Two candidates offer double benefit for Brunswick & Adelaide

 

Phelim and Ollie - candidates for Brunswick 2011

Photo credit:  www.stevegeorgephotography.co.uk

The Green Party has selected complementary candidates Phelim Mac Cafferty and Ollie Sykes to stand in the two seat Brunswick and Adelaide Ward in Hove at the city council elections in May this year.

Ollie is an environmental scientist with professional expertise in sustainable and greener living.

Phelim is a committed campaigner on social & equality issues, and a trade unionist.

Greens say that they bring together two distinct and important agendas for local people.

The area is held by councillors who support the Coalition Government and it is expected to be hotly contested on 5 May.

The Greens polled a strong second place in the last local elections in 2007.

Ollie and Phelim said, “We’re delighted to have been selected to fight Brunswick and Adelaide ward for the Greens and to grasp the opportunity to fight for fairer, greener, safer neighbourhoods.

“We fundamentally believe that the local Tory council has run out of ideas to keep our residents safe, and to provide a fair city in which to live.

“We urge you to consider voting for change and to opt for a party that won’t set about attacking the poorest for the bankers’ bailout and that won’t support a Government that has introduced the most savage cuts in public spending since the 1930s.

“In contrast, Greens say we need to defend public services and campaign for the colossally important post offices, bus routes, community centres and public amenities which are the heartbeat of our community. ”

“Like many of our serving Green councillors, we want to protect the brilliant small businesses and the special environment of the neighbourhoods in Brunswick and Adelaide.

“Making life easier for local shopkeepers who raise and keep money in the local community should be a priority.

“But we don’t just say this, Green Councillors deliver.

“Greens deliver real benefits to the city.

“We’ve helped communities overcome alcohol-related disturbance late at night and protect their green spaces and heritage buildings; we’ve fought for their vital public services defended their civil liberties and opposed all discrimination.

“We’ve consistently argued for fairer pay for all workers in the city.

“The election of Caroline Lucas in May last year signalled a turning point in history and we are delighted to be selected to fight for a party which ties environmental justice to social justice.

“We believe that such thinking is needed now more than ever.”

 

For more information on Ollie’s and Phelim’s campaign contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.

 

About Ollie and Phelim

Ollie Sykes is a senior environmental project manager at the Environment Agency, where he advises on flood defences and habitat protection. He has a background in biochemistry and a Masters degree from Brighton University in environmental assessment and management. He is a strong advocate of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing sea levels to rise.

Ollie is an experienced community development worker and has volunteered with community organisations in Sussex, advising on environmental and sustainability issues.

He lived and worked in Africa for a number of years, including a spell as a science teacher with Voluntary Service Overseas, but has been based in Hove for the past 10 years, where he lives with his wife Jo.

Ollie is keen to use his experience and scientific expertise to contribute to Brighton and Hove becoming a more environmentally sustainable city.

Phelim Mac Cafferty

Phelim works for the Institute of Employment Rights, a trade union think tank.  He is motivated to stand for election by his interest in equality issues, and human and employment rights.

A strong campaigner against government attacks on essential services, he has been involved in campaigns to defend Sussex University from cuts, to prevent the ending of the Education Maintenance Allowance for sixth-form students, and to stop job cuts on the city council.  Phelim currently sits on the National Council of the Coalition of Resistance, set up to campaign against cuts and privatisation.

Phelim is the Green Party national spokesman on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights; in this role he collaborates regularly with human rights campaigners across the world and has helped pioneer campaigns against bigotry in sport. He is well known in Brighton and Hove for his work against hate crimes and prejudice, and each year he co-organises Brighton’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

 

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