John has lived in St. Ives for 35 years and is married to Helen and has a son, William, who was a student of St. Ivo School. Having served in the RAF, John now works as a seiour Geophysics Engineer for Gardline Marine Sciences. He loves St. Ives and finds that the greatest part of the infrastructure is the people and their interest in local politics. He was involved in the campaign to save the Corn Exchange, and his wife, Helen, is a trustee.
“Jonathan is noted in St. Ives as the force behind the very successful
Youth theatre , his inspiration and motivation has helped many children with direction and confidence towards their later education .
His work as a town councillor in St. Ives is unremitting , his
teaching background an obvious aid in local politics where
Jonathan’s common sense approach , drive and vision will make
a real difference in the future machinations of the District
Council.”
Seconder: Elisa Kenton-Howells
Elisa has taught at a local secondary school for over seven years and is head of RE. She has recently moved into St. Ives and lives in the town with her young family. She is actively involved in community cohesion and as an advisor to Anglia Television on cultural diversity and inclusion.
“I believe in Jonathan. I believe he has a genuine commitment to our community and the people that make it up. He has no other motives but to listen to our concerns and ideas, and do his utmost to ensure that our needs are met. This is why he can count on my support in the coming vote.”
Paula has lived in central St. Ives since 1974. She is one of the Directors of the Corn Exchange and was instrumental in the campaign and the work of ACE. Among many other activities in St. Ives she has been very involved with St. Ives Festival Events (Fest).
“I believe that local issues should not involve party politics and that independent representatives are more likely to take the concerns of the local community regarding issues such as planning and neighbourhood development more seriously. I first met Jonathan when he was setting up the St. Ives Youth Theatre and believe he is the right person to represent our town.”
Nominator: Ariff Muhammed
Ariff has lived in St. Ives all his life, and is a local business man in town.
“I believe we should have more independent councillors. I have seen what they have done in the town since being elected to the Town Council, and I think Jonathan, as an Independent would be a great voice on the District Council. He supports local businesses and understands our concerns. He has my full support.”
Nominator: Cherry Durrant
Cherry is a genuine St. Ivian, and is a well-known and widely respected retailer in the town.
“Through his work in the town, Jonathan has shown himself to be a man with the enthusiasm and ability to make things happen and the integrity to stand up for the public interest rather than accepting a party line. St. Ives has a history of independent thinkers and we need more of them on the District Council.”
Nominator: Ian Dobson
Ian is a proud grandfather and has lived in St. Ives for 23 years. He is an Independent Town Councillor, has served the town twice as Mayor, and is currently Chair of the Amenities Committee. He has been one of the leading campaigners to save the Corn Exchange and is the current Chairman of ACE – Friends of the Corn Exchange.
“The reasons I support Jonathan are many, but chief among them are his campaigning zeal and energy and his wonderful ability to communicate his ideas and views; his sure sense of what is right and what is wrong and his understanding of what Community really means.”
Nominator: Sally Merson
Sally is a primary school teacher in St. Ives and has lived in the town for 22 years. She is a musician and violinist for COSI, the Chamber Orchestra of St. Ives.
“I have known Jonathan for a few years now in his capacity as Artistic Director of the St. Ives Youth Theatre. I know he will work to the best of his abilities to serve the people of St. Ives. Standing as an independent Candidate, he is able and willing to look at issues from every angle and is not constrained by the views of any particular political party.”
Nominator: Rikki Anderson
Rikki has lived in Church Street, St. Ives since he was born. He is a former student of St. Ivo School and currently works as a joiner for a local company in town.
“I’m supporting Jonathan. He taught me German. He was a great teacher then and a top guy. I know of his work with young people in St. Ives, and I believe he will be a great voice for the local community.”
Nominator: Kay Zouhair
Kay has been a resident of St. Ives for the past 17 years and got to know Jonathan when her son joined the Youth Theatre eight years ago.
“I witnessed first hand the amazing work Jonathan did bringing out the talents of local young people and supporting them in many different ways. He currently runs his own business and has a variety of teaching roles, but is never too busy to listen to the views and problems of local residents. He is in touch with people of all ages. I believe that he has the best interests of the people of St. Ives at heart and will work hard to bring about positive changes.”
Nominator: Tom Bletsoe
Tom has lived in St. Ives all his life. He was recently elected as Independent Town Councillor for St. Ives South, and is believed to be the youngest elected representative currently in Europe. He is a 6th Form student at St. Ivo and studying for A Levels and has been a member of the St. Ives Youth Theatre since he was in Year 7.
“I have known Jonathan through being a member of the Youth Theatre since I was 11 years old. I supported Jonathan in his campaign during the General Election in 2010, and have followed the Independent movement in St. Ives. I feel that we need an voice for St. Ives at District level free from party politics and Jonathan is ideal because of the skills he has shown at Town Councillor and his position as a community figure. He is committed and is a very inclusive person, happy to listen and talk to anyone, regardless of their social position or age. I am confident he will use these skills to the benefit of everyone in St. Ives.”