Our Chosen Few

Here's what they said about themselves in the papers before the election.

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Greenhill & Eddington

Robert Bright, Conservative

Occupation: Businessman. Rob has been a city councillor for eight years. His priorities have been to champion the cause of the people with the constituency work he does in the area of housing and social issues. His son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren live in Greenhill.

David Hirst, Conservative

Occupation: None stated. David has represented you at Kent County Council since 2001. In today's world it is clear that membership of both Kent and the city councils enables more to be achieved locally. His priorities are providing the cost-effective services you need, safeguarding our pensioners and improving the environment and quality of life.

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Herne & Broomfield

Evelyn Bisset, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. My one joy has been living in Herne, a lovely village and people. I am also lucky to live near Herne Bay. I just love Mortimer Street and the private shops and even the larger stores. The future looks inspiring.

Sharron Sonnex, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. Since being elected I have gained a wealth of knowledge both from the training I have received and practical experience. I have a Citizens Advice Bureau background which enables me to work with the public resolving benefit and housing issues.

Peter Vickery-Jones, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. I am proud to represent Herne and Broomfield. I have always tried my best to resolve local issues and if re-elected I am determined to continue working on them. I can be a nuisance and I know I get it wrong sometimes but no one can ever accuse me of not being fully committed to representing you. I am active with my support for the family fun day, carnival float and for Santa's float every Christmas. I apply commonsense to any issue and will not promise something I know I cannot deliver.

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Heron

Andrew Cook, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. Andrew moved to Herne Bay in 1986 having had fond memories of the town from his childhood. He went on to bring up his three children with his wife Alison (who is a local school teacher) in Heron Ward and is currently celebrating 20 years of business in the town. He is the founder member of the Beach Hut Association and has key roles with the Friends of the Museum and the Friends of the Memorial Park. Many will know him for fighting to keep the visitors information centre and museum and getting domestic waste sacks removed from the streets.

Joe Howes, Conservative.

Occupation: Education officer. Former secondary school teacher Joe spent his childhood here but returned 13 years ago after university. He is married and has three children all at Dane Court Grammar School. He works at the Parish Church of St Mary of Charity, Faversham. Education is an issue that he feels passionate about and he sits on the Independent Appeals Panels for Schools.

Ron Flaherty, Liberal Democrat.

Occupation: Magistrate. Ron has lived in the town for 25 years and has been a Heron Ward councillor since 1991. He worked at the University of Kent until 2001 and now concentrates on city council work including licensing and personnel. He is also a magistrate.

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Reculver

Ann Taylor, Conservative.

Occupation: Housewife. I am married with two grown- up children and four grandchildren. I have lived in Herne Bay, on and off. for over 60 years and have seen the town develop from a seaside resort that attracted many caravan owners to a town that attracts day—trippers from surrounding towns. I attend St Andrew's Church in Hampton. I help at a club for primary school children run by the Family Work from Christchurch. I enjoy taking the family dog Alfie for walks.

Jennie Edwards, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. I am 25 and have lived all of my life in Herne Bay. I am passionate about the town and heritage. The regeneration project is the way forward. I have been an active member of the carnival committee for five years and support several animal welfare charities.

Gillian Reuby, Conservative.

Occupation: None stated. I have lived in Reculver Ward for over 35 years and have had the honour to represent the ward on Canterbury City Council for 20 years. Public open space is very precious and I will continue to fight for this. I am chairman of the Friends of the Downs Group. I have helped provide the Bishopstone Glen steps and bridge; upgrading of the Burton Downs Play area: the coastal footpath resurfacing; the Shopmobility Scheme for the town and new bus shelters. I supported residents in their fight against night flights into Manston.

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West Bay

Sebastien Byford, Conservative

Occupation: Quantity Surveyor. Sebastien has lived in Herne Bay for almost 30 years and studied at Canterbury College. He believes Herne Bay is a lovely coastal town and supports its regeneration.

Peter Lee, Conservative.

Occupation: IT consultant. I would like to continue to represent the people of West Bay and drive forward the Herne Bay regeneration plans on which we have made a great start. I would like to be able to see the project through to completion.