THE Scottish Borders Council by-election for Leaderdale and Melrose takes place on Thursday (March 11) - and the seven candidates are vying for your first-choice vote.
In this article, we have published a pitch from each of the contenders.
They are: Jonny Adamson (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Mary Douglas (independent); Jenny Linehan (Scottish Conservatives); Michael Needham (Scottish Green Party); John Paton Day (SNP); Scott Redpath (Scottish Labour); and Karen Wilks (independent).
On polling day, voters will be asked to rank the candidates from '1' to '7' in order of preference.
Anyone who lives in the ward - and is registered to vote - can cast a vote. Melrose, Tweedbank, Earlston and Lauder are among the places within the ward.
The pitches below originally appeared in the print edition of the Border Telegraph on February 24.
Jonny Adamson (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
I’m fed up with local politics not working.
For 20 years, I’ve had an interest in the campaign to secure an indoor tennis facility for the Borders.
Last year, however, the project stalled and we were given little in the way of communication from the council on the decision.
As someone who believes strongly in creating opportunities for young people, and knowing the difference this facility would have made, I felt let down and frustrated.
Having engaged with hundreds of people across our community in the last year, I’ve learned my experience is all too common. People don’t feel heard on issues affecting them.
Instead of listening to communities, the current administration makes decisions without putting the needs and views of people first.
It’s not good enough, and certainly not what is needed as we look to rebuild from the pandemic.
So what began as somewhat of a single issue campaign for me, has grown into something much wider.
Our local services have been cut to the bone in recent years. Yes, there are funding challenges for all local authorities, but some of the spending decisions taken by this administration have been woeful.
As a result, too many of our roads are not fit for purpose, bus services are under threat, playparks are being closed, recycling services reduced, outdoor spaces are not always maintained and public CCTV systems aren’t being funded.
We can, and must, do better. This isn’t time for tribal party politics. We need a constructive approach that prioritises investment in our public services; ensuring better roads, protection of green spaces, more opportunities for active travel, greater support for local businesses and groups and resources for our schools.
An approach that always works to ensure that people’s needs and views are at the very heart of decisions affecting our community.
I know it’s possible and, if you put your trust in me, you’ll get a councillor who will work tirelessly to make it happen.
I promise to be an approachable, accessible, committed and energetic representative who will listen to you and make sure your voice is being heard.
Mary Douglas (independent)
I have lived on a farm in the ward for over 40 years.
My sons, who live and work in the ward, attended Melrose Primary School, as do two of my grandchildren. I worked for the NHS for most of my career before I retired.
I am chair of the Scotland Multiple Sclerosis (MS) council, and vice chair of the Borders MS Group. In addition, I am a Walk It leader in Earlston.
As a member of the community, contributor to and consumer of council services one of my priorities will be to challenge how and why vital decisions on the use of finance and resource, which affect us all, are made.
I, and many people I have spoken to, are concerned about planning processes.
Permission is granted for large residential and other developments, often in questionable locations, seemingly without consideration of or investment in, the vital infrastructure required to support them.
As is now evident, existing services are already stretched to capacity or facing cutbacks, including the NHS, education, social work, water etc. yet more extensive building is planned in the ward.
How, for example, was the land at Melrose Gait considered a suitable location for a large residential development next to the refuse centre, on polluted ground, with an inadequate road to serve it.
What consideration was given to the additional demands on the wider range of public services needed to support this scheme and its hundreds of residents.
The COVID pandemic has most likely changed the way we live long term, people are now working from home, many permanently.
Investment is needed in reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage, particularly in rural areas where signals can be unreliable, to support this new way of working.
Existing offices, shops and other buildings that may become empty as a result of the pandemic could be repurposed for residential use, with careful planning.
As we move forward the COVID Pandemic has made the most effective use of limited resources even more essential in the short and long term.
The Borders must emerge from the pandemic in the strongest possible shape to best support the community and businesses into the future.
I have no affiliation to any political party. I have always voted for who I believe can make a difference and contribute to local services.
