Voters are due to head to polling stations on Thursday, May 6, to re-elect or replace the holders of 28 seats on Sunderland City Council.
Bidding for the prize in Shiney Row, where two positions are up for grabs, are:
5. Grant SHEARER (Conservative Party)
As a retired headmaster, I take a strong interest in this Council’s record in children’s services.
In recent years Ofsted has reported that the council put children at risk of radicalisation and did not properly safeguard them.
As a councillor, I would use my experience in education to provide much needed scrutiny of the children’s services provision.
There are two seats up in Shiney Row ward this year, which means residents of the ward can vote for two candidates.
I hope residents will agree with me that a strong opposition to the ruling Labour Group is important and will put their trust in me. Photo: UGC
6. David SNOWDON (Labour and Co-operative Party)
It is a privilege to stand as a Labour and Co-operative for the Shiney Row ward alongside my colleague Katherine Mason-Gage.
Having lived locally, attended school, worked in the area and with family in the area I feel I connect with the community.
I am a charity advice worker and can bring some of my professional skills to the role of local councillor.
As a serving school governed with 20 years’ experience at both primary and secondary level, I know the worries of parents especially when their child needs extra support. I will be their champion.
I’ve recently worked for Washington MIND.
This Covid pandemic has taught us the unpredictability of the future and the need to support the most vulnerable in difficult times.
As an experienced councillor I’m determined that I will represent you well. Photo: UGC
7. Richard Steven VARDY (Conservative Party)
Although representing the ward where you were born and grew up in is an undoubted privilege, it is what you wish to do that matters.
It goes without saying that the basics of representing the interests of Shiney Row Ward on council and ensuring the area gets good services are delivered.
Herrington, Penshaw and Shiney Row have so much more potential to be better places to live and work.
Working people vote Conservative in the North because we listen and deliver prosperity and ambition.
Massive new battery factory in Northumberland, government departments moving to Darlington, Tees free port, green energy production, Covid vaccine production, the list goes on.
Boris delivered Brexit, vaccines and Northern investment.
It’s time for us to get ambitious. Photo: UGC
8. Robert WELSH (Green Party)
As a councillor, I will work to protect our unique green spaces.
I will fight the proposed housing development overlooking Herrington Country Park every step of the way.
I am currently an administrator on the Herrington Country Park Facebook group and contribute regularly on Save Penshaw Greenbelt.
I know just how angry many residents are about these proposals.
I will make your voices heard in the council chamber.
I will also seek to support local trade and tourism by securing development funding, improving public transport links and providing additional parking facilities.
A Green vote can make a difference! Photo: UGC