Get fit...get elected

I've made the decision to use the run up to the election to get a bit fitter.

This morning's 500 leaflets burned the equivalent of some 500 calories. During the afternoon I cycled around Woodhill planning the best locations for the 200 lamp post bills I have planned.

I am certainly becoming fit...fit to drop!

Tonight met with some of the other Independent candidates who are working with me. All report the same thing, lots of support on the doorstep and promises of votes. It's surprising how quick the message is spreading. When I put out leaflets this morning, little did I think that someone would be speaking to the Bishopbriggs North candidate Jim Gilmour a couple of hours later in Torrance and saying he'd be voting for me.

Taking a leaf(let) out of someone's book

Without doubt the creation of super wards to accommodate STV or PR was a great idea. But did anyone give any thought to the poor candidates and how they would go about putting leaflets through all of the doors in the area.

At over 5,000 houses, Bishopbriggs South is by no means the largest ward but that doesn't make it any easier to cover. At least one rival has reverted to the old standby of relatives and grandchildren.

Maybe next time around, local council candidates will be allowed to have a 'free' mail drop courtesy of the Post Office.

So can anyone help and spare the odd hour to drop leaflets. Please click on the comment link below.

Play in the Park

It was nice to have a bit of a day off yesterday from organising things for the election. But you never have a day off really.

Here I am trying out the swings in Etive Park...all in the line of duty of course. The Woodhill Residents Group are working to get funding to improve play parks all over Woodhill. Modern equipment, but also fairly ordinary stuff too, like paths and lighting. But it is important to get peoples views.

If you would like to give your thoughts, please visit www.woodhillresidentsgroup.org.uk/playareas

It is vital that residents are consulted before the process starts, rather than at the end when it is harder to make changes.

Go on have your say about the swings...and don't say keep Macdonald off them!

Hit the street

The first morning of handing out leaflets and balloons at the Woodhill shops went off like a dream. The reaction from the people receiving the leaflets was very positive. Many recognised me from my work with the Parents Association at Wester Cleddens school. As well as the school campaign.
What was noticeable was just how busy the road at the shops is. We witnessed two near misses and sundry cars parked on pavements and on yellow lines. There really needs to be a cohesive plan for parking here that won't take business away from the shops, upset residents and help customers.

What a bunch of Balloons

Took delivery of the first 1,000 balloons which will be given out by candidates over the coming weeks. One definite voter, but will have to wait about 15 years until she can vote for her daddy!
Incidentally, the lady at the balloon suppliers was saying that we need more Independent councillors, as they can fight for their constituents rather than simply toe the party line.

Admin, admin and admin

Today I lodged my nomination papers at Tom Johnson House. There seemed to be a form for every eventuality and part of the election process.

Sadly my day was spoiled by an apparently random act of vandalism on both my car and my wife's car. However when I tried to contact the local police it proved very difficult to simply pass on the information about what had happened to our vehicles. It used to be a fairly simple matter to call the local police station and report an incident, so that the next shift would be aware of what was happening on their beat. Ah if only it was so simple. But that's progress.

Battle Bus or should that be trailer?

One of the benefits for me of working with other Independent candidates is that you can get synergies like this. Individually I could never hope to organise this. But working together it helps everyone. But never forget we are working together as equal partners. There is no 'whip' or 'party line'. It means that an Independent candidate can vote in the best interests of their constituents...not in the best interests of their party as we have seen so often in recent months.