Polls open for the 2019 local elections in less than a week.
This week Bracknell News will be bringing you statements from candidates standing in all 18 wards.
Scroll down and you'll find out a bit about who your candidates are, why they want to be elected and who they're standing for.
In Crowthorne ward, voters will be asked to choose two councillors from the list on their ballot paper.
You can find your nearest polling station at the bottom of this story.
Residents can vote from 7am - 10pm on Thursday, May 2.
Candidates:
Kate Cameron-Daum (Labour)
"The role of representing the views of Bracknell Forest residents is of great importance. I myself have a special interest in environmental issues such as air quality and also matters concerning health, particularly how unpaid carers are coping at this time of massive cuts to the Local Authority Budget.
"Living in Crowthorne for nearly nineteen years, my elder children having attended local schools, I bring with me my experiences of working as a Special Educational Needs teacher, my work both as a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau and in environmental protection, as well as being a Health Care and Support worker within the NHS and provider of domiciliary support.
"I believe it is extremely important that Bracknell Forest Council works towards eliminating carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and becomes a beacon of hope at a time of impending climate change – the future of our children and grandchildren depends on this."
Tina McKenzie-Boyle (Conservative)
"My family and I have lived happily in the heart of our community since 1989 and are firmly embedded in the fabric of Crowthorne and our Borough. Since 2003 I have served Crowthorne as a Parish Councillor, Chairman for 4 years, and in 2015 also elected to Borough and Town Councils, using valuable experience gained there to benefit Crowthorne community. In 2017 I was elected Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, and as a Board Member of the Fire Authority, my mayoral charity was The Firefighters, raising over £52,000. And, as a Board Member, I have been fully involved in ensuring Crowthorne will have a new fire station, which will also house police and ambulance services, making our community safer. A great believer in Apprenticeships, I held a forum connecting Borough schools and businesses, emphasising another way our children can get a good start in life. As Chairman of the Major Development Planning Committee for Parish, continuing to oversee Buckler’s Park and Broadmoor, I will also focus on the new impacting developments, work closely with our neighbouring Borough to ensure these are supported by appropriate infrastructure; and work with, and listen to, our residents for a desirable outcome. I have a good working relationship with key stakeholders in Crowthorne: CVAG, traders, our schools, Broadmoor, Wellington College; I’m a strong supporter of C.R.O.W. Let’s work together to preserve and enhance our environment, green space and our future. A great place we are proud to live in and raise our families."
Jonathon Monger (Labour)
"My family is proud to live in Crowthorne. My career has seen me work across a number of large, international consumer goods businesses, managing large scale teams and multi million pound budgets. The experience I have of finding solutions to often complex problems is what will set me apart as your Councillor and I will use this experience to represent your interests. I want to do things differently and will be accessible. I will hold regular street surgeries so that I can discuss your concerns."
Stephen Pope (Liberal Democrat)
"I have always believed in the liberal ideals of a fair, free and open society, of local democracy working for the community as a whole rather than vested interests or decisions based on hard line political dogma. When my family and I moved to Crowthorne some 31 years ago it was the threat to the local environment that prompted me to join the Liberal Democrats. Along with others I fought hard and successfully to save Crowthorne Woods from the bulldozers. I represented the people of Crowthorne on Bracknell Forest Council 1995-97 and since then I have continued to work towards protecting our environment and the quality of life in the village. With the onset of major housing developments, we need to fight hard for the maintenance of the remaining green spaces which lie between Crowthorne and Bracknell to ensure that Crowthorne is still a distinct settlement and not just part of an urban sprawl. I am a member of St John the Baptist Parish Church and have serve as a Governor at Crowthorne C of E school. I am also working with a local Lions club helping those in need our community."
Christopher Sexton (Liberal Democrat)
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“Chris is a Chartered Management Accountant, whose working life was in the financial management of private businesses. Since retirement he has taken both an undergraduate and a master's degree in Modern History and Politics. He and his wife Pauline have lived in Crowthorne for 33 years, and their children all attended local schools. Chris has been a Liberal Democrat member for forty years, and was a Crowthorne Parish Councillor from 1995 to 2000. He is a passionate Remainer who anticipates an ever-increasing volume of complaint from Britain's youth, indignant at the loss of their European identity. His hobbies are walking, active membership of the Historical Association, and travel - both in the UK and abroad.”
Bob Wade (Conservative)
"As a resident of Crowthorne for 47 years; I have been an active participant in local village, church, school, scouting and community affairs. For the past 22 years I have been a Councillor for both Bracknell Forest Council and Crowthorne Parish Council and currently the CPC Chairman. Throughout this time I have tried to ensure that Crowthorne maintains its unique identity and sense of place. Recent Crowthorne and south Wokingham development proposals are substantial and potentially quite intrusive on our village way of life. As in the past, I am determined that any changes are harmonious and appropriately supported by the necessary infrastructure improvements. I am keen to cooperate with and promote the various village stakeholder groups; including Buckler’s Park and Broadmoor together with the Crowthorne & Wokingham Without Parish Councils liaison group. I have a strong desire to forge links throughout our village. This vision gave birth to the Crowthorne Eye Community Magazine 24 years ago. As Chairman throughout that time, I have enabled the voices of residents, organisations and businesses to be heard. Further, as Business Champion for BFC, I am an advocate for local businesses and will continue to promote their needs throughout the Borough and in our Parish. I have been a Board member of BF Homes (now Silva) and an Edgbarrow Governor both for 11 years; also, President of South Berkshire Scouts for 10 years. Apart from my Council work, I am a choir member at St John's Church; enjoy reading, walking and photography."
Nearest polling station:
Crowthorne Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne RG45 7BN
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