Posted on 17th Oct
Have you ever fancied being a Mansfield District councillor or even the Mayor?
Next year will see elections for both and you can find out what life is like for a councillor at an information event at the Civic Centre on Thursda,y 20th October at 6pm.
The council and mayoral elections are held every four years and the next vote will be on Thursday, 4th May.
Among those who will be standing for re-election will be Coun Craig Whitby, a Labour councillor who represents Manor Ward. He will be among the councillor’s attending the event to talk about what it is like being a councillor in Mansfield and answer any questions people may have about the role.
He said: “My own expectations of being a councillor back in 2018 ended up being vastly different from the reality, but in the best way possible. I can honestly say that this has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I attended my first budget meeting in January 2018 and listened to the portfolio holder for finance deliver his report, and if I’m honest, I didn’t understand it all. Then, with help, training and guidance from the council, 12 months later I was delivering that very budget report.
“I was fortunate to get elected and even more fortunate to be offered a position on the Mayor’s cabinet, with the responsibility of a new combined portfolio of Corporate & Finance. I found the support given to new councillors from the council incredibly helpful, and this was further supported by training provided by the Local Government Association (LGA).
“As an elected member, holding a position on the cabinet, striking the balance between being a good ward councillor and performing a role that must consider the entire district is vitally important – and often difficult. My one guiding principle is that, as a councillor, never forget that you are there to be a voice of your constituents in the council.”
Chief executive and returning officer at Mansfield District Council Adam Hill added: “This information event will give people the knowledge and, hopefully, the confidence to stand for election.
“Being a councillor is an immense honour and also extremely challenging but, as an authority, we offer councillors a lot of support to help them take on this role.”
The information evening will be in the Council Chamber where there will be a video and presentation by Democratic Services officers about the role of electedmMembers and the support offered to them by the council.
Questions will be taken at the end and officers will also be able to answer questions privately at the event. There is no need to book a place just turn up on the evening.
For more information, email Democratic Services Manager Mark Pemberton on [email protected]
