WITH political campaigning stepping up as candidates do battle to win vital votes in the race to Cardiff the candidates cone sting the Monmouth constituency in next week’s Assembly elections explain why you should give them your support.

Debby Blakebrough - Independent

It’s time for a fresh start for the Monmouth Constituency.

 For many years you’ve heard the same old waffle from party politicians.  You’ve probably been as impressed with their promises as you’ve been disillusioned by their failure to deliver.  You’re probably fed up with hearing politicians doing no more than repeat the party line.

 I’m not a member of any political party, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t get things done. As a county councillor I’ve achieved results by working with people of all parties and none. I always strive to find solutions, working not just for you, but with you.  Together we can achieve so much more.

 Not being affiliated to any political party means that I’ll be able to think, speak and act freely.  There’ll be no party whip to tell me what to do or say.

My focus will be entirely on the interests of the Monmouth constituency and its residents. In other words, on you.

 My background in nursing, social care, working with vulnerable people and in training and management, as well as being a wife and mother, have given me broad experience. That “real life” experience is crucial in properly understanding peoples’ needs and aspirations.

 I’ll bring that experience to find common sense solutions to some of the issues which cause concern in our area. 

Concerns like the need to improve the NHS, to re-open the minor injuries unit at Chepstow Hospital and to get the Welsh Government to make a decision on the proposed Specialist Critical Care Centre at Llanfrechfa. 

Concerns like the threat to absorb Monmouthshire and Torfaen into a new, remote mega-council, and the complacency of Monmouthshire County Council over the Abergavenny town centre redevelopment.

 Like the need to allow teachers to teach, and set them free from stifling red tape. The need for sufficient child care which is flexible enough to be worthwhile. 

Like the importance of helping our farmers and small businesses to thrive, not just survive. To make sure there’s decent broadband coverage.

That’s why I’m asking for your support, for a fresh start, on May 5.

Jonathan T Clark - Plaid Cymru

Our small businesses need to be championed, they need a level playing field to prosper, grow and create jobs across the constituency. With better public sector procurement our farmers and small businesses can supply quality local produce, goods and services to our public sector.

The constituency needs a decent reliable integrated transport system; I will fight for feasibility studies into the reopening of the old railway line to Usk and for a railway station between Little Mill and Penperleni. Our few railway stations need to be real transport hubs integrated with local bus services, with safe, secure affordable parking.

We need to retain small schools across the constituency. We need to cut (and then abolish) the Severn Bridge tolls, which are a tax on jobs, commuters and businesses. We need to develop community beneficial small-scale green energy projects so rural and urban communities can benefit. Residents need access to affordable housing so they can actually afford to live here.

I have previously contested Monmouth constituency in the Westminster Elections in 2005, 2010 and 2015 and the National Assembly Election in May 2007. I am also a candidate on Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales Regional List for the South East for the National Assembly elections in 2016, as I was previously in 2011.

I was born in 1966, in Newport, and educated at St Julian’s Comprehensive School, the University of Wales, Lampeter (BA Hons History), the University of Wales, Newport (MA Celto-Roman Studies) and Cardiff University (MPhil Roman Archaeology).

I have worked in information technology in SE Wales for the last 18 years, having previously worked for the Directorate of Public Affairs and Internal Communication in the Metropolitan Police Service, before that I was a trainee journalist in South East Wales. I am a keen hill walker and supporter of Newport County Football Club, and The Gwent Dragons. I am married to Maria, and live in Newport.

Catherine Fookes - Labour

I have lived in Monmouthshire for 15 years and always campaigned for change – at ActionAid to give girls access to education, at Sustain on environmental issues and in the Wye Valley for better school meals. I am currently Campaign Manager at the Organic Trade Board.

I am standing for election because the UK, one of the richest countries in the world, is not tackling child poverty. The number of homeless people has escalated, and the huge cuts imposed by Westminster have led to a shameful rise in inequality. I am angry because of the effects on our area.

The Monmouth constituency has much to offer, but issues like education, transport, housing, jobs and health services desperately need new energy.

Since becoming Monmouth Labour Party’s candidate, I have tried to meet as many people as possible.

In Abergavenny I have talked to countless business people, voluntary organisations, community groups and schools.

I joined a number of local campaigns including the fight to save Deri View Special Needs Resource Base.

