The end of the tunnel

This is probably the last time I shall post before the election, so final apologies for poor layout, no paragraphs and no pics. By tonight Richard Rout and I will have knocked on all 2,500 or so front doors in Abbeygate, delivered our election address and manifesto to all and shaken hundreds of hands. No babies heads have been kissed this time round. Our manifesto is 100% positive, and based on our record and desire to continue working for local people. Unlike our opponents there is nothing negative, and no one else is mentioned, let alone criticised. Yesterday I saw the LibDems latest leaflet for Southgate ward. The whole front page was about the County Council, and so was some of the back page. Poor old Stefan Oliver (not even standing in Southgate) was criticised over his brave stand re middle schools, while various vague green claims were made, forgetting that StEds is already greener than most councils. As usual the statistics were wrong. Under "The Tory Record" it said taxes "up 37%". In fact the StEds council tax rise inherited from the Lib/Lab/Independent coalition in 2003 was 9.9%. Today it is 2.9%. It said "Public Venue up £14M. In fact the scheme inherited from the coalition in 2003 was £16M and is now £4M less with an underground car park thrown in. I could go on, but as usual the LibDems have got it all wrong, and I doubt it is accidental. Whilst on leaflets, the "Independent" in Abbeygate (proposed by Labour campaign leader Mark Ereira - who was deputy leader of that coalition above) claims I "presided over the demise of the Manor House". In fact I supported campaigners when full Council took the decision in 2005. I was not appointed Cabinet member responsible for the political oversight of that decision until March 2006. I cannot leave without mentioning the poor old Green candidate, whose leaflet directs voters to the wrong polling station. What else in it is correct? Whatever the truth in these leaflets you can be sure of one thing. These candidates will not be able to change many of the things they criticise, and if they tried to it would cost you the council tax payer dearly. Conservatives have balanced good housekeeping with expanding services where possible, such as providing nearly 500 affordable homes since 2003 whilst saving £4M. The largest group of council tax payers pay StEds only £2.49 per week in council tax for all their services. Next time I post - win or lose - it should be with pictures. So watch this space on Friday...