Councillor F
A long serving , female councillor from the Central Belt.
1. How long have you served as a councillor?
Since May 1980
2. What initially attracted you to local government?
First of all, I was always interested in what was happening in my community and I thought that being elected to represent my area was an excellent way of trying to influence decisions affecting the lives of residents. Secondly I was also an active member of my party’s local branch so I did have more than a passing interest in both local and national politics.
3. What has been your greatest achievement so far as a councillor?
I cannot ignore what happened to my community in March 1996 and on reflection I think that although it was an incredibly difficult period in all our lives, I am very proud of the fact that I played a major and active role in helping my community to get back on its feet and look to the future.
4. What do you feel is the biggest challenge for councillors?
To preserve and defend the right to “local ‘’ government for the citizens and allow councils more control over their priorities. All too often the priorities of the Scottish Executive and local councils differ, and it would seem to me to be more worthwhile allowing councils to spend the money on improving the services they feel are priorities in their communities.
5. In your role as a councillor, what gives you the most satisfaction?
Being able to help people who come to me for assistance. Sometimes it is only for help in filling in a form or it could be a planning issue; how to obtain a council house or even as school problem – the list is endless.
6. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to stand as a councillor?
Being a councillor is incredibly time consuming, therefore, you have to be totally committed to the task. There is a presumption by the public that you are always on duty. You are always being stopped by someone about something even if you are only in choosing a library book or in queue at the local shop. You also need to know your community and the issues which matter to it.