Bohemia Village Voice  Bohemia Village Voice

For bohemians everywhere

Andrew Cartwright Labour Party

Andrew Cartwright.

Andrew Cartwright.

We first asked Andrew about his background.
Andrew: I was born in Stockport and studied at Hull University. In the 1980s I worked in Hastings as a computer systems administrator. I’ve been here more or less ever since. I was unwell for a number of years in the 1990s, and since then I’ve worked for myself in a number of jobs. Now I’m semi-retired. I live in Parker Road, in Ore.
Voice: What is your political experience?
Andrew: I’ve been a member of the Labour party since 1989, and a councillor for this ward from 2002 until last year.
Voice: What are the local issues?
Andrew: Most of the issues people raise are concerned with community safety and cleanliness, and also fumes and noise from traffic. But the biggest issue is antisocial or threatening behaviour and the underage drinking that goes with it.
Voice: What do you plan to do if elected?
Andrew: A lot of money has been spent on tackling antisocial behaviour in the town over the last five years. We need a review now to see what has worked and what hasn’t. There’s also a need for providing more activities for young people. As for planning, I’d like to change the system so that major developers had to consult with local residents and traders before submitting applications. The system is the wrong way round at the moment. I would also like to see environmentally friendly measures included in the forthcoming local development framework. The parking problems locally could also be alleviated by a number of small measures, rather than a grand scheme.
Voice: What distinguishes you from the other candidates, and what should we ask them?
Andrew: I’ve got experience of doing the job. I think you should ask the other candidates if they’re not local, why are they standing? And are they sure they can find the time and energy to do the job? Every councillor needs to spend a minimum of 20 hours a week in this role, and they have to compete with other councillors to get money for their area.

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