You will have all received a Focus leaflet covering my achievements over the past four years, the concerns I have about the Conservative administrations focus on externalising services and cutting services in a way that damages the economy and the things I would like to see done differently. Pointing out the mistaken policies unfortunately sounds negative but can’t be avoided. Suffolk deserves better.
The leaflets Conservative candidates are distributing explains quite clearly their need to take urgent action on education after 8 years in control and U-turns a on travel card and rural bus services. The claimed investment in Care I can’t find in their last budget. Is it another last minute move or something I just don’t recognise as investment?
At the moment most candidates will be working hard to get round to as many people as possible meeting you face to face and answering your questions. An important one is just why you should vote for me as a Liberal Democrat rather than the other candidates.
Part of the answer is my skill set and past record of achievement that I have put in the Focus leaflets but putting the why Liberal Democrat part very briefly:
Liberal Democrats are for a stronger economy and a fairer society
The Conservatives won’t deliver a fairer society; Labour can’t deliver a stronger economy; only the Liberal Democrats can deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society, enabling everyone to get on in life
We promise that across all County responsibilities we will deliver:
- Sensible pragmatic policies based on your wishes
- A constant focus on improved efficiency
- A compassionate approach to a fairer society supporting your endeavours and ensuring people with disabilities are treated well
- Help for young people to a good education then a good job
Our more detailed policy document is available on the pull down list above. It aims to be brief so as not to demand too much of your time to read.
Of course the severe economic problems left behind by the last government mean that money is in short supply and services will only expand if we make savings elsewhere. But that not unreasonable and it is always the case that we must continually drive up efficiency. We must do that and deploy wisely the resources given to us by government and those we gain through business rates and council tax.
The question of Europe and our reaction to its present difficulties and the impact they have on the UK’s prosperity is really a matter for the Liberal Democrats in government. However, I believe that we should understand that that vast numbers of UK jobs depend on Europe and recognise that the UK is the English speaking gateway to Europe for companies from the USA, Japan, Korea, India etc. If we leave Europe and they go taking many jobs with them.
The issue of the impact we are having on the world environment and the climate change that is underway has slipped from public view as we all struggle with austerity and the need to stay in work and feed and clothe ourselves and our families. However it is still an important issue which we must not ignore until it is too late to take avoiding action and limit the adverse impacts. We must do this in a pragmatic way gaining from the many actions we can take without seriously damaging our economy.
I hope you take this opportunity to question us all, consider the issues carefully and make a wise decision, not just make a protest that damages your livelihood.
John Field
