Name: Dick Quibell (Labour)
Ward: Peninsula
Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.
I have lived at my current address in Peninsula Ward for 19 years, and in the Borough for almost thirty years; I have a son and daughter who both attended local state schools. I am a maths graduate with a twenty five year career helping organisations use information effectively to optimise their operations. I have been a Labour Party member for almost forty years.
Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?
Obviously it is important that you have confidence in – and have chosen – the people who spend so much of the public’s money. The environment, local economy, public safety and local services are all influenced hugely by the elected Council members, it matters that people choose representatives that will use that influence on their behalf. They also need advocates to take up issues for them – like getting a fair deal over a school for their child, or ridding their neighbourhood of crime, noise, pollution etc. Choosing the people to do this job for you is really an important part of getting a fair deal. Voting is the only way you can make these choices.
Why are you standing to be a councillor?
Firstly I believe I am effective at being the representative and advocate I described in the previous answer – and that my record in this regard is good. This borough has serious problems that need to be addressed. A lot of our people are relatively poor, have not enjoyed their fair share of the comforts and benefits that a 21st century affluent society offers. I think I can make a significant contribution to redressing this, and to ensure that everyone – but especially the least privileged – have someone to speak up for them. I believe in Local Government being a strong element of our social fabric, helping to shape and change lives for the better, and being effective and well run. I want to be part of making that happen.
What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?
Rather spoilt for choice – an urban park to rival any in the world on its boundary, the Dome with the best concert venue on the planet, being the centre of time and space (0° longitude), and one of the most vibrant and socially diverse communities in London.
If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?
i) Making sure that the Olympics in 2012 go fantastically well and that as many people as possible enjoy them hugely;
ii) Getting the school opened on the Peninsula, and drawing more of the Borough’s children into our own secondary schools
iii) Helping neighbourhoods be rid of the scourge of excessive traffic – especially on the minor residential streets
iv) Extending social ownership of the organisations that run things for us – including many of the Council’s own services.