James Joyce
When I am out and about canvassing and delivering leaflets the two most frequent questions I'm asked are:-
"Why are you a Lib Dem?" and
“If elected, what would be your three main priorities?”
So, as to the first question, I am a Lib Dem because the party's beliefs are mine and form the heart of what I believe in. We believe in a fair and open society where, not dependent on wealth, everyone gets an equal opportunity in life.
And on the second question: for over 20 years Conservative failure has led to Gloucestershire's services, particularly our side of the river, never being in a worse condition. The three main priorities I want to see and come to fruition over the next four years are:-
(1) Fix our roads and buses.
It's time to rethink the highways maintenance contract and actually increase the number of buses, making sure no one is left stranded.
It's time to have proper forward planning so that when a known situation occurs, such as the yearly flooding near the Over roundabout, it does not come as a surprise and no one is left stranded.
Put infrastructure first, as its plain common sense. Before you build houses you need roads and schools to support them. New businesses need public transport improvements.
(2) Fight for our NHS.
Demand better access to GPs and dentists. Make more use of local hospitals. Support and encourage healthy living to prevent illness. Work with the NHS to end bed blocking and reduce ambulance waiting times.
(3) A care system that works!
Our Childens' Services cost over £100 million to just get an Ofsted judgement of "requires improvement." We need to get them back on track.
We need to support families, foster carers and our own staff so that they can deliver the best for our vulnerable children.
We will need to intervene in the market to ensure the best possible provision for our children, elderly and those living with disabilities.
About James
James lives in the Forest of Dean and is involved as a parent governor at Newent Community School, as a trustee of the Gloucester Sea Cadets and as a parish councillor. He is married with two daughters and worked in international advertising before retiring. He ran a small post office when it was faced with closure.
He was also deputy leader of Norfolk County Council for three years with responsibility for Childrens' Services. His other interests include cricket, old cars and the motor sport of hill racing.
