignore our opinions and the needs of ordinary people. Then get busy and change things!

A grassroots group is now building rapidly throughout the Borough that offers you the chance to do something about it now! The Rotherham Independents is that group.

We were exactly like you, complaining a lot but doing nothing serious about it, often not even bothering to vote at all because we had no faith in any of them to make a difference.

We have tired of waiting for things to improve and decided to do it ourselves! No one else will do it for us, shake off your apathy and do something about it with us!

Join us! and help us change Rotherham for good!

Find out more about us, we are sure you will like what you find and are convinced that you will want to join us in changing Rotherham from the bottom up!

To add your name to our email circulation click on this link independentsteam@googlemail.com

To contact us or join us please phone us on: 01709541111 or mobile 07747633866

To email Peter Thirlwall click on this link peter.thirlwall@talktalk.net

Correspondence Address:
Rotherham Independents
6 Pinchwell View
Wickersley
Rotherham
S66 1FP

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