Does it matter if your Councillor lives locally?

Pentland's SNP Candidate Bill Henderson argues in his recent leaflet that a Councillor living locally does matter for those they represent.

Many people on the doorsteps I have turned up on agree with Mr Henderson (naturally without knowing of his comments!).  It's not however a train of thought shared with his colleagues in Drum Brae / Gyle.

With Cllr Keir stepping down from double-jobbing to channel his energies as the local MSP and his initial replacement Elaine Morris (who hot footed it from her spot as Forth Ward Cllr) stepping down due to ill health, the local association went scouring the city for a replacement. 

They actually found two in the end.

Interestingly, one of these was Cllr Ron Cairns.  Cairns was ousted by Henderson as in-fighting within the local party saw Cairns de-selected.   

Cairns is of course standing alongside another candidate who lives outside the ward, Alison Lindsay.

Lindsay, a former Councillor in Clackmannanshire also stood for the party as their Westminster Candidate in 2005, however she resigned with less than two months to go before the election after allegations by opponents that being on sick leave whilst conducting an election campaign were not compatible.

The lack of local knowledge from both Candidates at Monday night's Hustings frustrated several of the audience when the duo were put under the microscope.

Meanwhile, another Drum Brae / Gyle candidate is also a stranger to the surroundings.  Green Party candidate Linda Hendry pointed out at the hustings that she didn't live in the ward, although she did raise a respectful smile by noting that her Mother was buried in it. 

Cllr Robert Aldridge lives in East Craigs, Karen Keil in Drumbrae - maybe it's to be a trio of local candidates for the three places on offer in seven days time? 

Both Independent candidates I understand are local however, with it being likely that the only time we'll meet is at the count on May 4th following their non-appearance at the hustings, I can't comment any further on their standing.

For me, localism is at the heart of being a Councillor.  I am proud to be standing in my wee bit of Edinburgh. I love my home and it's right in the heart of the Drum Brae / Gyle ward. 

During the last twelve months, I have been working on the issues that matter on people's doorsteps.  Listening to the concerns that matter most to local residents who feel let down by the absent councillors during this outgoing Lib Dem / SNP administration.

The people of Edinburgh - and Drum Brae / Gyle deserve better. 

Only on May 3rd by voting Brown 1 can you bring change.  Vote Conservative for a change.