Andrew Fisk

Stroud Politics sometimes seems like that.

Sometimes it the people who agree the closest, fight against each the hardest.

I wonder what the point it all is?  Do the Greens actually thing they can run Stroud District Council let alone get an MP?… Why is David Drew a member of the Labour Party? Why do I bother?

The answer to the last question is in previous posts…

 I am sure that politics in Stroud (and maybe everywhere else for that matter…) is no place for an idealist… At least not unless the ‘idealist’ has a Kelver plated skin… A sad truth.

So when I bother, when i do ‘get involved’it feels like I’m trying to more the world on my own back.

 I am rapidly becoming as cynical as the opposition. (Labour, Tory and the Greens…) God save me from that fate….

This evening I watched ‘The Guy from Galifrey’ do it again… Saving another entire civilization and fathering a grown up daughter in the process (don’t ask!…) … Quick Reality Check please!… Ok it was David Tenent acting and it is Fiction…

All the same it is very moral and fun.

If only we had a Timelord to save our World… I am afraid it is down to us to secure the happy ending.  That is why I am in public life.  Well one reason.  And despite all the things going on in our world I still beleive in a ‘Happy Ending’…

Lets have one…

I’m interested in the proposals to restrict traffic flow in George Street and opening up London Road and Russell Street to 2 way… Let see how the experts think that one works. 

I don’t like the idea of opening up the top of the High street but could be convinced.  Moving on-street parking is another interesting idea.  What I think is essential is linking the Town Centre to the Canal Corridor. 

One thing that struck me is that Stroud has a tradition of ‘Public Consultations’ and then the ‘Powers that be’ go and do what ever they like anyway!… So The Liberal Democrats will (or I shall reign fire and brimstone down on them) campaign for accountabilty in this Public Realm strategy process.

But why not tell us directly what you think?

Maybe.

A win in North Carolina and a narrow defeat in Indiana more or less seal it for Barack Obama.

Hilary is running out of support, money and time…

So if the Democrats have any sense they would urge her to drop out gracefully. 

We may have to wait a bit longer to see the first woman President of America, but there is a real chance now to end the Conservative grip on the White House, with the first Black President.  We need a world leader who can lead the fight against climate change, help to end world poverty and the war on terror…

Obama is that man

55% of Labour supporters want the Prime Minister to resign.

Has Gordon lost his Flash?

With the closures of local Post Offices after a typcially New Labour Sham Consultation feelings are running high here in Stroud.

Its not just that the Labour Government is appearing to be incompetent, they are acting with incredible malice…

Stroud is a marginal seat Mr Brown.  Why not Go before you are sacked…

I went to Hawkwood College yesterday.

Very interesting it was.  I liked the idea of processing sewage via reed beds etc… I also liked idea of a ‘community farm’… although not sure how scalable it would be…

Stroud is well known for its ‘Alternative’ Culture.  I am a bit of a ‘green’ at heart too!… but not a all a ‘Green’ if you understand me?… Lib Dems, Socialists and even Tories are starting to ‘implement’ (not just talk about…) ‘green’ ideas…

I said it before but if we wait for the Green Party to come to power before we tackle ‘Global Climate Change’ then we are all doomed.  It will take to long… yes get involved with politics, but be realistic (and pragmatic) in choosing the ‘political vehicle’

I would argue that the Greenish of the 3 main parties is the Liberal Democrats…

I am looking forward to beginning another ‘political year’ with tempered enthusiasm.

I will try and learn from the recent past but not dwell upon it… It is time to move on.  Got to sort out a ‘Post Box’ in my ward…yep that’s the issue of the day!… but not quite sure of the details and I would not broadcast them if I did know. 

Bit of change from dog smellies!

Back to work Tuesday.. boo!… well I do like my job.  I seem to be good at it…?!… But politics and perhaps writing are my first and second ‘loves’… Earning money is a essential part of life though. 

I enjoyed a quiet evening worship at my local church and then a not so quiet beer festival at the Prince Albert tonight!.. well I only drink non-alcoholic drinks but I was concerned about the CO2 emissions from my lemonade… nuff said!

Tomorrow I want to take my parents out to the Hawkwood College Open Day.  I am interested in large vegetables…(don’t ask!) but should be fun.  ‘Very Stroud’…

 Politically where do I stand?  Still mulling it all over really. I am a Town Councillor and I will continue to do that job to the best of my ability.  I need to think carefully (and prayfully) about my next move.  Fortunately I’m only 33 years old and it that sense, time is on my side… So as they say in the movies, ‘The world shall see me again… ha ha ha!…’ (Oh dear what did they put in that lemonade?!)

To go into politics one has to have a thick skin, but also a ‘Great Heart’… I hope and pray I have both… 

In the last two months I have started a hectic Test analyst position and fought an extremly tough target seat (Rodborough District Ward)  I have coped with personal problems as well and I have succed beyond a lot of peoples expectations.

So ‘what makes me tick?’ 

I am not a great extrovert.  I quake every time I have to speak to a group of more than 5 or 6 people.  I get ‘nerves’ in new social situations.  I can’t remember faces or names or anecdotes… So why do I put myself through it all?

I will tell you.  I have experienced such ‘Darkness’ in my life … I have seen and been in situations which I would term ‘My personal Hell’… I know of people who still in that state of mind / being…

I do Politics because I can… If I don’t stand up for the weak and suffering who will?  Who else understands as well as me? What would be the point of my life if I took the easy route? 

All very dramatic.  I hope not sounding melodramatic… I love my life, my liberty, my family and friends and I have very strong faith.  And I want everyone to have the same Freedom.

 That is enough.    

well I came within 51 votes of winning… 2nd place aint so bad… Sob!

 The results in Rodborough were 516 Tory, 465 Lib Dem (me), 446 Green and 172 Labour… We didn’t get our postal vote campaign sorted and we didn’t squeeze the Greens… But there is always next time.

I did enjoy the campaign.  I love meeting people and sorting out their problems.  What do I do next? Well I don’t believe in mopeing around so will be back in action very shortly!  The fact that I have started an extremley hectic day job and ran a target seat campaign bodes well for the future…

As I said in my speach at the Count, “I’ll be Back!…“

Polling day tomorrow… After years of work my team and I are pretty darn ready… But it is close (as I keep saying!) so if you want a lib dem in Rodborough then go out and vote for me tomorrow…

 Why should do such a thing?

I have lived in Rodborough for years (8 years at my current address at lightpill) We have spoken to over 70% of the electorate in the past year.  I know the issues and concerns you have as only a local would.

We have been working hard for you for many years now and put out the regular ‘Focus on Rodborough’

And we won last May….

 If you like our record and want active local councillors representing your interests then please vote Lib Dem…