In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Stroke Association
This Saturday I’ll be attending the Stroke Association’s Sip for Stroke event at Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly (10am-1pm).
The Sip for Stroke event is open for anyone in the local community who would like to support the charity in raising vital funds in aid of stroke survivors and their families.
Free blood pressure testing is being offered at the event as high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Guests can also enjoy a bit of pampering with free aromatherapy massages.
This event in is also part of the Stroke Association’s first Action on Stroke Month, an annual push to raise as much awareness as possible about the effect stroke can have on people’s lives.
Since I was elected to the Assembly last May, I have tried to raise the profile of the Stroke Association’s excellent work.
Caerphilly MP
I was disappointed, but not surprised, to read that the Caerphilly Labour MP has criticised me for seeking re-election as a councillor tomorrow.
Firstly, I don’t take any allowance which I would be entitled to as a backbench councillor. I also don’t claim five salaries on the public purse like the Labour leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council.
Secondly, I believe it is really important that there are links between local and national government in the form of the National Assembly. There are also other Assembly Members who serve as councillors
I’ve continued to do my work for residents in Penyreheol and Trecenydd to the best of my ability since I was elected to the Assembly and that will not change if I am re-elected. I’m proud to serve the area and its people.
Local Elections
Voters go to the polls tomorrow and the choice in the county borough is basically Plaid or Labour.
I hope electors vote on the record of the Plaid-led authority and not as any sort of protest against UK Coalition Government. It is, after all, a local election.
I believe Plaid has a record to be proud of – consecutive years when council tax has been frozen, leading the way in creating apprentice and training places for our young people, regenerating town centres, rebuilding libraries and boasting the best recycling record in South Wales. I could go on and on because it is quite some record.
Times are difficult and now is not the time to take a punt with another party.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East
Tit-for-tat mud slinging is rather juvenile to say the least. The ability to perform two roles is a matter for the local electorate to decide. As is the salary of other councils leaders.
Apprenticeships and library improvements, are recent announcements are they not? Repeated ad infinitum, as is the tendency these days.
Plaid Cymru can also proudly boast their exploitation of recently bereaved families. Thanks to their stealth increases in burial fees. Along with pay-as-you-go council services targeting the vulnerable. Their Bargoed village project to superimpose an artificial shopping environment at the expense of other areas in the borough.
Labour would have us believe Plaid have already factored a post-election increase in council tax. Which would come as no surprise should it prove to be true. They would also have us believe that it is now more costly to deal with increased fly-tipping.
You have to wonder with further impending cuts in public spending. Just what Plaid will charge for next.
Actually Helen, today, Friday,4th May, I think you mean " Just What WOULD Plaid ( have) charged for next", no chance of that now