Results for Port Erin – 26 April 2012 - 9 seats:

Philip Henry Crellin *582 Elected
Jean Pierre Depin *92
Godfrey Benton Thomas Egee 407 Elected
Anthony Stephen George 529 Elected
Carolyn Mary Hayes 297
Graham John Kelly 386
Patricia Anne Kelly * 164
Raymond Ledingham * 175
Lorna Anne MacKellar *404 Elected
Martin James Norbury 635 Elected
Gerrard Christopher Power 827 Elected
John Andrew Nicolas Watterson *723 Elected
Anthony Stuart Wright 420 Elected
No of Voters 1226
Percentage turnout 44.14

I would like to thank everyone for their support in electing me to Port Erin Commissioners and am overwhelmed and humbled that so many people have put their faith in me. 

I am honoured to serve on the Commissioners and look forward to representing the people of Port Erin over the next four years.

Why do I want to get involved?

Healthy local democracy

I understand Port Erin has not had a full election (there have been a couple of by-elections) since 1998.

I am very pleased that this is a contested election – I think it is very good for the health of local democracy. It is good to have a debate about how we think the village district should be run and what it should be doing.

I want to contribute to that –  so that your voice is listened to, and acted upon wherever and however possible – and, most of all, to ensure Port Erin continues to be a place we can all love.

 Voice of the community

Port Erin Commissioners are very important as the voice of the community.  What the Commissioners say will be taken as the view of all of us by other key government stakeholders. The Commissioners set the rates, provide public sector housing and also have responsibilities for the crucial details that affect the day-to-day comfort and quality of our lives – for example, refuse collection, playing fields, parks, litter, the library, public toilets, car-parking, control of dogs, and the list goes on.

Best practice and performance

Port Erin Commissioners has estimated receipts and payments of over £1.75m for 2012/13, so we have the right to expect the very best practice and performance. My experience as a Company Director and my qualifications as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators would help with this.

‘Hot’ topics

I’ve no doubt, with your help, this list will expand between now and 26 April . . .

• Supporting the community on local issues – for example, nursery provision
• Economic  development – for example, building on existing progress with Port Erin Traders  to protect and develop the retail sector
• Developing recreational activities for younger people – for example, supporting the work of the Rushen Youth Action Group
• Working hard to maximise funding and support for regeneration plans and projects
• Ensuring maximum benefit to Port Erin and its residents from the new Southern Area Plan
• Reviewing local authority housing allocation – protecting the vulnerable
• Protecting Port Erin’s brilliant beach and location, working to reopen the Broughs footpath and hopefully help progressing plans for the old Marine Biological Station site
• Exploring local authority reform – campaigning for improved efficiencies with decentralised services with a view to creating both increased open government and potentially more local employment
• Working with Rushen MHKs to maximise joined up government at all levels
• Linking rural southern communities – explore additional local ‘hopper’ bus services
• Communicating better and listening more.

Whilst being realistic about what Port Erin Commissioners have the power and influence to achieve, especially as the Island faces up to the challenges of times ahead, I genuinely care greatly about the future of our community and believe passionately that it is crucial that we work to maximise Port Erin’s voice to protect and nurture the entire Village District.

 Quality of life and value for money

I want to help Port Erin Commissioners make the maximum difference to the quality of our lives and environment in Port Erin, in addition to ensuring value for money for ratepayers.

I ask for your support on 26 April to help me become involved in that process.

Love Port Erin

Ultimately this is about you!  My approach would be to help ensure the voice of the public is listened to, and acted upon wherever and however possible – to help make sure Port Erin continues to be a place we can all love.

Sadly,  it simply won’t be possible to visit everyone between now and 26 April – but please drop me a message, an email, a tweet or get in touch on facebook – tell me what you love and what you don’t love about Port Erin – and I’ll certainly aim to help.

Thursday 26 April

The elections take place on 26 April – 8am to 8pm, Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Port Erin. The last day for recepit of absent voter applications (off Island) is Thursday 12 April, and the last day for receipt of absent voter applications (on Island) is Monday 16 April. I have some blank applications – please let me know if you need one.

You can download my manifesto here: Martin Norbury manifesto

Published by Martin Norbury, 12 Milner Park, Port Erin, ISLE OF MAN IM9 6DH