I pledged to help ensure that rural businesses and residents have access to a fast speed Internet. And earlier this year, I wrote to the CEO of Morrison’s supermarkets to ask about their intentions regarding the old cattle market site. The company has not replied yet, but I’m determined to keep trying.

It is vital for people to vote for Labour as the Welsh Government’s record has been excellent. Jobs Growth Wales has created over 110 thousand apprenticeships and 15 thousand jobs. And last year Wales recorded the best GCSE and A level results ever.

My key ambition is to bring investment into the constituency and create more jobs. In my current role I’ve secured £1.5m investment from the EU. I can use those skills and contacts to bring investment into this constituency.

Veronica German- Welsh Liberal Democrats

I am standing for election because I believe people want an Assembly Member who, like them, is ambitious for Wales, and thinks we have been let down by a Labour government who have failed to get the basics right.

My priorities are your priorities: more time for NHS staff to care for patients by putting more nurses in our hospitals and communities; smaller class sizes giving teachers more time to teach our children.

Our local economy is broadly based – but we have to ensure that government does all it can to support our local businesses and develop inward investment creating an ‘Opportunity Economy’, so that incomes rise and there are quality jobs and affordable housing available for our young people.

We need to completely reform business rates and scrap the tolls on the Severn Crossings as soon as possible.

Food, farming, services and manufacturing, all need the support of an Assembly Member who will advocate and speak out for their needs. But we also need better public services, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of our community.

It is unbelievable we are still waiting for the Critical Care Centre in Llanfrechfa, after Labour promised a 2013 start.

I have been campaigning in this area for over 30 years and have been a local county councillor and an Assembly Member for this region.

However, I believe that my experience as a teacher in the area for over 20 years and living in the community is just as important, if not more, than any political positions I have held.

I work as the Chief Executive of a charity working with Wales and Lesotho in southern Africa. I want Wales to be an inclusive and outward looking country showing compassion to those in greatest need.

Even in opposition Welsh Liberal Democrats secured more investment in our schools and thousands of new apprenticeships by using their influence in the Assembly.

A vote for Welsh Liberal Democrats is a vote for your priorities and a dynamic, innovative Wales. A Wales that works for you.

Nick Ramsay- Welsh Conservatives

As many of you will already know, I was born locally and live in the village of Raglan. It’s been a privilege to be your Assembly Member for the past nine years.??

During that time I’ve represented many of you, made many friends and had the chance to work with a large number of local people and charities including the amazing NH Sound, Raglan’s Raise the Roof, Usk in Bloom and of course the legendary Keith Davies - Abergavenny’s very own Elvis.?

?I’m standing for re-election because I love this area, its heritage and its people and I believe it’s vital that Monmouthshire continues to have that strong, clear voice it deserves in a Labour-dominated Assembly.

Labour have been in power in the Welsh Government now for 17 long years. It’s time for a change.??

This is my home and the home of thousands of hardworking people. That’s why I want to “Save Monmouthshire” from Labour’s plans to abolish us and merge us with neighbouring local authorities.

This would be disastrous for our local identity and would push up levels of council tax.??I love visiting Abergavenny’s Food Festival and want to see rural communities better supported by cutting red tape for our farmers and properly tackling Bovine TB.?

?I’m also campaigning to protect the NHS budget, to introduce a cancer treatment fund and tackle waiting times. I oppose any downgrading of Nevill Hall Hospital.??

We need to boost the local economy by sorting out poor broadband connections and by cutting  business rates for all our small businesses.??

I oppose any increase in the number of Assembly Members at enormous cost to the taxpayer. I’ve also spoken out against the proposed £10,000 pay-rise for AMs and will donate it to charity if re-elected.

Let’s vote to Save Monmouthshire!

The following candidates will also be contesting the Monmouthshire seat but although invited have not

submitted a contribution to this article

Stephen Morris - English Democrats

STEPHEN Morris is currently the English Democrats NW Chairman and NW Representative for the Workers of England Union.

Tim Price- UKIP?Wales

TIM was born in Middlesex but grew up in a rural community in West Wales from the age of nine. He is married to Julie and they live in Newport.

Christopher Were - The Green Party

Chris Were has been returned as the Green Party’s candidate in Monmouth for the 2016 elections to the National Assembly of Wales, as well as a list candidate in the South Wales East region.

Chris Were has enjoyed living in Monmouth for most of his life. He works as an open-source software and online video consultant, working with individuals and businesses from around the world.