News and views from Fife Greens

Let's think positive about Glenrothes

Glen McGill Thu 13 Apr, 2017

We know Glenrothes lacks a centralised night-time economy and like any town it has its problems.

But rather than bemoan what is wrong, what do you like about the town? What is going well and can act as a catalyst for further improvement?

The Kingdom Centre is regularly far busier than high streets in similar towns. The choice of cafes and lunch spots has improved and there are fewer empty units than in many similar centres.

Being a Carer - my story

Glen McGill Wed 12 Apr, 2017

Caring for a loved one is challenging, scary, heart-breaking, lonely. Yet it can also be fulfilling, life-affirming and a real privilege. 

Support and recognition are crucial.

I have managed without having to access support services for four years now. Sadly things are deteriorating and I know I am likely to need both professional support and the shoulders of friends before long.

Let's value the Arts in Fife

Glen McGill Wed 12 Apr, 2017

The Performing Arts - not as essential as having food on your table, shelter, heat, security.

But with more than 20 years of involvement with the local amateur and professional arts scene, I recognise the value and the contribution of the Arts to our communities and our daily lives.

In its simplest form it can be seen as entertainment - a distraction from the day-to-day routine.

Glenrothes Greens Assemble

Glen McGill Tue 11 Apr, 2017

Glenrothes has a team of three candidates from the Scottish Green Party standing for Fife Council this year.

Back in 2012, the Greens had just three candidates for the whole of Fife.

Lewis Campbell, Lorna Ross and Glen McGill are all ready to take on the challenge of delivering Fife its first Green councillors.

Education budget cuts - my letter to Fife Free Press

rcr14146 Mon 3 Apr, 2017

In my letter to Fife Free Press today I said:

As acknowledged by teachers’ union EIS and hundreds of concerned local residents, the £3m being cut from Fife Council’s education budget appears likely to result in staffing cuts: an issue of great concern to Mid Fife Greens. 

Schools across Fife are already being affected by staffing shortages, and stress is becoming an increasing issue for the remaining staff who are required to deal with the impacts of this. 

Creating homes

Andy Collins Wed 22 Mar, 2017

Greens believe everyone deserves a decent, affordable home.

This can be achieved by introducing rent controls, bringing empty homes into use, facilitating the use of derelict land, and building more social housing.

We will protect green spaces from development and make sure that newly built estates are communities, not just places to live.

Connecting communities in Fife

Andy Collins Wed 22 Mar, 2017

For the sake of our personal health and for the health of the planet, we need to facilitate sustainable modes of transport.

Cyclists, for example, need suitable infrastructure to avoid conflict with traffic and pedestrians. Green councillors will actively support groups like St Andrews Space for Cycling and Cupar Active Travel (part of Sustainable Cupar) to achieve this.

What good could a Green Councillor do in Fife?

Andy Collins Wed 22 Mar, 2017

Even one Green councillor will ensure it’s not more of the same in the council chamber.

Greens will always work to put people and communities first. Green councillors across Scotland have fought for jobs, investment in schools, safe roads, green spaces and community say over decisions:

Use your vote

Andy Collins Wed 22 Mar, 2017

The council election on 4th May will use the single transferable vote system (STV).

The counting is, admittedly, complex but the voting is not, all you have to do is simply rank candidates in the order you would prefer them to be elected.

We are asking you to please give the Green candidate your fi rst preference vote, but it is important to rank as many candidates as you can.

Remember that giving a later rank (higher number) to a candidate has no effect on the whether your earlier choices are elected or not.