Thank you Harpenden East

I had my post-election thank you letter published today in the Herts Advertiser and Review papers and wanted to share it with you here as well, as I was very much encouraged by people I met whilst canvassing who had been following the election on this Harpenden People website. I intend to continue to make updates here over the coming years with my experience (and hopefully successes) as a your District Councillor.

My letter...  

 As a first time candidate for the Harpenden East district council election I was overwhelmed by the positive response on doorstep. In fact - the myths of canvassing were totally dispelled - as I didn't have a single door slammed in my face, not one dog bite and I didn't even get to hold a baby for the camera! So truly a new kind of politics!

In all seriousness though, along with wanting to deliver positive action across the district, I entered into the campaign with the hope of getting closer to the community I live in; something I now feel confident I am.

This comes with responsibility though. I now have a much better understanding of the challenges the ward faces.

These include concerns about pockets of anti-social behaviour through to council tenants' worries about property maintenance. With this new found knowledge comes a further sense of purpose to help make a difference locally.

I'm also pleased that across the ward, all parties fought a positive campaign. In particular, I'd like to pay respect to our outgoing district Cllr Alison Steer for her positive campaign, which I feel deserves real credit when compared to the more negative Lib Dem campaigning seen in neighbouring St Albans.

So thank you to Harpenden East for giving me this chance to make a difference, and I also urge you to get involved too, as from my experience it really is worth it!