Steve Howe: an independent councillor for Hoole!

An Independent Councillor for Hoole?
It's about time!

Dear residents and friends,
As you are probably aware, the people of Chester will soon be going to the polls to elect their councillors. I am therefore writing to you to introduce myself and to ask you to consider supporting my bid to become your independent representative for this, my home ward of Hoole All Saints.

Our councillors may differ greatly in their political persuasions but are certain to have at least one thing in common- that they will be members of one of the three main political parties.
I feel sure I’m not alone in wondering why this should so often be the case- what have the rivalries of party politics to do with our local concerns?

We ask our councillors to act on our behalf and they're sympathetic, often being able to achieve a great deal. But, when it comes to the crunch, they will always take direction from their party group. If the party disagrees with the people, that's too bad for the people.

Many residents feel their representatives are more concerned with promoting the interests of whichever political party they happen to belong to rather than those of the people who elected them to office. The people of Hoole have become frustrated and exasperated by the 'we know best' attitude of some of their councillors and their apparent inability to trust us with the crucial information we need to make our own minds up about local issues.

The CDTS busway scheme is a notable example on our doorsteps: inexplicably supported by local councillors of every party but opposed by the majority of the people they are meant to represent. What sort of representation is that- and where is the choice for the concerned voter?
For the last couple of years, our lives have been enriched by the presence of the cycleway and footpath which was laid along the bed of the old Deeside railway. It is of enormous benefit to the people of Hoole- at last, somewhere for families to walk and cycle in peace- safe, for once, from speeding traffic- and which we don't need a car to get to! We should be proud of it.
But will we still enjoy its leafy delights when it is fenced in and squeezed alongside a two-lane concrete track with buses whizzing by every few minutes? One doubts it.
A local county councillor recently referred to it as "cost effective and relatlvely inexpensive". Many local people would certainly disagree.

• We have been told that there is no funding for traffic calming in Hoole Lane but millions appear to be available for CDTS. Why?

• What will the planned 'complementary measures', designed to 'persuade' people to use the busway rather than Hoole Road, really mean for our residents and businesses?
Here in Hoole, we are blessed with a 'shopping village' that is surely the envy of other parts of Chester. Real shops, often family-owned, selling the things we really need- as well as fine cafes, restaurants and pubs, lovely parks and a splendid community centre.
In addition, we boast numerous home-based businesses and have a wealth of talent on our doorsteps, unrivaled elsewhere in the city. How could a transport system, designed to carry potential customers straight past us into the city centre, possibly be of benefit to Hoole?

• Away from the cycleway, where are those 'safe routes to school' we once heard so much about? Whether walking or cycling, our children remain unprotected from the traffic that speeds through our streets. I help to run the cycling proficiency scheme at St. James' School and worry about the dangers our children face on our ever-busier local roads.

So what can we do?
By electing a truly independent councillor for Hoole All Saints, you have the assurance that 'follow the leader' party politics will never get in the way.

My name is Steve Howe. I have lived, very happily, in Lime Grove for twelve years, raised my family and run my business here. My children go to school here. I am resident, businessman, parent, cyclist, walker, motorist. I buy my groceries and drink my beer in Faulkner Street.

I am by no means a 'one issue' candidate!

Right: Steve Howe with three of his four daughters. Left (rear) Io, who is studying at Aberystwyth University. Left (front) Cleo and right, Eve- both pupils at St. James' School in Hoole Lane. Eldest daughter Kama is married to Eric, a US naval officer and resides, together with Steve's first granddaughter, Emily, in Virginia.

I promise to serve you, the residents, businesses and schools of Hoole to the best of my ability and work with you in a spirit of harmony and co-operation. I will endeavour to establish the facts concerning local issues and to pass that knowledge directly to the people.

In this I already have some small experience. For several years, I have edited the award-winning Chester Virtual Stroll website which guides visitors from all over the world around our wonderful city, tells them something of its colourful history and discusses many of the controversial planning decisions that have been made on its people's behalf.

Since announcing my intention to stand for election, many local people have already offered me their enthusiastic help and support, for which I am most grateful. I am the first to admit I have much to learn.

In closing, I would ask you to imagine this: a council made up of ordinary citizens of all ages, who know and care about their neighbourhoods, their strengths and problems- and who speak up and work for them, unencumbered and uninfluenced by party politics.

It could happen! Entrust Steve Howe with your vote in May and let's make a start together, here in Hoole All Saints!

Don't hesitate to contact me- I would be delighted to hear from you!

25 Lime Grove, Hoole, Chester CH2 3HW. Tel 345099 Mobile: 0775 1521 600 Email: knowhowe@bwpics.co.uk

16th April 2002 Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you to introduce myself and to explain my reasons for standing on your behalf as an independent, non-party political, councillor for our splendid neighbourhood. The positive response I have received from so many of you has been most encouraging!
Unfortunately, a couple of days ago, I stupidly attempted to lift a large and heavy item but instead succeeded in injuring the muscles of my back...
Consequently, I will be forced to take a few days off from my campaigning efforts, for which I can only apologise.
I would, however, still be delighted to speak with any of you with a point to make, an issue to be raised or who wish to offer their advice or (constructive) criticism.
I would also, at this time, appreciate offers of assistance in distributing copies of my brief letter of introduction to the remaining homes in our ward. Interested readers throughout the rest of the city are also welcome to receive copies- just ask.

I look forward to a speedy recovery and to meeting the rest of you in the near future.