THERE are seven candidates standing for election in the Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty ward. 

With the change-over to two wards being represented on the Cowdenbeath Area Committee through the deletion of the Lochs there will be at least two new members representing this seat.

The SNP’s Ian Chisholm has retired as Labour’s Mark Hood which means that two new councillors will be chosen from the seven candidates.

We will be giving the candidates, two from Labour, two from the SNP, a Green Party representative, a Conservative and an Independent candidate the opportunity to get their message across before polling day on May 4. 

Scott Campbell, Conservatives. 

ONE of the greatest failings of Fife Council is the lack of consultation regarding issues which affect our local communities. 
We believe communities know what is required locally and that Fife Council has shown little respect for the opinions of residents, particularly in smaller towns and villages. Consultation has often taken the form of residents being asked their views when decisions have already been made, such as the objections by residents to the Lochore Meadows development when Labour paid no heed to their wishes.
One of my first tasks, if the electorate chooses me to be one of their councillors, is to ensure that local views are sought, listened to and, most importantly, taken into consideration when decisions about local public services are in progress.

Linda Erskine, Labour Party. 

IN THE past five years Labour has invested over £20million in school buildings, equipment and reinstating the classroom assistant posts made redundant by the previous SNP administration. 
We invested £7.8m to help the most needy children and, in Lochgelly, commissioned the extension of the Sunflower nursery to assist families who need additional support with their children. I have supported staff and parents at Denend Primary School enabling the opening of two much needed nursery classes.
It’s recognised nationally that Fife has bucked the trend in failing attainment with great improvements in literacy, numeracy and academic achievements by ensuring the right teachers, leaders and resources are in place to deliver quality education.

James Glen, Independent.

COUNCILLORS rarely engage with residents in any meaningful way, while young people are completely ignored - except when they are singled out for condemnation for anti-social behaviour. There is plenty of best practice showing how young people can be supported, given access to local facilities and activities and the chance to develop opportunities and skills so that they become assets for our towns. The Community Action Plans created through extensive engagement with residents in the Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty ward reveal a common objective: the improvement of facilities and activities for young people. Yet Fife Council and Councillors have ignored this mandate. If elected, I will work hard to ensure we invest the time, trust, money and knowledge young people need. By working with them we will encourage them to take ownership of local youth-based projects.

Rosemary Liewald, Scottish National Party. 

I HAVE lived in the local area for nearly two decades and worked in education both at Denend and Cardenden primary schools. My husband and I raised our three children in Cardenden and have been actively involved in many local groups. My experience of campaigning for the SNP over a number of years ignited my passion for local politics and led me to join Cardenden Community Council which opened my eyes to local needs. The successor to Councillor Ian Chisholm has big boots to fill after a decade of service but I am determined to win your support. This ward needs a councillor who understands local concerns, decisions by Labour-led Fife Council have shown they are not prepared to listen to local people, cuts to the education budget, local concerns over the Meedies and cuts to local transport. Let’s elect a council that listens to people and protects local services.

Mary Lockhart, Labour Party. 

WHEN first elected last autumn, I asked Primary 6 pupils at Benarty Primary School what they thought a councillor’s job was, they said it was “to fix Benarty”. Asked what needed fixing, they came up with a frighteningly lengthy list. A councillor needs to get people houses; make the roads and pavements better; stop litter and dumping; make people pick up their dogs’ dirt and not let scary dogs jump on children; stop bullying; fix drains.
These are all issues which Fife Labour has been addressing. Three major problems were not raised by the children.  
The first was how the council consults and listens to citizens and communities, and responds to their needs. 
The second was the shocking impact which recent government welfare reforms and cuts to councils are having on families, and their ability to cope. 
The third was debt. If re-elected, I will be concentrating on all of these.

Ronnie Mackie, Scottish Green Party. 

I HAVE worked for the communities around Fife for the last 20 years, much of that time working with young people and disadvantaged groups. 
I joined the Scottish Green Party because I wanted to be part of a socialist organisation that believed in local democracy and putting people first. One of the key areas in helping to develop communities is improving housing stock. Existing housing should continue be to be upgraded by Fife Council to reduce fuel bills through better insulation and more efficient energy use. I would also like to see more social housing being built, especially on derelict land, to help towards lower rents.
I would like to see more co-operation between parties for the benefit of the public and, if elected, would hope to be a ‘voice of reason’ on the council. Please vote Scottish Greens to make this happen.

Lea McLelland, Scottish National Party. 

I WAS born and raised in Dundonald, lived all my adult life in Benarty and have extensive family links to Lochgelly so I truly am as local as they come. 
I am the only candidate with extensive links in each area of this ward, which I believe gives me a greater understanding of the people and what is needed locally. 
I am well known as a founder member and the secretary of Benarty Fundraisers community group, I am also an active member of Benarty Community Council.
I am passionate about community work and ensuring that local people get the services that they deserve. 
If elected on May 4 I will fully support community involvement and empowerment across all of Ward 8. 
I believe I can be a strong local voice at Fife Council.