I believe that with my experience in public services and a knowledge of the local community I can help provide a focus for the council on the issues and problems that are faced day to day by the people of the Borders.
Jenny Linehan (Scottish Conservatives)
My professional life as both a former procurator fiscal and local solicitor taught me two things: speak plainly and never try to second guess the lives of others.
Convincing you of my credentials to be your Scottish Conservative councillor for Leaderdale and Melrose is, therefore, a straightforward proposition for me: I will practice honest politics; I will do my best to find out what it is that you most care about and fight your corner.
Having lived in the ward for 12 years, I know how strong and varied our local Borders’ economy is.
We are lucky in Leaderdale and Melrose to have some of the best high streets in Scotland but they are under threat.
I know the value of small business to our economy; whether it’s standing up for farmers in Blainslie or supporting hotels in Melrose, to helping new businesses set up in Tweedbank.
I will work tirelessly to ensure they receive the support they need.
As this goes to print, the Scottish Conservatives have successfully pushed the SNP into a U-turn on extending business rates relief.
That’s the kind of action I want to see from our government, not the dither and delay that we’ve seen from the SNP that threatens livelihoods and stifles local enterprise.
The challenge isn’t just to our economy. COVID-19 has been tough on all of us.
With a vaccine on the way there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our NHS staff at the BGH have been fantastic.
I would like to thank them for all the work they are doing to keep Borderers safe and healthy.
As the mother of three children, education is another priority for me. Our teachers in the Borders have done an excellent job in difficult circumstances but the reality is they are being let down by the SNP government in Edinburgh, who would rather focus on independence than the future wellbeing of the next generation of Scots.
I believe that education should be our priority, not further constitutional division.
I will work with our fantastic Scottish Conservative team on the council to make sure Borders schools get their fair share.
Michael Needham (Scottish Green Party)
Michael joined the Scottish Green Party several years ago after reflecting on a future with the impact of climate change, war, nuclear and pollution as key national and global concerns.
Locally, however, the immediate priority is helping the Leaderdale and Melrose community to a Green recovery following the impacts of COVID-19 and considering how the new normal should develop.
Scottish Borders Green Party welcomes the climate emergency declaration and Michael would push the local council into changing the words of the announcement into actions.
Having studied the local development plan, Michael aims to drive environmental change with new builds utilising low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, regulation has delayed mandatory use of these systems until 2025 but we should show the carbon zero ambitions in the Borders together with improved local authority provision of electric vehicle charging facilities.
With a greater gap between income levels and rental / house prices and a lack of affordable housing within the Leaderdale and Melrose areas, it’s vital that any new developments at least complies with the minimum provisions agreed for low cost housing.
Michael would also aim to protect and improve local bus and train services throughout the Borders and ensure that the operators continue to work towards restoring timetables following the restrictions.
The Scottish Green Party was responsible for changes within the Scottish Government that will mean under 19s will soon get free bus travel throughout Scotland.
Other key local issues are: saving the high street with a shop local campaign, unemployment, which has always been more challenging in the Borders, together with people typically earning lower wages.
Michael is from Galashiels, has lived most of his life in the Borders and works in the contact centre industry; he is currently working from home and is acting co-lead GMB union rep and has been involved in national campaigning to make firing people to re-hire on lesser terms and conditions illegal.
Michael is a disability champion within the global organisation he works for and is involved in union policy change and disability discrimination.
John Paton Day (Scottish National Party)
Leaderdale & Melrose is the jewel in the crown of the Scottish Borders.
Then, I may be biased, having lived, worked and raised my family here for the last 40 years.
I have dedicated myself to standing up for numerous grassroots and vital voluntary causes that are close to the hearts of so many in our community.
From co-founding the ‘Borders Small Schools Network’ to chairing Earlston Community Council, I am proud to serve those who call Leaderdale & Melrose home.
It’s important that our representatives within Scottish Borders Council understand the needs of local people.
It is for this reason that I highlight the following three issues, on which I am seeking your vote next month.
The first issue is roads.
