Kenilworth ward candidates explain why they should get your vote

Voters in Kenilworth ward in Borehamwood will go to the polls this Thursday to elect a new councillor after Labour's Kumail Jaffer resigned at the beginning of the year.

There are four candidates vying for the vacant seat from four political parties.

These are John Humphries (Green), Andy Lewis (Lib Dem), Dan Ozarow (Labour), and Brett Rosehill (Conservative).

We asked the four candidates the same four questions to help give you a flavour about what they are all about and what their plans are for Kenilworth.

John Humphries, Green Party, home address Shenley

Mr Humphries recently stood as the Green candidate in December's general election.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I believe the Green Party offers a positive future for everyone and as a local councillor I want to improve Kenilworth resident’s quality of life and work hard to address their neighbourhood concerns.

What issues have you found in Kenilworth and how would you strive to solve them?

Important issues include the increasing housing development and associated lack of infrastructure, traffic and parking issues, destruction of ancient trees and wildlife/green spaces, the container homes and stretched doctors, schools and services.

I will challenge the actions and future planning and work to ensure that the health and wellbeing of the people and environment are put first and foremost.

What makes you stand out from the rival candidates?

It is a critical time in Borehamwood, with ongoing plans for development which will greatly affect residents.

In my working life, I am experienced at challenging assumptions, seeking evidence that informs decisions. In essence, helping teams develop well thought-through projects and holding those in power to account.

I intend to use these skills to ensure that existing and future decisions will always have the Kenilworth residents and wider Borehamwood community and businesses interests at heart.

What is the first thing you will do if you are elected?

If elected, my plan is to work with local businesses and residents to address parking issues which are currently blighting daily lives. People need to be able to park safely with consideration for other road and pavement users.

Andy Lewis, Liberal Democrat, home address Borehamwood

Mr Lewis stood unsuccessfully in Hillside ward in the borough council elections last May

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I’ve long wanted to represent the residents of Borehamwood on the borough council. My time as chairman of Elstree & Borehamwood Residents Association (EBRA) has taught me that there is only so much you can do from the outside. I really feel I have much more to give. As a councillor, I will be able to get things done.

What issues have you found in Kenilworth and how would you strive to solve them?

Bullhead Road has an issue with speeding motorists. I will work with residents to find out the best way to solve this. Manor Way has parking problems - again residents must be engaged in finding a solution. The threat of more temporary homes on old garage sites is ever-present and must be resisted.

What makes you stand out from the rival candidates?

I have lived in Borehamwood for many years. I have shown I care deeply about the area by forming and running EBRA for the last six years. We have many successes under our belts, saving local buses, campaigning for Aldenham Reservoir, and a whole host of other traffic and parking issues resolved.

What is the first thing you will do if you are elected?

Parking across the ward needs serious thought and the introduction of controlled parking zones where appropriate. We must improve the situation in Bullhead Road, Manor Way and around our schools. I will also campaign within the council for the best local plan possible. The government want us to build 700 plus houses a year. This is the biggest challenge we face, protecting existing residents against the downside of rapid growth.

Dan Ozarow, Labour, home address Elstree

Mr Ozarow came desperately close to winning a seat in Kenilworth last May. He tied on votes with Mr Jaffer but lost after lots were drawn.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am deeply committed to our community. As Labour’s Kenilworth ward champion, I've supported residents’ campaigns over the past two years. From saving the ancient oaks in Ely Gardens, to tackling anti-social behaviour and parking problems on Manor Way and Tempsford Avenue, to protecting green space in Well End. I will be a powerful voice for them on the borough council.

What issues have you found in Kenilworth and how would you strive to solve them?

Kenilworth residents are having to wait weeks to see a doctor when they get sick. This is totally unacceptable. The ward's only surgery closed many years ago. If elected, I will push to use the developers' levy (CIL) to invest in opening a new GP surgery.

Parking chaos means that local people can rarely park outside their own homes. I would seek to expand residents controlled parking zones whilst allocating separate parking facilities for local businesses.

Residents fear that the disastrous Borehamwood temporary homes scheme that has cost £2.5m will be rolled out in Kenilworth. This has blighted neighbours’ lives and seen house prices plummet. I'll do all I can to prevent this.

What makes you stand out from the rival candidates?

I am the only one who lost on the drawing of lots. But seriously, when I missed out so narrowly in May, it hurt a lot. I was determined to come back stronger to show Kenilworth’s residents how committed I am to them. I hope they give me a chance to represent them.

What is the first thing you will do if you are elected?

I’d call my wife and son who have been so understanding of me spending so much time supporting Kenilworth’s residents. I’d then invite local people to the celebration because this would be their victory as well as mine.

Brett Rosehill, Conservative, home address Borehamwood

This is Mr Rosehill's first time standing to be a councillor.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

It’s great living in Borehamwood with my wife and two children. It’s a vibrant town. So much going on. I want to help and give back to the community. I want us all to love where we live and I want to be part of ensuring that continues to happen.

What issues have you found in Kenilworth and how would you strive to solve them?

I've canvassed solidly since the by-election was called to meet as many residents in Kenilworth as possible. Nearly ten miles a day. People are happy living in Borehamwood but want to ensure there is proper infrastructure – roads, GP services, shops and so on - in place as the town continues to grow.

What makes you stand out from the rival candidates?

I've never stood for council before. I don’t have all the political patter and rhetoric I hear from other candidates. I’m new and fresh. My personal job is all about relationship building and negotiation. I want to bring some youthful enthusiasm to the council and work hard to get things done with hard working Conservative colleagues.

What is the first thing you will do if you are elected?

First, I want some quality time with my wife and children. Friday will be Valentine’s Day and I owe the ones I love a special time. It's been a rollercoaster these past few weeks.

Secondly, I’ll make contact with residents who told me of their concerns. Meet for a cup of tea and start working on making Kenilworth an even better place.