Leader of Douglas Borough Council Councillor David Christian has declared his intention to stand again in the local authority elections on Thursday April 26.
He will be contesting his seat in Hills Ward, which he has represented for 23 years.
First elected to Douglas Borough Council in 1987 he has been leader of the Council for nine years and policy and resources committee chairman for 10. He also chairs the local government pensions committee, the environmental improvements committee and the community events sub-committee and has been a magistrate since 2002.
Confirming his intention to seek re-election Councillor Christian, 47, said: ‘I have the experience and the ability to continue to contribute much to Hills Ward – and to the people of Douglas. A lot has been achieved during the last four years, but there is still a great deal to be done, and I have the same enthusiasm today as I had in 1987.’
Councillor Christian said he was mindful of the need to remain sensitive to the financial pressures being placed on households. ‘Since I was returned to represent Hills Ward in 2008 alongside two other councillors and re-elected Council leader I have been determined to ensure the Council secured a stable rate levy for the Borough of Douglas. To this end the rate set for the 2011-2012 financial year is staying unchanged at 387p for 2012-2013. Moreover, the rate has risen only 3.75 per cent over the past four years despite, during that same period, Manx inflation having increased by 13.2 per cent. I believe this alone demonstrates my commitment to serve the people in these difficult times as they seek to balance their budgets.
‘And, as a born and bred Manxman, a Douglas businessman and councillor, I believe passionately in the regeneration of Douglas town centre. It’s at the very heart of securing Douglas’s economic, social and cultural future for generations to come and I am proud to have helped drive the proposed new Cambrian Place development, which will, in the main, be self funded and is set to have a hugely beneficial impact on the town.
‘In support of regeneration I will continue to champion measures to counter antisocial behaviour – in particular litter and dog fouling - and pledge to work closely with the Council’s enforcement team and the police through the Douglas Community Safety Partnership to help raise environmental quality throughout the town.
‘I also believe that while new development schemes are needed to create more public sector homes it’s crucial our existing properties are subject to regular maintenance and upgrading to ensure we don’t store up problems for the future.’
Councillor Christian said he is standing as an independent. He explained: ‘I want to represent the views of the people, not of a political party.’ He continued: ‘I believe it’s important voters have the opportunity to see their candidates and in the run-up to the elections on April 26 it’s my intention to call on as many constituents in Hills Ward as I can to listen to their concerns and discuss local issues.
‘I entered local politics in 1987 because I wanted to make a difference, to get things done. I believe I have made a difference and I have got things done but I am confident I can make even more of a difference and get even more things done. I have invested 23 years in serving the people of Hills Ward. On April 26 I am asking them to invest their vote in me.’
