Wednesday May 3rd 2017
Here are all the candidates standing in the Dalkeith ward. Three candidates will be elected as councillors. The methood of voting differs in a Local Election so click HERE for a quick reminder.
Jim Bryant – Independent
Jim is a former SNP councillor who is standing as an Independent this time around.
Midlothian View has been unable to get hold of Jim for a full profile.
Colin Cassidy – SNP
Colin was born and brought up in Dalkeith, where he lives with his wife and family, and is a well known face to many local people.
Over the years he has established a popular and prosperous tool hire company which his adult children now run with Colin taking a back seat. This has given him the opportunity to devote time to the community in which he lives. He is very community minded and believes in fairness and justice which are at the centre of his everyday actions.
His business skills will be an asset to the council chamber where Tory Westminster budget cuts are known to be causing so much distress and hardship locally. Colin believes there is a need to completely change the way the council delivers services in order for them to continue to meet our communities needs.
Stephen Curran – Labour
I believe local councillors should be embedded in their communities. I’ve resided in Midlothian my entire life, living in Dalkeith for the past 8 years and Danderhall for my first 25 years, I’m now 44. I’m excited about the possibility of assisting constituents and working with community groups and local businesses to help improve our community and community facilities.
I also have a passion for digital inclusion and its importance in today’s society. I am very keen to explore what the council does with its redundant computer systems and digital devices. Could they be put to use within the local community to reduce digital exclusion? It’s not just politics; it’s about our communities too.
If elected, I will continue to engage with our communities to help make a positive difference to the quality of people lives.
Margot Russell – Labour
I have served on Midlothian Council since 1999 and served as Depute Provost for 9 years.
My public duty has extended beyond local government. I sit on the Committees of Dalkeith Welfare Hall, Dalkeith Festival, Midlothian Voluntary Action and Midlothian Advice and Resource Centre.
I set up the Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Project in 2007 which offers somewhere for young people to a drop in and get involved in some activities which I think is very important.
I feel that I have made a difference during my time in local government and I hope to be re-elected to serve another term of office.
Jill Simon – Greens
I was born and raised in Midlothian. I’ve lived in Danderhall, Loanhead, Bilston, Auchendinny and Penicuik and many of my family live in Dalkeith.
I am standing as a Green Party candidate because I think only the Greens have enough commitment to tackling environmental issues and to a fairer, more equal society.
I have run my own business since 2008 and I’m passionate about making businesses sustainable. I have a wide understanding of the challenges faced and the benefits to gain when choosing to go green and how simple changes to policies could enable other businesses and communities to do the same. I will work hard to ensure more independent local businesses thrive in our town centres, creating more local jobs and self employment, keeping the wealth within our community.
I also think we need to do much more to ensure that children have equal access to education. From my own family experience, it’s clear that kids with additional or special educational needs are not getting the support that they need and deserve. I’ll campaign strongly for extra provision in those areas.
As a child I witnessed my community’s heart wrenching end to its industrial past and now we see its replacement with swaths of commuter houses. I remember the A720 opening and how it was deemed a successful solution to traffic congestion. Look at how short lived that “solution” was.
Now we are faced with more commuter towns being built with so-called “affordable homes” on our green spaces and more roads planned for short term congestion relief. It’s time for action. It’s time for local communities to have their say. The Green Party will ensure that local people have a proper say in decisions on developments proposed in their community.
That’s why I’m standing as Green Party candidate for Dalkeith.
Robin Traquair – Conservatives
Robin grew up in the local area, and attended school at Danderhall Primary and Dalkeith High. His family has farmed locally for four generations, which Robin continues to do. Robin is deeply attached to the community having both brought up his family and run business in the ward, and will be a strong voice for everyone in Dalkeith ward.
His priorities include boosting opportunities for local business and improving the facilities available to local people. Robin wants to be a strong advocate for families and to make sure improve local the infrastructure.
Gary Young – SNP
Gary lives in Midlothian with his wife and two young children. Following a couple of years as a “postie” he has pursued a career in adult nursing and has worked as a Staff Nurse with NHS Lothian for the past 15 years.
Gary is an accomplished piper and much in demand. He is also a keen sportsman and enjoys most sports.
Given the experience of his current job he is very keen to ensure that the NHS continues to be protected, and that essential NHS services are maintained despite the damaging budget cuts imposed on the Scottish budget by the Tory Westminster Government. He is passionate about healthcare in general and particularly care in the community.
Gary is energetic and will bring new ideas to the council. If elected, he is determined to make a difference and will work hard for the residents in the Dalkeith area.
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