Merlene Emerson
Building bridges between the Liberal Democrats and the silent majority
Greater London Authority
My Priorities
- Improving Londoners' quality of life - by pressing for more affordable housing, safer streets, improved transport and a greener environment.
- Challenging the Tories in Local Government - by being an independent voice against the 3 Tory controlled Councils (in the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and City of Westminster)
- Better accountability - by using my legal skills to hold the Mayor to account, to ensure greater transparency and value for money services.
The Liberal Democrats are the Real Alternative to the Labour Government and to the Tory Local Government, neither of which are open nor sufficiently accountable to you. Only with the Liberal Democrats can you be assured of an open and transparent government that puts the people and community at the heart of decision making. Not spin and image. And not arrogance and complacency.
We pledge to create a fairer, greener and safer London for you. And remember, ALL LONDONERS, no matter what your background or aspirations, have a right to be heard and have your views represented.
What is my vision for London, in particular the West Central Constituency, and what views do I have on issues that affect Londoners?
Crime - We need to ensure not just sufficient police freed from bureaucracy to be seen on the streets but also to tackle the underlying causes of crime. These include tackling the more difficult questions of social injustices, overcrowding and failing schools with the boroughs of W Central.
Youth - Merlene is passionate about the need for more sporting and other facilities for our youths within W Central.
Children - Merlene is seen here with Catherine Reifen of Hammersmith and Fulham LibDems in front of the Castle Club in Hammermith & Fulham, recently put on the market by the Council for development into more luxury apartments. The Tory controlled Council is spending tax payers money on the widely publicised 3% cut in Council tax. How does one provide better public services with lower revenues? The short answer is that you can't, some things have to give....often amenities for the less deprived within the borough are compromised.
Better and more Integrated Transport for the 21st Century. Shepherd's Bush central line has shut for refurbishment for 8 months from early Feb this year despite a strong protest garnered by the local Labour MP. But who has power over Tfl if not our own Labour Mayor Livingstone? There are also delays in the opening of the new White City station and continuing traffic chaos around Hammersmith bus station. Again, it is the commuter who suffers. We call for a more transparent and accountable Tfl and a transport system that tax payers deserve.
Affordable Housing This is a housing estate in Westminster (the old stomping ground of Dame Shirley Porter). It is a sad tale of 2 cities: areas of increasing wealth brought about by rising property prices versus pockets of deprivation where social rented housing predominate. The planners continue to favour development of luxury apartments and less than 50% affordable housing relegated to poorer wards reinforcing the ghettoisation of inner London ...slightly reminiscent of the bad old days of Dame Shirley Porter. Instead we should be developing more intermediate housing for key workers and creating cohesive communities.
Environment The Londoner Magazine in a recent survey found Tory controlled Kensington & Chelsea the least ecological borough of all London boroughs assessed on recycling rates, air quality, provision of cycle lanes and green spaces. Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster did not fare much better. We need better rates of recycling in the boroughs of W Central, more cycle paths for safety of cyclists and better use of our green spaces which meet the needs of the local communities
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