Our candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Trafalgar Ward is Aaron Courteney-Smith.
Aaron has been a Horsham resident his whole life and has taken an active interest in political and the town for a number of years. He is looking forward to the campaign and, if elected, to serving the people of Trafalgar Ward to the best of his ability.
My name is Aaron Courteney-Smith and I am standing for election as a District Councillor for the Trafalgar Ward on the 6 May.
I have lived in Horsham all my life. I have often been struck by the scarcity of younger voices in local politics. I believe that your District Councillors should be much more representative of all residents and I hope this election will afford me a valuable opportunity for young people to take on some of this responsibility. Most Councillors are over fifty years old and are not best placed to give voice to the concerns of the younger generation.
I am a young engineering apprentice. I volunteered at a summer camp kids club for 3 years and have been actively involved in politics for the last two years. I wish to make a real difference for you, the local residents, by listening to and putting forward your concerns and queries to the Council.
These have been truly difficult times for us all. As someone who comes from a shielded family I understand the challenges and stresses this last year has brought us all. But also looking forward it has become evident that the sense of community is crucial and is something special that we should retain post Covid-19.
I promise that if I am elected I will be here to hear your concerns and work with you to improve Trafalgar Ward for the better with a good communal spirit.
I am totally opposed to any development taking place on the Rookwood site and would never vote for it. Rookwood and Warnham Nature Reserve provide a welcome green space which is very popular and loved by all. Horsham is the fastest growing town in West Sussex. Horsham Park and the few green spaces we still have must be retained for future generations.
If elected, I would be easily able to fit Council meetings around my career. I work in Crawley and would have plenty of time for attending Council meetings. Ensuring that your views are fairly represented would be my primary concern.
I am honest, genuine, keen and hardworking. I would welcome the opportunity to be one of your local District Councillors. I hope you will consider supporting me on 6 May 2021.
Aaron was selected by the Horsham Conservative Association following a unanimous vote by the Approvals Committee. The Chairman Adrian M Lee, was particularly impressed with Aaron's credentials and commitment;
Aaron stood out to the members of the Approvals Committee due to his knowledge of the town, his commitment to service and his desire to make a difference. A new face for Trafalgar Ward will ensure that residents are kept fully informed of all policies affecting them. I am certain Aaron will make an excellent Councillor.
Aaron was delighted with his selection and added;
I am really looking forward to serving the people of Trafalgar and representing them on Horsham District Council. As a young person, I believe I can bring a new energy and a new buzz and make a real difference to how Trafalgar residents are informed and involved in all aspects of Council policy.
The by-election for Trafalgar Ward is to be held on Thursday 6 May at the same time as the West Sussex County Council elections and the Police and Crime Commissioner election.