Residents who are considering standing for election as a district/borough councillor in May can find out more about what it involves at two events next month.
On 7 May, voters will decide not only who represents us in Parliament, but also who will sit/represents the area in the council chambers of Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council. Parish and town council elections will also take place on that same day.
People may choose to stand for election because they want to do more for their community, or to challenge some of the decision making that takes place. Either way the role of being a councillor is complex one.
With that in mind Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury are holding two events where would-be –candidates can find out more about the role and what it involves.
The first of these takes place on 11 February at 6pm at West Suffolk House in Western Way, Bury St Edmunds.
Then there is a second event on 23 February at 6pm at the Forest Heath District Council headquarters in College Heath Road, Mildenhall.
If you would like to attend either event book your place with Emma Barrett by 7 February on 01284 757022 or email emma.barrett@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Cllr Stephen Edwards, Cabinet Member for Resources, Governance and Performance, said: “It is a very busy but rewarding job. To do it properly you will need to represent not only the people that voted for you but those that voted against you as well. It is the voices and concerns of all those in your ward that you will be representing in the council chamber. You will attend countless committee meetings, residents’ associations, parish councils, business forums, housing associations, police events and many more.”
Cllr David Ray, St Edmundsbury’s Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance, said: “You will become a public figure – everything you do, from your achievements to your failures, to your comments in public including on social media, may come under media scrutiny. One day you may be everybody’s friend galvanising your residents to achieve their ambition, the next you will be making a budget decisions which may leave you unpopular with certain members of your community. It is a commitment that you should go into with the full support of your family as it will inevitably impact on your home life. The rewards in achievement, however, are great and I would thoroughly recommend it.”
Candidates can stand either as an independent or enquire with their preferred political party about becoming one of its candidates. To become a candidate you will need 10 nominees from the ward that you seek to represent. Nomination papers will be available on the council website (www.westsuffolk.gov.uk) from late February, or by emailing elections@forest-heath.gov.uk or elections@stedsbc.gov.uk
Nomination papers must be completed and returned by 4pm on 9 April.
Find out more at https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Council/Voting_and_Elections/howtobecomeacouncillor.cfm
