Introduction

Welcome to my Website. On this site I will try to explain all about myself and the work I perform on the District and County Councils.

Who am I?

First and foremost I am your INDEPENDENT councillor for Avonside Ward and Holt & Paxcroft Divisions.  I am married with three children, and have lived in Hilperton since 1992.

I was elected to the District Council in May 2003 and to the County Council in February 2008. I have been an Hilperton Parish Councillor since 1995, I have served as Chairman since 1999.

If I had taken up the offer to stand for one of the political parties I would have looked forward to plenty of help and party funded finances.  However, standing as an Independent, I have a small number of helpers and all my costs are met from my own pocket.

Being an Independent councillor does not mean that I do not have political views, simply that I do not believe that national concerns translate well to local issues.

Why am I an Independent?

It is my belief that no party has a monopoly of good ideas and that local government depends on people of goodwill, people who listen to advice, argue and debate, are capable of arriving at sensible decisions on their merits for the good of the community, and are not driven by an higher party allegiance. 

Decisions should certainly not be made in advance at closed political group meetings. I serve the the people of Avonside Ward and Holt & Paxcroft Division without being restricted by party politics.  At present there are over 2,000 other Independent councillors in England & Wales who carry on the tradition of open and accountable local government. 

Too often the party politicians support schemes for which they can claim credit, rather than paying attention to the mundane chores like street lighting, rubbish collection and road sweeping that matter to most people.

Please remember. If you have a problem involving either Council, I am here to help

Ernie Clark