Clacks Council elections: Central Ward

Seeking re-election is Jane McTaggart of the SNP while the party is also running candidate Wendy Hamilton.

Jane, who was proud to have won the 2019 by-election, said: "Since that time, I've actively represented Clackmannanshire Central in the brief time I've had, including major capital investment at Craigbank Nursery School for the recently upgraded access road at Gartmorn Dam, agreement to install lighting at unlit paths to improve safety, I've dealt with almost 200 enquiries from Clackmannanshire Central residents, supported local organisations, individuals and initiatives."

She said she has been proud to have been serving as the older people's champion at the council, a role she hopes to take on again and extend if re-elected.

The candidate added: "The SNP are the only party who are standing enough candidates to take control of the administration following the election.

"We are fielding nine candidates. None of the other parties will be in a position to form an administration, they just do not have enough candidates; their promises and election hype can never be delivered."

Wendy Hamilton will also be contesting the ward for the SNP.

She said: "As a Clackmannanshire resident of over 20 years who has worked and brought my children up in the area, I understand the challenges that face us all as we go about our lives and how important health and social care, schools, our local community and council resources are in the area."

Wendy is standing for election for the first time, having worked in health and social care while juggling the demands of family life.

She added: "During this career I have developed a track record for advocating and achieving positive outcomes that put the people I support at the heart of decision making and policy.

"It is this mindset I will keep if given the opportunity to represent this ward."

Ballot papers will also feature three Scottish Labour candidates in Janine Rennie, Carolynne Hunter and Huw Sherrard.

A charity worker of more than 30 years, Janine is keen to fight for people's rights.

She said: "I will listen to what the community needs by being supportive and open.

"I will campaign for the changes people want. I am determined and committed and I will work tirelessly for the people of Clackmannanshire Central.

"I have years of experience of community activism, many contacts and experience of working with local authorities.

"Vote for me for experience, determination and the ability to fight for your rights."

Focused on tackling inequalities, Janine added: "I have the ability to operate at a senior level to influence change while being open, empathetic, ethical and honest. I will make sure there are excellent community facilities and that areas are well maintained.

"Let me know what is important to you. I will listen and take action."

Carolynne Hunter is a campaigner on issues both national and local such as the recently rising energy costs, a volunteer as well as mother and carer for daughter Freya.

She is promising to "care, listen and support" people in representing their voices and said: "I've lived in the Wee County for 45 years, for the last 12 years I've been campaigning for a better health service, for better rights for carers.

"I'm all about health and wellbeing, I do a lot of voluntary work as well, especially throughout the pandemic as a community champion."

She is keen to develop hubs in the Wee County to support people in a variety of areas to increase mental health awareness and ensure residents receive support in an inclusive way.

Carolynne explained hubs could also support learning in the community, providing a place where people can learn life skills.

The candidate, who spoke of the importance of increasing tourism in the area, is also keen to see the development of community gardens to support people and children living in poverty, while she also hopes to ensure council spending remains in the county with local contractors and employees benefiting.

Huw Sherrard is likely the youngest candidate to be standing, but he believes the council "needs fresh passion and momentum".

He said: "We've seen the effects that austerity has had on our county, both from the Tories in Westminster, and the SNP and Scottish Greens in Holyrood.

"Myself and my fellow Scottish Labour candidates want to offer an alternative: through championing initiatives like community wealth building approaches, already working for Labour councils elsewhere, I want Clackmannanshire Council to become more than just the arbiter of budget cuts."

With a background in charity and community work, as well as the army reserve, Huw is seeking to "bring my expertise and energy to championing communities".

John Hosie, Scottish Greens, is also hoping to secure a seat, with a "commitment to serving the local community in an open, honest, and transparent way".

He explained he is looking to put "people's needs first" and not be driven by "political point-scoring and needless division within the council's decision-making processes".

John said: "The Scottish Greens believe in local democracy and empowering communities, I want to encourage people to think global but to act local, I want to make that a meaningful statement and the focus of being a local councillor."

Looking to expand the influence of people in the decision making process through a citizen's assembly, he added: "The key changes that I will encourage and enable will begin with improving the operational responses and day to day relationships between council officers and local people."

The Scottish Conservatives have chosen Kate Mason to contest the ward.

She said: "It is my firm belief that at council level, it is most important to focus on what is best for the people of Clackmannanshire and to give support to any changes or developments which will fulfil these criteria.

"Political beliefs should not influence decision making.

"We live in a particularly lovely part of the country.

"If elected, I would be doing my utmost to bring roads and pathways up to the standard the area and people deserve.

"I also want to ensure that all halls and parks are well maintained and available for the enjoyment of the residents.

"I want people to be proud of their county."