Daniella Radice officially announced this morning that she has been selected to stand in the election, which is due to take place in November.
Ms Radice has worked in both the public and private sector. She has been employed in the waste industry and by the Environment Agency, as well as by a private rail company and Network Rail. In these roles she acted as an environmental advisor, responsible for addressing issues such as pollution.
She has a green vision for Bristol, and hopes to build a more sustainable and equal city.
Alongside announcing her candidacy, Ms Radice has issued a mini manifesto, pledging to revolutionise Bristol's public transport systems, establish neighbourhood councils and create more green jobs in the construction and energy sectors.
Ms Radice told This is Bristol: "We want this to be about policies, not personalities. We've got a vision of a more sustainable city and a more equal society. We think more jobs is a crucial thing for Bristol.
"We want to raise money through local infrastructure bonds where we borrow money to invest in things like renewable energy. Community building is falling into neglect, and we need the money to improve it."
Another of Ms Radice's key policies is handing back control over academy schools to the council.
Ms Radice clarified: "The word 'control' is wrong. It's more about collaboration and getting all the education institutions to work together.
"Academies are spending public money, but they are private institutions. And how can someone in Whitehall monitor all of them?
"There are some brilliant schools in Bristol, they could all work together and share policies."
The Green Party also hopes to modernise the transport system in Bristol, paying particular attention to a transport hub at Temple Meads Railway Station.
"The transport hub is something we've been talking about for a long time," said Ms Radice.
"It's crazy that when you arrive at Temple Meads to get a bus you've got to walk for five or ten minutes. That's bad for people who cannot walk far, and many train passengers are elderly."
Ms Radice maintains it is vital to have "a full bus station where you can get right to anywhere in the city".
She added: "There's a plot of land lying there. We need all the buses from across the city. I have a friend who was trying to get from Easton to South Bristol hospital by public transport and she found it almost impossible."
Ms Radice also hopes to establish neighbourhood councils. Explaining the idea, she said: "We have the power to do this under the Localism Act.
"We have neighbourhood forums, called partnerships, where anyone can go along, but there's no democratic mandate, and we think we should get that democratic process down more locally.
"There would be more people elected per ward. They would have power over what's happening in their street. They would be more in touch with what's happening in their area.
"It's about reconnecting people with their democratically elected representative. People need more of a stake in democracy.
"People always complain about the low voter turnout, but it's no wonder."
Asked what she could offer that the other mayoral candidates could not, Ms Radice said: "There's lots of things. Firstly, I'm very good at bringing people together. I'd keep an eye on things that are going on; I'm a scientist by background, and I would want to know the detail and why things are happening.
"And I'm a woman. I think we need more women in politics. I'm also a mother, so I know what it's like to be home all day. I have also worked as a mother, and I know that's a reality for a lot of people."
Asked about her vision for Bristol's future, Ms Radice said: "We would like to see a city that is more equal, with more opportunities for disadvantaged people.
"A place where people are really proud of their city. We want people to have a stake in their city."
Polling website voteforpolicies.org.uk shows that a majority of voters – 23.70% - prefer Green policies to those of all other parties, but many see a vote for a small party as a wasted vote.
Bristol Green Party is encouraging people to see this election in a different light.
"With Bristol's mayor, you can vote with your heart and with your head," said Tess Green, Green Party councillor for Southville.
"For once this isn't about Westminster politics. Bristol's election is about Bristol's issues, and Bristolians can elect the person best for the job.
"The Green Party is in tune with the heartbeat of the city, and I'd encourage anyone who wants to find out more to read about what we stand for."
adelaide graphic designers call of duty world at war dedicated server special ed prank calls
No comments:
Post a Comment