Councillor B
A female Councillor elected at the age of 26 to a council on the fringe of a big city.
1. How long have you served as a Councillor?
Nine years – since a by-election held on 1st May, 1997 – age 26 years.
2. What initially attracted you to Local Government?
I first stood as a Local Government candidate in 1992 at the age of 21.
I had just graduated from Glasgow University and had spent the previous year as President of the Students' Representative Council.
I enjoy representing and advocating on behalf of people whether groups or individuals.
I essentially enjoy working with people this also influenced my choice of career as a social worker. Like social work, Local Government politics is more of a vocation than a career option.
What I really like about Local Government is that it is about bread and butter services, it is about the delivery of services at the coal face. Unlike Parliament, which legislates, Local Government actually implements and delivers for local people.
3. What has been your greatest achievement so far as a Councillor?
Being re-elected on three successive occasions, each time with an increasing majority is a great testimony to the work you do with individual constituents.
People are not looking for politicians when they vote for their Councillor. They are looking for real people who are approachable, who will listen and who will try their level best.
Seeing visible and physical changes in your ward whether associated with the environment, housing or services is immensely gratifying.
As the opposition spokesperson for children services I have been able to influence and shape services through scrutiny and critique.
Over the past few years I have been able to raise awareness of the needs for looked after children and child protection services within the council chamber. Previously these were not areas that Councillors demonstrated much awareness of or championing of.
4. What do you feel is the biggest challenge for Councillors?
Unless you are a member of an Administration Group the financial remuneration is limited and many elected members, particularly younger Councillors or those with families to feed, are also in employment.
Over the past nine years I have constantly juggled working as a social worker and an Elected Member. Most days commence at 8am and often I am not home until 9.30/10pm.
There are also commitments at the weekend and, of course, paperwork!
However, it is worth it and in time you develop stamina and better time management skills. You learn to prioritise more and now I even manage to find time to do some (never enough) training for fun runs.
Councillors are often under estimated. It has to be remembered that they will often have more power, responsibility and influence than a backbench MSP/MP.
5. In your role as a Councillor, what gives you the most satisfaction?
I get most satisfaction from when I get a result for an individual whether large or small.
While influencing council policy/services to target more resources to those most in need is rewarding it is the difference you make to individuals that makes all the work worthwhile, for example, representing parents with children with special needs, successfully lobbying the Police to deal with a hot spot of antisocial behaviour on behalf of a pensioner, getting BT to move a phone box.
I am often requested to approach agencies or services that are not part of the council, such as health.
6. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to stand as a Councillor?
Look after your health! There will be heavy demands on your time and energy so you need to look after yourself or you will be no good to no one. I have seen many of my colleagues expand in the waistline!
You always have to have time for your constituents and your constituency work is your number one priority.
Council officers will have all sorts of ideas about what you should be involved in but you need to prioritise and work out what is important to you.
You will need the support of your partner and family, as it will impact on your private life.