With thanks to Martin Ford.
Aberdeenshire Greens have launched their manifesto for the 2017 council election.
The manifesto sets out the priorities and approach for Green councillors elected to Aberdeenshire Council this May.
The Scottish Green Party is contesting five of the nineteen council wards in Aberdeenshire. There is currently one Green councillor on Aberdeenshire Council.
Rachel Shanks, Green candidate for Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, said:
“The more Green councillors elected to Aberdeenshire Council this May, the more influence they will have. We want to prioritise investment in education, better local public transport and protecting Aberdeenshire’s special environment.
“Inevitably, Aberdeenshire Council is going to face some tough challenges in the years ahead. Green voices need to be heard in the council chamber when the Council decides how to respond. The last five years have shown a Green presence has made for a better Council. We want to build on that this May.”
West Garioch Green candidate Richard Openshaw said:
“The election on 4 May is a local election. It’s about local issues, not national ones.
“We’re proud of the Green successes on Aberdeenshire Council since 2012, like funding for youth work, traffic calming, cycling and walking. Our manifesto for the next five years sets out what we will prioritise going forward.
“The forecast rise in pupil numbers in Aberdeenshire schools means additional resources for education are essential. I was appalled at the education cuts advocated by the Lib Dems and Conservatives in their proposed 2017/18 Council budget. Green councillors will give priority to spending on schools and resist education cuts.”
Mearns candidate Karen Allan said:
“I particularly welcome the manifesto commitments on road safety and tackling climate change.”
East Garioch councillor and Green candidate Martin Ford said:
“A significant number of proposals from the 2012 Aberdeenshire Green manifesto have been agreed by the Council and have become Council policy. Greens elected to Aberdeenshire Council this May will similarly seek cross-party support to get Green proposals adopted.”
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