Why Voting Independent is Important
Alan Graves
The continuing expenses scandal and the economic crisis has left ordinary people disillusioned with MPs of all mainstream political parties. There is a clear public sense of alienation and disengagement with the existing system of political representation. Having read ‘The complete expenses file’ from the Daily Telegraph I have been bowled over by the sheer scale of claims. I am shocked by the arrogance of many MPs and the utter greed of others as are the majority of the public. Unsurprisingly, this phenomenon is not single party confined, it is widespread across the three main parties Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat.
To be an elected advocate of the people should be a privilege and an honour, but there is now a widespread perception that politicians are in public life for what they can get out of it, not for what they can put into it. It is a concern that the whole mainstream party based political system has given us an excess of MPs who represent us but are not representative of us.
Due to the constraints set by a remote central office, the ability of mainstream politicians to always act in the best interests of local people can be compromised. The general public have seen this time and time again and are unconvinced by them.
There has been a great deal of public interest in the likes of people such as Esther Rantzen who has expressed the anger that many people feel about this whole subject. There are a growing number of people, like Esther, who want to replace the incumbent but don’t want to join a political party. Esther has shown that you can give people another choice and in many ways a better choice.
It is among independent voters that the outcome of an election is determined and all the main parties are fighting hard to gain their trust. There is an assumption however, that voters need to vote for one of the mainstream parties. Well maybe the time has come for that to change. Maybe with Independent representation faith can be restored to our political system. It is surely more desirable that first loyalty must be to the aspirations of the people and community?
Independent
Working all year round here are some links to the local paper. Just click on them to view.
Fire Service Reduction plans for the City
Extradition rules need changing experience of 2 Derby lads
Alan Graves calls for ex council flats to be bought back
Fighting for local residents
Council want to discriminate against elderly. Alan Fights back
Hello my name is Alan Graves and I am an independent councillor on Derby City Council. I have been on the council since 1995 representing Kingsway and Alvaston wards. I am married to Ann and have 3 grown up boys and one grandson.
My Lovely wife Ann
I am passionate about representing Derby, Derby people and fighting to make Derby a better place to live.
I believe a government without ties to whips would make for better decision making, better representation of ordinary people and restrict underhand shenanigans such as have transpired in the MP Expenses row.
I started life in Coleman Street Derby where my Grandparents on my mother's side lived. I then moved around due to my father joining the army at the old Normanton Barracks.
My Dad
I am proud of my boys
My Eldest Son
At 16 I went to Wilmorton College to study business. At that time I lived with my Aunt and Uncle in Alvaston. Soon after I met and married Ann.
With my wife Ann I set up our first home in a council house in Alvaston. I have worked hard all my life with such companies as Hazlewoods, TC Harrisons and then joined a small firm where I am currently a director. We then moved to Littleover before settling at our current address. We have 3 boys, all grown up, and a one year old grandson
Some of my previous roles as a councillor and local servant include:
Serving on the now defunct Post Office watchdog committee
Member of the Woofers Museum Board (now the Mercian regiment)
Chairman of Scrutiny within the council
Cabinet Member from 2005-2007
National Council representative for Markets
Instigator of the BFit campaign in Derby
Arts Council member in the East Midlands
Alan in Latvia with Dave Birkinshaw, Matt Neale, the Latvian 2
Alan
Contact Details
Home Telephone No. 691512
Mobile No. 07736 782244
Email: alan.graves_derby.gov.uk
Cllr Alan Graves
26 Twyford Road
Derby DE73 7HA
A Couple of words about me
Sponsorship. Dear Reader all policital parties have access to vast sums for leaflets, deliveries and propaganda from unions, big business and the like. Independents have to fund information letters themselves as they will not be affiliated to any external influences as they guard their independence jealously so that they can represent their constituencies and constituents honestly and truthfully. Therefore, if you feel you can donate any amount of money to my campaign I would be truly grateful and it will help me get my message out to all 60,000 households. Please do not donate if you cannot afford it, I would however, appreciate your freely given vote on election day. Support Independence. Please email me on alan.graves_derby.gov.uk or call me on 01332 691512 or write to me at the adjacent address.
Ban the Incinerators
It is clear from the evidence that the proposed incinerators for Sinfin and Spondon will create toxic emissions.
Listening to Prof Connett last year and more recently on the 2nd Feb 2010 at the Moon Hotel nano particles are indeed extremely worrying for the health of local residents. The closer you live to these plants the more dangerous your exposure.
The Sinfin plant was refused at planning but it is evident that they will appeal as the council have signed contracts and need to fulfil their obligations within the contract.
The Spondon plant is yet to come to Planning and I suspect they will try and learn from the refusal of the first application making it more difficult to oppose.
The important fact is the oppostion by local residents, this is not Nimbyism this is the long term health and wellbeing of people.
I would urge everyone to support the ban on the incinerator!
Current Activity
Surgery Dates
28th April - Give Blood
6th May - Election Date
27 April
Southgate Community Centre 5-5.30pm
12th May - Joint meeting regarding Tesco
26th May - Mayor Making
Vote Independent - Vote Alan Graves
