Bill Cumming
Scottish Labour Party
As the other Scottish Borders Labour Party candidates are doing elsewhere, I am standing in this election because we want people to have the opportunity to vote for a Labour candidate, giving the widest choice in Hawick and Hermitage for many years. Having lived and worked in Hawick for over 30 years, I can see what is needed to reinvigorate this ward. But we need co-operation to bring about the change needed, not the in-fighting and points-scoring that appears to supersede everything else.
Of particular importance in this ward is the standard of services that people expect of their council, the creation of more jobs and the state of the roads. And a new railway must be part of an integrated transport system, not the be-all-and-end-all of it. Michael Grieve and I will argue for these and more, to improve this ward.
Frank Little
Borders Party
Hawick was home to my father and grandfather and I care deeply about what happens here and in the wider Borders.
My focus is on boosting jobs, protecting our landscape and local traditions, improving schools and making local services more accountable. And without bringing national politics into the council chamber.
We must clean up our great High Street and promote Hawick’s unique heritage. We need a visitors centre with shops to show off our world-renowned knitwear, and a decent hotel. The best Common Riding in the Borders should be better publicised, along with our rich cultural theritage.
Farmers in Hawick and Hermitage form and maintain the beautiful landscape enjoyed by walkers and the ride outs. We must ensure rural businesses are not burdened by red tape or sluggish planning.
After 35 years in higher construction management, I now want to work to improve life for the people of Hawick and Hermitage.
Ron Smith
Scottish Liberal Democrats;
It has been a privilege to be involved in such a wide range of issues over the past five years. I ask voters to allow me to continue with such matters as flood protection, timber transport and the promotion of tourism, but my first priorities will be the regeneration of Hawick’s High Street, and the protection, even enhancement, of our environment. Let’s make this a location attractive to employers.
I believe that decisions for Hawick and Hermitage should be made locally, and am enthusiastic to build the role of area committees, hopefully with local planning decisions being part of the business, where townsfolk can see, hear and contribute to discussion.
I recognise the expectation of efficient council services. While considering the big issues, we should never lose sight of what most affects the daily life of Borderers, and I will do my best to see that services are the best available.
George Turnbull
Scottish Conservative and Unionist
I am 60 and have been married to Morna for 40 years, we have two sons and I currently work on the care support team at CIC in Duns.
I served on the former Roxburgh District Council for 11 years, on the former Borders Regional Council for 18 years and for the last five years on Scottish Borders Council serving as chairman of the Education and Life Long Learning for the last two years. I have a wide experience in local government workings.
I am too aware of the local issues that concern the electorate in this vast ward which covers such a diverse combination of town and rural areas.
You have voiced concerns over planning, dentists, ambulance cover, police and agricultural issues to name but a few. There will be three councillors elected in Hawick and Hermitage and I promise to work as a team member to benefit your ward.
Also standing: Kevin Ferguson, Scottish Green Party; Davie Paterson, independent; Tommy Stevenson, Scottish National Party