Green offers an alternative

There is an alternative in Rotherham. The Green Party is the party of hope and radical change, which is why I’m standing as a local councillor to win in Wath. I’ve worked hard for the local community: organising Wath Community Festival for 12 years, on the management committee at Montgomery Hall for four years, as a Governor at Wath Comprehensive School for seven years and in other ways, including leading the current efforts to save Wath Town Hall for the community. There’s a Green surge in membership and in the opinion polls and it’s perfectly possible that people will elect me or other non UKIP and Labour candidates in the more rural areas in May.

The Green Party stands for social and environmental justice, building a healthy, sustainable society free from discrimination, with democratic participation and accountability. It upholds the principles of seeking non-violent solutions to conflict as well as ensuring that decisions are taken at a local level as far as possible.

The success of a society cannot be measured just by economic growth, but should take account of factors affecting the quality of life for all people: personal freedom, health, happiness and human fulfilment. Isn’t this what we want for the people of Rotherham now and in the future?

David Williams said we need to think local and Green councillors could start the process of change so badly needed in Rotherham. Like him, I don’t want the current negative picture of Rotherham to continue — but it will if Labour continues in power locally or if UKIP gains control.

All adults have an equal vote — I hope everyone will use their vote in both the general and council elections next May.

Ann Roche, Green Party candidate, Wath Ward