At the local elections, the Green Party fielded 604 candidates: one quarter of the 2,385 seats up for election. That's 50% more candidates than at the last comparable elections. While gains were made across the country, Gloucestershire alluded us; however our vote increased and we came second in Stroud East. Carol Kambites, who was the candidate for Stroud East, writing before the election, said:

The Green Party stands for real progress that improves our quality of life whilst protecting the environment. In local government this means returning control to the local level so that people who know most about an area are the ones making the decisions - and we need to make some hard decisions if we are to save all that is best about our world for future generations.

The Council should support the local economy by using local sources of expertise and goods, wherever possible. This makes sense economically, socially and environmentally. School meals, for example, purchased locally would provide a welcome boost for small farmers, be healthier and reduce transport costs.

Transport affects both our quality of our life and the future of the planet. Cars provides freedom for many, but busy roads cause air and noise pollution, divide communities and are dangerous for pedestrians, especially children and older people. Only Green County Councillors will argue for significant sums of money to be invested in the county's public transport and cycle networks rather than wasted on new roads. We want 20 mph speed limits in all built up areas and new housing schemes should be designed as 'home zones' where pedestrians have priority over cars, allowing children to play safely in the streets.

We must also reduce the need to travel and strengthen the local economy by protecting and restoring local shops, post offices and facilities. Greens also want a zero-waste policy, ethical investment of the Council's pension funds, greenfields protected, teaching not testing and more. See www.glosgreens.org.uk

Many people are disillusioned with politicians, but we can’t give up on politics. That would leave us with no say in how decisions are made. Vote Green for a strong voice at Shire Hall to fight for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Green party GCC 2005 candidates list:
Charlton Kings - Janet Thomas
Hesters Way and Up Hatherley - Sharon Manton
Lansdown, Park and Warden Hill - Keith Bessant
Oakley, Pittville and Prestbury - Jennifer Stone
St Pauls, St Peters and St Marks - Caroline Griffiths
Barton and Treadworth - Richard Bossons
Moreland - Elinor Croxall
Robinswood - Carol Temple-Pediani
Churchdown Brookfield - Leo Fletcher
Brockworth - Robert Rendell
Stroud East - Carol Kambites


Carol Kambites biography: Carol has lived in Stroud for 30 years, been a Town councillor for 10 years and is a qualified teacher who has worked in the Stroud area. She has also been a school governor and when her children were small she helped run a local playgroup. She has recently completed a PhD and is now working at the University of Gloucestershire as a researcher. She is a keen cyclist and helps with the Stroud Valleys Cycle campaign.