Here are the candidates contesting the Tewkesbury division on May 2.
Stuart Adair, Ukip
I am passionate about removing bureaucracy and allowing councillors to represent their community without political interference. You will be my priority.
Economic times are difficult. Whilst we are governed by the European Union at a cost of £53 million per day, there is no chance of improvement. In difficult times, your tax burden should go down, not up. Councillors should serve the community, not just to spend your money.
Only UKIP opposes uncontrolled EU immigration. I will do all I can to reduce the impact the forthcoming flood of Eastern European immigrants will have on our local community.
Being your representative is a huge privilege, and my representation won't cost you a penny. If elected, I will request my basic councillor's salary of £9000 per year be used to reduce the cost of car parking in Tewkesbury which is an unfair tax on shopping in the heart of our community.
Kevin Cromwell, Conservative
Self employed and born and bred in Tewkesbury, I know it is a great place to live and work. I consider it a huge privilege to be selected to represent the community I know so well as a Conservative County Council candidate.
In these difficult times, I strongly believe councillors must work closely and communicate with the community they represent. As Chairman of an active Community Project, Vice Chairman of The Tewkesbury Hospital League of Friends, a Governor at Queen Margaret School and a long standing committee member of Tewkesbury Rugby Club I am very much aware of the things that matter to Tewkesbury residents.
As a Tewkesbury Town Councillor and Chairman of the Amenities Committee I am active in promoting and driving forward the responsibilities that the Town Council have towards the community. I strongly oppose council tax increases and I applaud the council tax freeze of the Conservative led Borough and County Councils.
Michael Reynolds, Labour Party
I have lived in Tewkesbury for over twelve years in Priors Park. Formerly a keen Rugby player, I now devote my energies to Tewkesbury Town Council which I became a member of in 2011.
Why I am standing for Labour:
Labour stands for greater equality and fairness. The cuts in local services hit women and children, and working families in Tewkesbury are amongst the hardest hit by local cuts and those of the Conservative and Liberal democrat government. I would aim to protect local services and democracy to ensure that they do not bear this unfair burden.
If elected I will also campaign to• achieve effective flood controls• support the regeneration of the town centre• ensure an effective approach to road maintenance
Pearl Stokes, Liberal Democrat
Having been a Tewkesbury Borough Councillor since 1991, I am very much aware of the support Town and Parish Councils need. Having been a supporter of small businesses and encouraged tourism in Tewkesbury for many years I know together they make it a successful place to visit and live.
Public Health will be within the County Council's remit. I have an interest having been a Heart Patient for 21 years and a Member of the Avon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset Cardiac and Stroke Patient and Carer Group since 2005. I am very much aware that stress for any reason can trigger off many serious illnesses.
I am Chairman of "Where The Heart Is", Tewkesbury District Twinning Association and Vice Chairman of Gloucestershire Market Town/Parish Forum.
As a Councillor I will always listen and give help and support where possible.
Mike Sztymiak, Independent
Local elections are about local issues such as making sure roads are properly resurfaced, gullies are jetted to prevent surface water flooding and traffic enforcement by private contractors does not stop people shopping in Tewkesbury.
I will push for more money to be spent on road repairs as dodging the potholes is dangerous for motorists and cyclists. I will ensure that money continues to be spent on flood alleviation measures and that we invest in education as an aging population will more than ever depend on a well educated younger generation. I will support a zero council tax rise and look to make savings by getting rid of political advisers and other wasteful expenditure not directed at frontline services. Being an Independent I believe in serving the people and not the party. I will demonstrate that commitment by continuing to give my County Councillor allowance to local charitable causes.