After yet another cold and wet winter our local roads require urgent repair and improvement – and this is not just dealing with potholes: we need to ensure all those using those roads can do so in the safest manner possible.
Next is rural housing. As a committee member of Scottish Borders Housing Association, I am ready and able to hold to account those in charge of building affordable housing.
I will call for increased investment to speed up the delivery of warmer, safer homes for all.
And finally, recycling.
It’s vital we are able to do our bit to protect the environment and leave our Borders beautiful for the next generation to enjoy; however, many of our smaller villages are currently without facilities that make everyday recycling accessible.
It’s for this reason I will be seeking greater provision of recycling points that are accessible to all our towns and villages.
Last, but by no means least, many of you will be familiar with the hard work and dedication of our much-missed colleague, Councillor Kevin Drum.
When Kevin passed away last March after a short illness his loss was felt by so many in our community.
Retaining this seat for the SNP will enable me to pick up where Kevin left off; continuing his legacy of putting others first and helping to build a better Borders for all.
Scott Redpath (Scottish Labour)
The impact of COVID over the last year has shown us the importance of working together and proved beyond doubt that it is through collective action, rather than constitutional arguments, that we can best face up to the great challenges of our times.
I am neither unionist nor nationalist but a socialist and I’m standing for Labour in this election because I believe that jobs, wages and public services are key to our recovery from the pandemic.
Born and bred in the Borders I’ve spent most of the last two decades as a shopworker, serving my community, getting to know the problems and challenges people face.
I’m an experienced campaigner and an active member of the shopworkers union USDAW.
I successfully campaigned for changes in the law to protect my colleagues from abuse and tackle the bad practices of employers who, sadly, too often sought to cut corners when it came to their safety and pay.
As a councillor I would campaign for a rise in the minimum wage to £12 and would push to ensure that the key workers who have stepped up so magnificently during COVID are recognised not just by rainbows and rounds of applause but by better working conditions and proper pay.
I would bring an independence of mind to the council chamber, campaigning for action to tackle the attainment gap in our local schools, ensuring people have the quality public services they deserve, pushing for a publicly owned local bus system that better meets our needs properly connecting our towns and villages and ensure that funding provided to SBC to assist people during and after the pandemic gets to those who need it most quickly and without red tape holding them back.
On March 11 vote Labour to help achieve these goals – together.
Karen Wilks (independent)
I am a volunteer support officer and session supervisor at Musselburgh Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Previously I have worked with Domestic Abuse Advocacy Service in the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Service and Victim Support Scotland – providing advocacy, information, emotional and practical support to victims of crime within the community and within the Scottish Criminal Justice System.
From living in and around Earlston for most of my life and being a parent of a young person in secondary school, I have the same concerns as every other parent has in relation to education, especially given this past year and the difficulties our young people have had to face due to the pandemic.
Currently I manage the general advice service within Musselburgh Citizens Advice Bureau. I have witnessed, as have other bureaux, a vast increase in the need for support due to COVID-19.
People being placed on furlough, loss of employment, businesses closing, requirement to self-isolate, reduced incomes, increase in demand for foodbanks and energy support.
I have the knowledge and understanding in relation to these issues and many more that are prevalent within our community.
My current and previous roles have taught me how to question, challenge those in positions of power on behalf of people in crisis and in vulnerable situations.
My focus has been to get their voice heard, get them the information required, aid them to empowerment all working towards as positive an outcome as possible.
I can and will draw on those skills, experience and dogeared determination, enabling me to confidently support local business, community groups, the individual, transport infrastructure, local economy and health in our recovery and continued growth from COVID-19.
Extra information
Polling stations for this by-election will be open as normal.
The council says that a range of measures will be in place to ensure that those who wish to vote in person can do so as safely as possible, including adherence to social-distancing guidelines and the wearing of face coverings.
Returning officer Rob Dickson said: “If anyone develops symptoms ahead of polling day, or is contacted by NHS Test and Protect and is required to self-isolate, then you can apply for an emergency proxy ballot up to 5pm on Thursday, March 11.”
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